Little boat security

[WillowCat]

I've downgraded from my rib with console to a much smaller open rib with manual start outboard.

Previously if I was tied up, I'd take the key out, isolate the battery and happily pootle off to have lunch or whatever.

Now I'm in the little boat, the engine is locked to the transom, but what's to stop someone simply casting off, starting the engine and taking the whole lot?

Do I actually have to carry chain and a lock? I always think that it's inconsiderate to lock my boat to a busy pontoon rather than leave it on a long rope.

Are there any other solutions, or is security not really an issue?

[Poly]

There was a similar thread here recently. If you simply take the kill cord you will prevent casual idiots. Someone said they take the fuel line.

[Fenlander]

As Poly said discussed recently with lots of opinions/ideas.

First step to meet insurance requirements is the motor lock you use.

Yep generally bad form to padlock to a pontoon. Take kill cord but if it's a Mariner/Mercury then the kill cord isn't needed anyway.

Actually if it's a stop during the day on a pontoon etc I don't worry so much but if an overnight remove the fuel line and cover the outboard hood with a shabby old drawstring cover.

Probably most important and something I've just addressed is to upgrade the insurance to include being left unattended on tidal waters. This is an exclusion on many smallcraft policies.

[jeffstevens763@g]

a visiting boat could just tow away no matter what you do unless you use a motor bike lock onto a cleat on the pontoon but that might not suit the pontoon owner, personally i tow mine back to the cottage where i stay unless its in a marina then i leave it but take the goodies away.

[Fenlander]

Here is that recent thread...

http://www.rib.net/forum/f64/a-newbi...ing-78941.html