Mooring Security

Jeremy Fry · 07 February 2004, 07:15

Hi -

I am planning to leave my 6 M RIB on a laid swinging mooring in Christchurch Harbour, for part of the year.

It will have an auto bilge, but have you any ideas for security? On the trailer, it is protected by trailer wheel clamps and a hitch lock, and is locked to a massive anchor chain fixed into the ground. On the water I wonder it is a bit exposed to our lightfingered friends.

Are there any products or techniques that I should consider?

Any thoughts will be well received!

Louise · 07 February 2004, 08:03

You probably have this already, but just in case...

Have you some kind of security bolt/locking device to secure your outboard to the transom? While our boat was in the boatyard, someone tried to steal the engine but luckily the previous owner (thanks, Alan) had the foresight to put a locking nut on. It's now got two really heavy-duty ones. They cost about £50 each from BHG Marine but worth every penny.

Other things:

- turn off electrics when she is left
- remove as much kit as poss, esp. electronics
- cover console/boat
- padlock lockers
- befriend the locals so they will keep an eye on it for you.

tue · 07 February 2004, 12:54

When I kept my old boat on a swing mooring I used to have a good quality maine padlock which I used to lock the boat to the mooring chain via the front 'D'-ring.

Paul Beaurain · 07 February 2004, 15:57

Piggy backing on from this - my experience is you fit a bigger lock and they buy bigger bolt cutters, and on it goes.

lets learn what new 'tracker' type gadgets are about.

The ideal system would phone your mobile and home phone and e-mail you to say the baot has moved from where you left it.

Then you look on the internet and see where the boat is, or could it send you an ordinance survey grid reference?? even display the map.

I am aware that some systems have no mapping for 'at sea' but any Rib stolen is likely to make a landfall pretty quickly. Then I guess loaded on a trailer and away it goes inland.

Someone did once mention (in the Telegraph) a device designed to be fitted to a dog. so clearly the device must be small (or the dog very big) and then the owner could track the dog if it got lost.

Something like this would enable you to have a device dedicated to the trailer and one for the boat. If the boat and trailer get stolen as one - then you also have a backup tracking device.

Who can shed more information - because we dont want huge monthly subsciptions either do we?

Paul

Aging Youth · 07 February 2004, 17:01

Hi Jeremy,

Without sounding too negative, if some thieving Ba"&*rd wants your boat there is very little you can do about it.

Most Boats that are taken, are normally to order and it is well organised by criminals. It is just bad luck.

I had a New Motorbike Stolen from a Pay & Display Car Park chained to a security post, Bike Alarm and DOT Tags all over it and it was video'd. Never saw the bike again.

However, talk to the local police marine unit Poole or Weymouth not sure about Christchurch. They will be more than willing to advise on kit to deter the opportunist thief. I know some habours also run a boatwatch scheme.

Good Luck.

Rogue Wave · 07 February 2004, 19:04

Moving away from the security issues, cos I know you are going too talk to the |Marine police unit or your insurance company.

You have been advised to switch your power off, this will mean your Auto Bilge wont work.......Bummer.

If you Leave it on and do a lot of Bilging you may falt the battery......Bummer, so fit two batteries or a solar or wind recharger (removable) to top the battery up.

tue · 07 February 2004, 21:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Rogue Wave

You have been advised to switch your power off, this will mean your Auto Bilge wont work.......Bummer.

If the bilge pump float switch has been fitted properly it will be connected directly to the battery live so WILL work even with the power is turned off.

Daniel · 08 February 2004, 00:23

What are the corrosion issues with having perminant power present in the boat... albeit not to the engine?

I would asume non but i know it's quite important to be sure.

I intend to fit a (smaller) gell battery on a split charge for the bilge pump soon but i think i'll put a hidden switch in somewhere... there are occasions when you don't want the bilge pump coming on and off... like when washing the boat down.

CJL · 09 February 2004, 18:12

Dont forget to take those £80 pine paddles of your boat too!

I did once and never saw them again. Easy to do when they are tucked away under the tubes.

Chris

Rogue Wave · 09 February 2004, 19:00

I used to wet birth but I dry birth now and my boats are a lot happier for it.