How to prevent outboard or sib from theft

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 07:20

I was wondering how you prevent the outboard or sib from being stolen. When out on the boat I’d like to be able to explore coastal villages, but, I don’t want to worry about having to keep an eye on the boat all the time. Is there any way of securing the boat and outboard so it makes it more difficult to steal?

beamishken · 18 February 2021, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

I was wondering how you prevent the outboard or sib from being stolen. When out on the boat I’d like to be able to explore coastal villages, but, I don’t want to worry about having to keep an eye on the boat all the time. Is there any way of securing the boat and outboard so it makes it more difficult to steal?

We have been doing this for about 20 years & the only precaution we take is removing the kill cord, never had any bother in anywhere we have visited which has mainly been around Cornwall & Scotland but i guess it depends a lot on where you go boating

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 07:59

So you take the kill cord with you?

Limecc · 18 February 2021, 08:32

We came back from a (rural) pub lunch to find four youths around our boat and one was on it. Even had the cheek to ask where the ignition was. Another asked how much he could buy (ie sell) one for. They were going to use the oars to get it away to somewhere they could work on it.

- Don't leave anything loose you are not prepared to lose.
- Get a transom lock to secure engine to boat
- Use a 5m Python or similar lock and thread it through fuel tank, engine to some immovable object on shore. Many frown on this but it's sadly the only way.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 08:40

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293978491451
Would this cable lock be of any use to me?

Limecc · 18 February 2021, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293978491451
Would this cable lock be of any use to me?

No, way too short and I don't like the idea of an audible alarm. Longer the better, like the one here but from a UK seller.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 09:12

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t use an audible one ?

Fenlander · 18 February 2021, 09:36

The only certainty in this is having it all properly insured and fitted with an outboard to transom lock which your insurance insist on.

Beyond that just be mindful of the possible threat in any location you leave it and regarding the outboard some think it an advantage to make it less certain you have a desirable outboard by fitting a tatty old cowl or making your cowl look tatty... or fit a close cover that covers up make/HP.

I've been boating all my life and certainly on tidal waters it is thought very bad form to lock a boat to any public pontoon or tie up location so I don't do it... by that I mean any tie up location you don't own. I do however use very long python type locks to attach boat, OB and fuel tank to some strong object when ashore overnight at a holiday cottage etc.

Pikey Dave · 18 February 2021, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t use an audible one ?

It’s generally considered bad form to chain/lock a visiting boat in a strange harbour. You may not know who’s berth/bouy/pontoon you’ve chained your pride & joy to. If the genuine owner of the parking space you’ve blagged turns up whilst you’re away, he ain’t going to be very happy. If your boat is moveable, chances are he’ll shift it somewhere reasonably safe. If it’s fixed, anything could happen, you’ll probably end up being used as a fender to a fishing boat. As has been said many times, provide the minimum requirements for the insurance & relax.

Fenlander · 18 February 2021, 09:47

Oh and be aware some policies don't cover being left unattended on tidal waters unless you request it at extra cost.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 09:48

Where would be the best place to get insured ?

Fenlander · 18 February 2021, 10:02

Many of us here use Craftinsure online for SIBs. It can be set up in minutes and is good value. I've been with them 10yrs and been happy but not had to claim. Others on here that have claimed seem to report fairly smooth settlements.

You do have to add the unattended on tidal waters bit to their smallcraft policy.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 10:12

I had a look and couldn’t seem to get a quote for unattended tidal waters. Maybe best to call them when I get the boat. I like the idea of the python type cable. I think I’ll end up buying that and the audible type. For the reason that the audible type might get some attention if it were being attempted to be stolen.

Limecc · 18 February 2021, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

I had a look and couldn’t seem to get a quote for unattended tidal waters. Maybe best to call them when I get the boat. I like the idea of the python type cable. I think I’ll end up buying that and the audible type. For the reason that the audible type might get some attention if it were being attempted to be stolen.

Don't know how the audible part works. If movement based then it's only of nuisance value because boats are not static things.

I also use a Python to secure boat trailer (through an alloy wheel of my car) when I'm out on the water, and boat engine to caravan alloy overnight when we are camping.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 10:46

Seems to be a metal to metal contact. So if the cable is cut the alarm sounds. I agree if it was by movement it would be very annoying

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 10:47

It’s also longer than the python type. 2.4m compared to 1.8m long

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 10:48

It’s also longer than the python type. 2.4m compared to 1.8m long

Limecc · 18 February 2021, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

It’s also longer than the python type. 2.4m compared to 1.8m long

Pythons come in different lengths and you can buy different length cables separately to the main lock. Mine are both 5m I think. They've never rusted after 15 years, I'm very happy with the quality.

2.4m is only 1.2m working length. Not enough accounting for tidal fall or mooring and still be looped through stuff on the boat.

As soon as they've cut the lock with audible alarm it will end up in the drink after a fraction of a second. Good luck to anyone hearing it. Maybe the feature's of practical value as a cycle lock.

Tel1965 · 18 February 2021, 11:01

Found a 4.5m long one on Amazon for £40.

Limecc · 18 February 2021, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tel1965

Found a 4.5m long one on Amazon for £40.

On the current boat and previous RIB I had lockable storage where I could store instruments, crewsavers etc. You may not be so fortunate with a SIB.

To the naysayers:
Yes you've got to have good insurance, but it's only part of the solution. I don't want to make my pride and joy boat or engine cowling look old and knackered.

Think of all the heartache, inconvenience and hassle if you become a victim. Even if just the fuel tank goes. With a lock you can't avoid a pre-planned attack, but you put off the opportunist thief (who generally don't have bolt croppers stuffed in their pants) and the peace of mind when you can let go of worry is priceless.