Boat Security for Home Storage

[Splash]

Hello all.

I'll soon be collecting my brand new 670C BC from Factory in June.

What are the latest preferred methods for boat security whilst storing the boat at home?

I am looking at multiple methods for boat security, and ask if you can provide your recommendations in the following aspects:

• Wheel Locks
• Tow hitch
• Perimeter alarm sensor
• Mobile Tracking
• Other

Splash

[ranmar850]

On the subject of hitch locks, these are probably the best
https://www.whitworths.com.au/trailer-helmet-hitch cast steel, can't get bolt cutters onto the lock to break it. But, of course, as with anything, you can cut the lock with a battery powered angle grinder. it just makes more noise.

Security cameras are probably mostly useful for deterrence, and being able to help identify who actually stole it, after the event Although live notifications can certainly help. Mobile tracking works, needs a regular subscription paid, and needs to be very well concealed. Easy to do on a car, not so easy on a boat. Again, only useful after the event.

So, really deterrence is a best first line. Make it too hard, they'll move onto the next target.

[Splash]

Many thanks RanMar850, I'll case it out.

On the topic of security cameras, we already have them installed, but sometimes I question in my own mind just how useful they are when most serious thieves always wear full hooded concealed clothing (including face) when committing their offences... How do police actually make use of any footage when all they see is a fully clothed human with no evident body ID?

Splash

[tunaticer]

I use the Kovix alarmed hitch lock....it can be used whilst towing.
https://www.kovixaustralia.com.au/pr...railer-u-lock/
I have high definition security cameras that stream to my phone and record to my computer, looking over the boat and it's only accessible path.
The boat lives behind a locked steel gate.
I removed my hitch pin and replaced it with a huck bolt.....in 40 years of towing I have never needed to remove a tow bar tongue....good luck to anyone that tries to remove the huck bolt.

I think your biggest risk is trailer theft at the ramp....even if it is stealing your winch, rollers or skids, it means your can't retrieve your boat.

[Noelm]

This is a many parts question, "professional" thieves will take it regardless of what methods you employ! There is lots of locking gizmos that will deter the "opportunist" like wheel locks, coupling locks, alarms and stuff like that. Then you get into the "after the event" gear, GPS tracking devices, security cameras to hopefully identify who, how and where they went, good lighting if possible, plus all the locking devices you can find to slow them down, and maybe alert neighbours.

[Splash]

Thanks Tunaticer. Will look into it. Great points on the Trailer parts at boat ramp. Big concern!

Thanks Nolem - Everyone understands that "professional" thieves will take whatever they want, regardless of what methods are employed. I was simply asking for recommendations for boat security from the good people on this forum...

[Noelm]

A mate of mine concreted a "peg" in the ground under the boat, he had an unseen chain around an axle! Mind you, he had to crawl under the boat to lock it up, but it gave him some peace of mind knowing that it might go unseen and bring it all to a stop if towing away was attempted.

[Splash]

Thanks Nolem - yes love that idea :-).

[Splash]

I think your biggest risk is trailer theft at the ramp....even if it is stealing your winch, rollers or skids, it means your can't retrieve your boat.

How do people manage this risk of trailer part theft at the boat ramp?

Splash

[chocolatemoose]

i work closely with BC funny enough was only having this conversation on thursday.

i recomend purple line products for locks "they are good locks for one but they are big and obvious painted in bright orange" often tthe thought of something being just not worth it to a criminal is a more secure option.

for tracking i recomend spot trace with the 12v power supply cable connected to the break booster battery. i can tell you where we mount these usually in PM if you like" these work on satelites as aposed to just GSM signal. so no matter where they take the boat you can track it, as well as geofencing etc. can also set off alarms to your phone etc.

Moose

[ranmar850]

You may be lucky enough to pick up a rego plate as they back to hook up? There is always a conundrum with mounting cameras--people want them high enough to be out of easy reach,and, perhaps, utilise the weather protection of being under the eaves, but then, you are looking down on hooded heads--lower and flatter is better, in that respect.

[ranmar850]

How do people manage this risk of trailer part theft at the boat ramp?

Splash

If you have a power winch and worry about theft, mount with longer than necessary bolts and burr/bend the exposed ends over--you'll need an angle grinder to get it off yourself.

[Dignity]

All of the above, also dash cams in your vehicle that have parking mode to catch anybody stealing from your trailer or running in to you, ok for an overnighter but from what I can figure out is 2 nights would be max as you run out of space to record.
On the trailer itself either ping the ends of the bolts over or cut a slot in the end and with a cold chisel spread them open, easier for you when it comes to repairing/replacing as crooks don't come with G clamps.

[Splash]

Great stuff guys. Thanks. Keep these cool ideas coming. Moose - I'll give you a PM soon.... :-)

Splash

[stevej]

Ask what your insurance requires to pay a claim

it’s not chains or wire ropes and padlocks
thats the first priority and anything else is a bonus

where are you planning to store it ?
Garaged or beyond locked gates