BoatSECUREtag from Blue Planet Offices

Boats Are At More Risk Than Homes.

Boat Security Tips": Being pro-active is key

If you own a boat, or you’re thinking of purchasing, please review these theft-prevention tips to keep your boat safe. Boat theft occurs all year round, whether it is in use or during lay-up. As one of your largest assets, your boat or yacht should be protected. In addition to comprehensive boat insurance, it is always helpful to take steps toward preventing theft.

Here in the Florida Keys boats are an attractive target. Boats on trailers are stolen, and boats are stolen right out of marinas. In other cases, the boat is looted. Valuable electronics are taken, and the theft of lower units seems to be common. Follow these tips to help keep your boat safe and protect it with BoatSECUREtag.

1. Careful with the keys! Do not leave your key in the ignition when the boat is not in use, or when it is unattended.

2. A secure boat is a safe boat. Secure your boat so it cannot easily be moved. On land – If Remember to install and use a high quality trailer hitch lock if the boat is left on a trailer for a short period. For longer periods, remove one wheel from the trailer and lock the removed wheel in a secure location, away from the boat. Also, chain the trailer frame to a large tree or other immovable object. On the water – If your boat is large enough to carry or tow a dinghy, know that a dinghy in the water is an easy target If you can, try and stow it aboard the primary boat. If it must stay in the water, use a cable and a padlock to secure it to the primary vessel.

3. Never leave a “For Sale” sign on your boat when you’re away for a long period of time.

4. If your boat is kept at a marina, choose one with full-time security and good lighting. Make sure your marina is aware of when your boat is being used by you or an operator approved by you. The sooner they become aware the boat isn’t in its slip or where it is supposed to be, the sooner they can notify you so efforts can begin to locate your vessel.

5. Install an anti-theft alarm and/or tracking system on your boat. If you have a higher end vessel, especially one that is in the water all the time, an alarm system is highly recommended and a tracking system is a great idea. Many different such products are available and it is beyond the scope of this article to suggest models.

6. Remove all personal property, such as portable electronics and fishing equipment, from the boat when not in use. If it cannot be easily removed, stow your equipment where it is out of sight and preferably in a locked storage location. Use a diamond-tipped tool and etch identifying marks on all electronic cases, high-value rods and reels, HD/Plasma TV sets and other expensive personal items. Or the best option is to purchase and use BoatSECUREtags on your personal property and electronics.

7. If the boat is kept at your home, store it behind your house or on the side of your house. Avoid leaving it in a spot that is visible from the street. Also, park it so the trailer tongue doesn’t face the street. Purchase and install a trailer hitch lock ball. This device goes into the hitch and makes it impossible to attach the hitch to a vehicle until it is removed with the key.

8. To avoid entry into your vessel’s cabin, replace the spring-latch locking assembly with a deadbolt-type lock.

9. Do not leave registration, title or document papers on the boat when it is not in use. While in use, these papers must be onboard the vessel.

10. If you must leave your boat for an extended period of time, ask a friend to check on it regularly. Of course, if the worst should happen and your boat or equipment is stolen, it pays to have comprehensive insurance in place. Notifying your local law enforcement agencies would also be a good idea.

Thieves typically strike where they find an easy opportunity. You can help deter theft by keeping in mind three basic principles – TIME, NOISE and VISIBILITY. Do things that increase the time it would take to steal your boat. Take preventative measures that would force a thief to make noise in order to steal your boat. Keep your boat where it is invisible, making it difficult for a thief to steal your boat without being noticed.

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