TO LOCK OR NOT TO LOCK?

[Viper]

Wanted to put this up for discussion and get your take on it. Thinking about this now that it's winter but I guess it applies all year round; do you keep your boat locked or unlocked during the winter and summer?

I guess there are several schools of thought/pros and cons to both based on the type of thief that happens to come along:

- You may get the kind that goes from boat to boat looking for an unlocked one that is easy to pillage so locking the boat would be a deterrent in this case in hopes that they will pass you by as a result of too much trouble or noise to break in.

- Or you might get the kind that doesn't care and will break into the first boat he (or she!) boards. This is actually the one that worries me the most as this could result in considerable damage.

Let's face it, if they want in, they'll get in no matter what. So what say you? Are we better off locking in an effort to deter or are we better off leaving unlocked in an effort to prevent costly damage of hardware that we may not be able to replace anymore.

While most marinas have one form of security or another, I wouldn't assume you're safe from theft. As boaters, we should do anything we can to reduce our appeal for a hit. Don't leave anything out or visible at a glance or from a distance that is attractive to thieves such as trunnion mounted electronics on the flybridge as these are attractive to crooks and an easy target because of their portability. A sign in the winter indicating that there are no valuables on board may help.

Comments, ideas?

[AaHubb]

I am in the leave it unlocked camp. Things can be replaced easily and are covered by insurance. A boats hatches, doors and windows while covered by insurance are much more difficult to repair/replace (if parts are even available). It also makes it easier for marina neighbors to board in case of an emergency such as sinking!
..Aaron

[Viper]

Source of the post ...... It also makes it easier for marina neighbors to board in case of an emergency such as sinking!

Good point!

For those that keep theirs locked, there should always be a key at the Service Department just in case. Heck, even if it's just to board it and shut off an alarm that might be driving your neighbours nuts.

[bud37]

We have always locked,( service always has a key), the way we look at it is it keeps the honest people out....kids more than anything.The real thieves that want in will get in anyhow and you guys are right about the damage.In one marina years ago it got so bad that I installed an alarm system with a warning light and horn.I bet a lot of big spiders might work the same LOL.
Seems there are some folk that think nothing of having a look at your boat when you are not there, interesting no.
In winter the same, locked under the shrink, probably just a habit .We take everything off before lay-up.
One question, I have never checked but does insurance require the boat to be locked or does it matter?.........

[Viper]

....does insurance require the boat to be locked or does it matter?.......

I thought about that but I'm not really sure. I guess they could have an argument for the policy holder not having done due diligence by locking up. However, if unlocked and there's nothing on board of real value to a thief that's worth their time to remove, and they haven't destroyed anything to get in, then is it really necessary to make a claim? I suppose just trashing the place without taking anything is also a possibility though.

I'm kind of torn. My previous boat was entered, and a few things taken but nothing broken because I always left my cabin door unlocked. My neighbours weren't so lucky. One was a beautiful wooden boat that needed some serious wood work after the break-in, two others had to order new sliding doors and hardware, and one had to have a door custom made as it was NLA.

[tomschauer]

Don't tell anyone, but my boat is always unlocked and the keys are in the ignition. I do remove the ignition keys when on the hard.

[Midnightsun]

Face it, boat door locks are pathetic. A good tug and those 2 small screws give way, not much point in locking if you ask me. As for ignitions, again a joke, three wires, connect ignition to hot and hold the start wire to the duo until it starts, off you go just like in the movies. Old school simple and so easy to circumvent.

That being said, my boat is unlocked, keys are in the ignitions.

All depends on location! 2 years ago we moved to a new marina. I was a little nervous as there is a public park literally 15' away and access to the slip is very easy. I installed a home brew alarm system Just in case, never went off by the way. Point was to make noise and flash lights as there is security during the night and this would definitely have them alerted.

Bought a $30 car alarm with built in siren and a remote control to arm and disarm. Bought a couple of magnetic home alarm sensors. I installed this by sewing in a magnet into my canvas by the door which needs to be opened to gain access to the boat. Also triggered the door. When canvas is unsnapped, the alarm sounds and the cockpit lights flash. Easy and cheap solution.

[Viper]

Yep that's my thought too. If someone really wants in or wants to take the boat, it's pretty easy to do. I think a visible deterrent usually works best like a warning there is an alarm or camera on board.

Wifi cameras and alarms are getting so inexpensive now and make it really easy to monitor things. A couple of highly visible cameras and a warning would likely keep most people away. Wireless units draw very little current and are easy to install. Now if only you can convince the marina to leave the wifi on during the winter!

[hausherrs]

I lock mine. But only to keep someone from trying to be nosy. I figure if a thief wanted inside he would get inside. In fact, you can stick pretty much anything into the lock and turn it. I don’t have any sweet electronics that would be worth stealing. Just maybe my Pathway satellite dish and my electric tooth brush.

I figure that I just need to trust the insurance company.

[Viper]

Source of the post......I figure that I just need to trust the insurance company.

Just kidding, I couldn't resist

The problem is that thieves don't bother picking a lock, they smash and break things if the door is locked. I'd rather they walk right in and HOPE they're in it for profit and not vandalism once inside.