Best RIB security

Schoolhouse · 22 October 2019, 16:04

Hi, looking at keeping a Ribcraft 585 moored off our house, what are the best security options when leaving it there?

Take the battery ashore? Some form of lock ?

Would be interested to hear people’s thoughts

nocando · 22 October 2019, 16:20

GPS tracker, if battery is easy to remove that is an option but rules out bilge pump and GPS tracker, chain to the mooring and a good quality lock with LOTS of grease in it round the bow eye, fuel lock, outboard lock and make sure you declare everything to a good insurance company.

paulbrown22 · 22 October 2019, 16:28

Some sort of hidden tracking device on board with movement alerts, and high res CCTV cameras watching it from the house?

We've been lucky to never have issues, but boats on moorings seem inherently unsecure, especially given boat keys and other security systems aren't exactly robust.

As far as I'm concerned whatever you do with a moored boat, if someone wants it, they will take it. Removing the battery doesn't stop them towing it away (or coming back with a battery), and most forms of lock/chain can be fairly easily defeated by a pair of bolt cutters/hacksaw, given it would need to have some length to it.

I lock it up as best I can, isolate the batteries, remove isolator keys and engine keys/kill cords, remove/lock away any other pieces of kit, and hope for the best. You could start doing all sorts of things to disable the engine, but given they could still fairly easily tow it away with another boat, to me it doesn't seem worth the hassle.

Schoolhouse · 22 October 2019, 16:44

I know what you mean Paul, we are quite lit the night and have never had issues with our yacht or my father in laws who is moored at the house.
I will see what the insurance company requirements are.

Last Tango · 22 October 2019, 19:00

Tracker with "geo-fencing".....Less than £30 +sim..

GuyC · 22 October 2019, 20:47

In the motorbike world, one of the biggest deterrents to opportune thieves is a cover but I suppose that tends to be when there are alternative targets. The tracker idea sounds good.

Schoolhouse · 22 October 2019, 22:13

I hate typing on my phone , should have been “ we are quite out of the way” not “ quite lit the night” [emoji30]

nocando · 22 October 2019, 22:40

Have you considered selling the ribcraft and getting a highfield? Safe as houses.

Pikey Dave · 23 October 2019, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocando

Have you considered selling the ribcraft and getting a highfield? Safe as houses.

Ouch[emoji23]

Last Tango · 23 October 2019, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocando

Have you considered selling the ribcraft and getting a highfield? Safe as houses.

You're not the owner of a Ribcraft are you.....?

Profile says "no boat".......but you have, it's just a long time since you've seen it.

nocando · 23 October 2019, 11:41

No I dont own a boat. I clean a ribcraft and look after the trailer one sits on if that counts? Occasionally get a wee shot of it if I'm allowed lol.

RickW · 23 October 2019, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by nocando

No I dont own a boat. I clean a ribcraft and look after the trailer one sits on if that counts? Occasionally get a wee shot of it if I'm allowed lol.

I do like your sons You Tube vids with him and his mates having fun on the west coast of Scotland

Nice RC he has there

Wightdiver · 23 October 2019, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schoolhouse

Hi, looking at keeping a Ribcraft 585 moored off our house, what are the best security options when leaving it there?

Take the battery ashore? Some form of lock ?

Would be interested to hear people’s thoughts

Park it up next to a newer, more valuable and desirable boat and hope they take that one!!

nocando · 23 October 2019, 18:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickW

I do like your sons You Tube vids with him and his mates having fun on the west coast of Scotland

Nice RC he has there

He will appreciate that thanks.

He is looking to change to an axopar in due course but he loves the RC6.8.

ShinyShoe · 23 October 2019, 20:13

Thefts of boats from moorings are spectacularly rare. When you consider most yachts are not even locked to the mooring. They have a cabin door that is locked but often with very puney locks.

Some get robbed on moorings to steal the electricals. But almost none get stolen. Of course that's because it's incredibly difficult to then do much with them once stolen .. you can't hide it etc.

A rib is a little easier to steal. It will travel faster and potentially further than a yacht and can be hidden. But.. a trailer would be useful. So probably worth making sure it is well secured and out of easy sight etc. No trailer you can't move it easily other than by sea. You can't take it out the water to move it by land or stash in a container etc.

A good theif would be able to start it without key, battery etc. But cover the basics - no kill cord, no key. You stop the opportunist / teenage joy rider.

Think about electronics - far easier to nick and punt on elsewhere for a few quid.

Much more likely is to nick the engine. Take boat to a beach etc, remove engine - cutting transom off if need be. Pretty much impossible to prevent. I gather some people take the cowling off and replace with a cover. No cowling makes hard to sell. Also hard if nicked to order to know exactly what you are nicking...