Cobalt Boats
Boat theft can happen practically any time of the year.
Words by Steve Fennell
Like many regions in BC - from the Okanagan to Campbell River - the Shuswap is not immune to boat thefts. You don’t have to look very hard in the news to - unfortunately - read about recurring stolen watercraft, as well as engines, sterndrives, and expensive onboard gear or components
From PWCs and runabouts to fully-rigged fishing boats, boat thefts and stolen gear continue to be a problem every year in BC, and one that is very frustrating for its owners. Although the old saying of ‘if they want it bad enough, they’ll take it,’ may be true despite preventative measures, there are a few ways to help discourage thieves from targeting your boat as well as all of your proud possessions and accessories.
Sometimes all it takes is a little forethought, understanding a thief’s motive and some research to reduce or even prevent the chance of your boat making headlines.
Cobalt Boats
Expensive gear is also a target for thieves.
Use Common Sense (When Your Boat is Not in Use)
Break-ins and/or thefts of watercraft can occur practically any time of the year. So, if you leave your boat and trailer on your property, position it so the trailer tongue is away from the road, such as towards your garage on a driveway. If that’s not possible choose a location well away from the street like in your backyard.
Better yet, remove some essential trailer components to prevent your trailer from being towed altogether. Some even take off one of the wheels. Have you ever towed your boat minus one trailer wheel successfully? Neither have we. Designated locks for the hitch receiver, coupler, trailer jack, and wheels are also available. They can be found at most hardware stores like Canadian Tire.
If you keep your boat in a slip during the summer, marinas take several initiatives to prevent theft and onboard break-ins. Secured gates to the yard or slips are common and even surveillance cameras are installed to monitor the grounds around the clock. Some even hire designated security as an extra preventative measure.
Yamaha Motor Canada
Specific locks for outboards and sterndrives are available.
Remove all Valuables
Despite all of the best efforts, GPS units, fishing gear, and stereo systems (or any valuable item that can’t be easily traced) are targeted by thieves. It’s widely known that robbers can easily access a marina by water or access your property where your boat is stored well after night falls.
As a result, the aforementioned items (and other valuables) should be removed from your boat or securely stored in a locked cabin or compartment If applicable, wake towers should be collapsed and items like mounted speakers, lights and other components should be removed as well. Although it can be a little inconvenient to do this every outing, it may save your boat and all of your expensive accessories from getting stolen.
Secure Your Boat Lift
In the event you own waterfront property with a boathouse or a semi-enclosed dock with an electronic boat lift, make sure the power for the lift is turned off at the breaker. While most have an override system, it does take some effort - and time - to lower a boat manually. You may want to even install a security system with motion-sensor lights or alarms for your yard and use heavy-duty locks for all entry points and the main boathouse door(s).
Clay Banks
If possible, helm electronics should be removed when not in use.
Boat Security Systems
There are a wide variety of security systems available for boats. They range from standard alarms (that work much like those in a car) and onboard cameras to remote communication devices that alert you of an intrusion or theft via voicemail, email and text notification.
A reputable single unit like the Garmin OnDeck Boat Monitoring system will set you back about $850 (USD). In addition to its security functions, you can also monitor battery status, bilge activity, and more.
Some of the latest developments with more sophisticated systems (for larger models such as houseboats) not only offer a high level of security but a number of practical features as well. Boat-friendly power consumption, easy-to-use interfaces, the ability to cut off the DC to preserve your battery, and can even control your appliances.
Adrian Hernandez
Perhaps opt for a GPS tracking device to know where your boat is at all times or when it goes beyond a specific geo-fence area.
Install a GPS Tracking Device
Some tracking devices are included with fully-featured security systems but they can also be purchased individually. As there are many options to choose from, we like the SPOT Trace that’s available at West Marine for about $130 (USD). It requires a service plan but it has a variety of features.
For instance, you can receive instant text/email alerts when unauthorized movement of your boat is detected beyond a specific geo-fence area, view GPS coordinates in near real-time with Google Maps and set customized tracking. ‘Power-off’ alerts and low battery status are other features.
Additionally, GPS tracking devices inform you of where your boat is at all times and help you recover your boat much easier (and faster) if it gets stolen. Some models can even provide you with weather updates or when your boat requires scheduled maintenance.
These are just a few of the preventive measures to protect your boat or gear from theft whether it’s in a slip, on a trailer in your yard or even in storage for the winter. While they are all effective (and there are many more) they can provide peace of mind as you’ll know your boat will be ready to hit the water when you are.