In 2016, Fort Myers was ranked in the top 5 cities with the most boat thefts in the country. Locking and tracking technology becomes more advanced every year, but unfortunately, so do the culprits. Thieves aren’t always out to steal an entire boat and are often looking for easier items to grab like outboard engines, trolling motors, props, and electronics. Big ticket items can come in small packages. Keeping up to date on the latest preventative measures can help keep your boat where it belongs—with you.
Keep Your Boat Locked Up
Many boat accessories come with their own locks, but purchasing after-market locks can be an effective preventative measure.
For prop locks, look for one with a free-spinning collar. Gripping tools will spin around the collar, but won’t loosen the lock itself. A similar device works for sterndrive motors. Secure your outboard motor to your transom by replacing the mounting nuts with locking nuts. A chain can help to secure larger items directly to the boat, but be sure the links are at least ½-inch in diameter so the chain isn’t easy to cut.
Individually locking all electronics on the boat can be tedious, but well worth it. You can eliminate thief temptation by using a custom lockable cover over the dash or by removing the gear from the boat all together. Leaving compartments unlocked and empty can deter them from causing further damage to your boat while snooping around.
Installing an alarm system on your boat will help scare off potential thieves. Purchase a system with a remote signal and loud alarm so it can be set off from yards away and even from inside your home.
Out in the Open
Many insurance companies submit reports of boats being stolen from people’s driveways, backyards, streets in front of their houses, and even from dealer lots. Although these places should be considered safe places to store your boat, don’t consider them theft-proof. Thieves will look for easy opportunities with quick escape routes, so increasing the amount of security will help decrease the chances of your vessel being stolen. Almost all individual security measures can be compromised, but if you combine security measures and make sure your boat is the most difficult to steal in the area, chances are thieves will go for a different target first.
Since trailered boats are highly sought after, a wheel boot can help prevent your boat from being taken away in one swoop. If you buy an inexpensive ball, file off the threads and put that on before attaching a coupler lock. This will prevent thieves from placing a smaller hitch ball that can connect without the coupler being open. Remember not to depend on chains attached to the tires because a tire can be easily removed and replaced, especially if your spare is not locked.
It should go without saying, but never leave your keys in your boat. Even if you think they’re in a spot no one will think to look, thieves will check every square inch if they have the time.
If you are a part time resident in Southwest Florida, it may be worth going the extra mile by putting your boat and trailer up on blocks. This makes it more difficult to haul away. If possible, store your boat in a dry storage marina for the off season. Proper dry storage racks also double as protection from any hurricanes that may make landfall while you are out of town.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Unfortunately, most stolen boats are not recovered, but it is still beneficial to be as prepared as possible. Recording information like the serial numbers from your electronics and your boat’s hull identification number is important. Take photos of everything in case the numbers get removed after they’ve been stolen. The police or Coast Guard will require numbers or photos upon recovery to ensure the stolen items do in fact belong to you.
Insurance is one of the best accessories you can buy for your boat. Most well-known brands with good policies cover both liability and accident, which can help cover costs in case the worst possible scenario happens. Also take note of reported boats stolen in your area so you can help recover them—and earn some good boater karma in the process.
While the Fort Myers area racks up only about a quarter of the number of thefts that occur in Miami, the importance of properly locking up your boat, engine, trailer and accessories remains the same. So take the proper precautions to protect your boat and all the good times that come with it.