C-Dory theft security

M

matt_unique

New member
I did a search and found some threads but I wanted to get some collective ideas about theft prevention.

I've never had anything stolen from any boat I have owned (knock on wood) but I would appreciate ideas for locking fuel caps for example and perhaps a simple battery operated motion sensor/audible/flash alert to dissuade thieves.

Thanks
 
I dont have locking gas caps or locks on the OBs but bought a couple of pressure sensitive alarm mats from harbor freight and 30' cable with locks
A picture of protected by SeaWolf is being pirnted
 
Funny, Brent. When I read Matt's post, that pic of Joe is the first thing that came to my mind too.

Matt, are you talking about a boat on land or water? On water it would seem that those with radar can set a proximity alarm. I'm thinking that once I've been boarded most advantages I might have had are gone.

I wonder about how a motion sensor would work on a boat rocking in some waves. Aimed too high, and you miss the little rowboat; too low and every wave that comes by might trigger an alarm. And, then how many would you need to secure the full perimeter? Interesting thought... Don't have time to look now, but did find a few boat alarm systems on a poorly worded Google search. Guess they're out there. Some with cell phone notification.

Tom
 
Just going over to the copier now......that picture of Joe on the opening front window, one on the door and one on the port window (slipside) should do the trick.
 
I bought a battery operated pressure pad alarm. Very high decible, that I put inside the cabin under the carpet if I'm on the road (staying at a hotel ,tent or something). I think it would wake anybody within a couple hundred yards and might send a thief scurrying without a ton of time to search around. I think it was around $20. But it's not going to protect my fuel or quick grab and run stuff.

I'm sure some day I'll forget I set it and have a heart attack.

Thought about a fake alarm keyboard by the door.

Chris
 
Someplace here there was a discussion about alarms, and I remember one that was set up on a Ranger Tug. Nice setup, and sounded effective. There were pictures but I couldn't find it in a search. Seems like it was a motorcycle alarm with some adaption. :mrgreen:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I'm referring to protection while the boat is in the water at a slip or mooring (and I am away). Ideally an audible and flashing alarm that would call attention and hopefully persuade a thief to scurry away. I actually sell high end boat alarm systems but I was thinking something simpler such as what was suggested above (alarm pads, etc.)

I know there are gas cap and prop locks as well.

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
I have a very simple alarm system, which I have made and used for many years. The basic trip mechanism is a piece of monofiliment. There is a wedge cut from a plastic spatchula (like used for fairing compound). This fits inbetween a micro switch and solid object--such as under the gunnel. The plastic piece keeps the micro switch open. When the monofiliment is pulled, the wedge comes out and the microswitch closes, which then allows a 12 volt relay to close and activates a 125 DB Siren and Strobe light. The perticular siren I got from JB Whitney a few years ago, and the Strobe light from Radio Shack--same for the micro switch and relay. Simple and the whole works is about $50. You can even use two 6 volt latern batteries to run the works, if you don't want to put it on the boat's circuit.

The pressure pads etc work fine. When I am aboard Mr. Wesson takes care of me.

Incidently our boat was boarded in Greece by an American Tourist, who insisted that since he was American and we were American, that he was welcome aboard (during the converstation--he manged to lift Marie's camera). In Yugoslovia some lines were taken off the deck, but our dog work up and my emergance from the cabin with a Machette and yelling (not suitable for family site)--sent the perps off the boat and over a fence.
In San Diego, I awoke to see someone in the cabin door. I chambered a round in my shotgun and also advised the person to leave my boat immediately--he didn't even bother to use the gate--right over the fence.

We did have a dinghy and barbecue stolen in Boston (all evidence pointed to Green Peace as the thiefs)--so most of the time we take our dinghy aboard. (the dinghy had a cable on the tow ring, but it was cut off from in the water).
 
Interesting topic. We don't have an alarm system per se, but I did install a McGard prop lock (about $60) to protect the expensive SS prop. My dealer in FL mentioned that the McGard seems to work very well, and that if I loose the individualized removal key, getting the prop off is Very difficult. Difficult is what I was looking for!

As for the outboard (Honda 150 @ 400+ pounds...), if someone's going to steal it I'd prefer not being present. Anyone who can lift a 400# motor is out of my league anyway!

As a non-technical solution; "Situational Awareness" often helps. Be aware of who's around, and who's watching can be helpful. If in a marina, get to know the folks around you, be judgemental if necessary, and maybe even jot down some notes. When you leave the boat don't chum-in a thief by leaving your $900 Swarofski bino's or valuable items in sight. I usually throw a cleaning towel over the electronics, and make sure the windows are forward in the latched position. Sure, a determined thief can still get inside, but keeping items out of sight will help to a degree.

Best,
Casey
 
I've got an alarm which has a very high decibel output with a trigger on the door and the loudspeaker is tucked under the sink . There's a flashing red LED mounted on the interior window near the door. I placed the warning placard that came with the alarm on the window beside the LED. Like your car it chirps when armed and again when disarmed

I'm at a municipal slip with easy access for the public but I'm the only boat among 24 with the placard and flashing LED. It's surprising how visible the LED is after dark. I figure most thieves pass me by for easier prey.

I purchased the alarm from an auto alarm shop for about $40. It came with a couple of key fobs.
 
As long as we're concerned with security issues, B~C was the first to add a 1-1/8" cam lock to back up the OEM one.

We also have replaced the earlier simple wood screws that can be removed by anyone with a screwdriver, with machine screws and nylock nuts on the hinges. Otherwise, whether you have one lock, two locks, or many locks on the one side, and the removal of the wood screws on the other side provides easy acces to the cabin.

The discussion often comes down to the conclusion that you need to make your boat harder to get into than the others nearby so the thieves will move on down the line, at lease when you're not there.

But when you are:
Photo_2.jpg
Let 'em, know you mean business!
 
Here is a C-Curity System that will silently page you if your boat is disturbed. Operates on CB Frequency. Can be triggered by any of the usual methods. Range up to a mile (depending on antenna, interference, etc). This allows you to sneak up on the perps and catch them in the act. Can be integrated with a siren to scream at them when you're unavailable. Say up in the shower or off on an errand.

These have been discontinued but show up occasionally on Ebay.
 
In South Florida, there does not seem to be a problem getting the big motors--I suspect that the thieves have a truck with a boom winch. Or they just take the whole boat, and then trash it taking the motor off--the motor goes to a third world country apparently fairly rapidly.

I once lived in an apartment where the thieves took the engines out of Porsches and VW, plus out drives of the I/O boats on a regular basis. Even with lights and some security. So if someone wants what you have, they will figure out a way to get it. The idea of making your boat harder than the next is an excellent one.
 
In the mid 60s in Germany we used to be able to swap engines on VW bugs in about 1/2 hour. We would roll them over on their sides and get to work.
 
Also in the early 60s, We were ovehauling my friends VW engine. He had to go on emergency leave, so I offered my VW for him to use. He said no, but I will borrow your engine. So we dropped the engine from mine and slipped it into his....and reversed it when he returned.

Some of the things we did when we were young and energetic.
 
Back
Top