Methods to Prevent Boat Theft

Boat theft is not the type of situation any boat owner wants to imagine. Boat thieves often never get caught, which means you will be out for a loss if your vessel disappears. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent it from happening to you. Keep these tips in the back of your head whenever you go out for a trip.

On the Vessel

You should never leave the keys anywhere on the boat if you are not present. Leaving the keys out in the open is an invitation for a thief to steal your boat. Invest in plenty of locks for your vessel. The more you lock up systems and components, the less likely they are to be stolen. For example, lock your engine to your boat securely. Even if a thief cannot take the whole vessel, they might settle for an expensive motor. If you have closed-off cabins or hatches, consider securing them with steel bars or hasps. These parts make it harder for someone to force their way into space. And when in doubt, simply install a high-powered alarm system on your boat. You can wire it to let you know if someone is meddling when you are away.

On the Trailer

When your boat is on a trailer, you should keep the trailer parked far from the road. You do not want to make it easier for someone to unhitch the trailer and take off with your boat. In addition, secure the trailer to your vehicle. You should consider a locking-type hitch. Some thieves use attachable coupler devices to make it simple for them to drive off without you even realizing they were there. If you are staying somewhere for a while, such as your driveway, find a way to disable the trailer. This disabling may be as simple as popping a tire off. If a thief cannot move the trailer, they probably cannot move the boat any other way.

What if My Boat Gets Stolen?

If the worst thing actually does happen, there are steps you need to take. Document the theft immediately. You should also photograph anything of the scene before you call the authorities to report your boat stolen.

On the hunt for the perfect vessel to take on your next trip to the beach? Then be sure to visit us here at Nisswa Marine here in Nisswa, Minnesota! We proudly serve the surrounding cities of Minneapolis & St. Cloud and offer an impressive stock of boats, accessories, and parts for you to browse through.