Keeping Your Boat Yours
When your boat goes unused for a while, it’s at risk from more than just pests and the elements. There’s always the risk of thieves looking for valuable parts or an entire new boat. We here at Nisswa Marine want to make sure your boat remains yours, so we’ve put together some of our favorite tips for securing your boat and preventing theft. If you have any questions, or you just want to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Nisswa, Minnesota, today!
Secure Storage
If you’re storing your boat for a while, it’s best not to leave it out in the open. Especially if the trailer hitch is facing the street, it can be tempting for someone to just hitch it up and drive away. For those who keep their boats at home, keep it behind a tall, locked fence with the tongue oriented away from the road and locked. Storing it in a locked garage or shed is also great.
If you’re storing it at a marina or storage facility, make sure the facility has a good reputation for security. Again, in the open is still a negative. Basically, the more steps a potential thief has to take to make off with your boat, the safer it is.
Cover
While a tight-fitting cover won’t do much to stop a thief, it can help hide your boat’s precise model and condition, which can deter the lazier street shopper and forces them to look suspicious to verify what they’re looking at. This is an easy, simple step and can do more than you’d think to lower the chances of theft.
Remove Valuables And Paperwork
This might be obvious, but you shouldn’t keep any valuables or formal paperwork in your boat. If a potential thief sees something worth grabbing like expensive binoculars, fishing rods, tackle boxes, a high-end GPS unit, or other electronics, your boat and its contents suddenly become much more tempting.
Mark Your Parts
The entire boat isn’t always the target. Outboard motors, trailers, electronics, and marine equipment should all be permanently marked with your boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN), your name, and your phone number. Make sure you have records of making those marks in case you need to dispute ownership later.
Onboard Security System
If you’ve got the money and time, there are a few security systems you can install. Alarms triggered by unlatched doors or footsteps can scare thieves off. Video surveillance is invaluable for finding perpetrators, and GPS tracking systems can help you find a stolen boat.
We hope these tips help you hold on to your boat! If you want to know more, or you’d like to see our inventory, contact us at Nisswa Marine. We proudly serve the people of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota—let us serve you today!