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How to temporarily disable outboards (for anti-theft)
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wire your stainless steel steering wheel direct to the starter and batteries, once they turn the engines over and have a hand on the wheels...ZAP!!! put a little charge into them! Just remember to disconnect before you start it!
I don't see how a chain will slow somebody down. I have a Bahama's master key
and I'm not a criminal. I'm sure somebody in the business would come prepared.
I did not read every reply so forgive me if this was already mentioned but.....
How bout using an ignition switch as a kill switch? Buy a univresal ignition switch that is key operated. You can get one with a key from any auto parts store or marine store. Wire it in line with the normal ignition key switches and hide it under the dash or somewhere hard to see but easy for you to reach. Simply put the key in and turn it on then you can run the boat as normal. when you leave, turn it off and take the key with you.
Just make sure it is someplace that you can easily pop the key in without it being obvious what you are doing. If someone really wants the boat and it wont start, they may watch you to see if you are triggering a kill switch the next time you head out.
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John
2006 World Cat 250DC
Twin Honda 150
I did not read every reply so forgive me if this was already mentioned but.....
How bout using an ignition switch as a kill switch? Buy a univresal ignition switch that is key operated. You can get one with a key from any auto parts store or marine store. Wire it in line with the normal ignition key switches and hide it under the dash or somewhere hard to see but easy for you to reach. Simply put the key in and turn it on then you can run the boat as normal. when you leave, turn it off and take the key with you.
Just make sure it is someplace that you can easily pop the key in without it being obvious what you are doing. If someone really wants the boat and it wont start, they may watch you to see if you are triggering a kill switch the next time you head out.
Dude, the bottom line is simple. If that boat does not have someone watching over it 24/7 and someone has their eye on that boat, they are going to get it. Take whatever off the boat, motors, disable the wiring harness, chain it up. If they want the boat they will cut the chain and tow it off.
GPS is the best idea on here. You can take the props put in kill switchs chain the boat to the dock and have a low paid guard watching it. Locks only keep honest people out! A thief will just slip the guard a few hundred and quietly cut the chain and push the boat out to were he can tow it or get it started.
Make sure your policy is paid up and covers you were you go and pray your not a statistic.
Remember this is supposed to be fun if your that worried now it will only be worse when you are trying to sleeep.
good luck.
Best ting to do in my opinion is find a marina who is known for honesty and superior security. And disable the engines, remove batteries, props, and electronics.
i spend alot of time in the bahamas all year long, and yes boat theft is going on. i chain my boat and have one of the locals watch it. pay em and it goes a long way. which island are you staying at?
Best ting to do in my opinion is find a marina who is known for honesty and superior security. And disable the engines, remove batteries, props, and electronics.
That is a lot of work to go through everytime you want to go out for a boat ride to put all of that stuff on and to take it off when done. Do many people do all of this?
That is a lot of work to go through everytime you want to go out for a boat ride to put all of that stuff on and to take it off when done. Do many people do all of this?
Hell if i know. I'd never take my investment near where pirates can steal my shit any ways... Just trying to help this guy out.
Nobody ever reads all the posts, it seems. The little Battery Brain devices I use and a chain and a locked compartment adds 3 minutes to departures and arrivals.
Having been a live a board for 11 years the best is to have good insurance, moor at a secured/gated marina, and pad lock the boat/motor to the dock. The best is moor close/next to a newer/nicer/bigger boat and they will not bother your If there are live aboard in the marin ask them to keep an eye on it. Depending on the boat and where moored you may have to do nothing?
The truth is if they want it they will take it, so don’t make it too hard for your self. The GPS is probable the best so what is left of it can be traced. Oh, if you are going to do the hidden kill switch make sure the bilge pumps are not disconnected.
Most recent issue of Florida Sportsman has an article from a guy who took his new Contender to the Abacos this summer and had his boat and buddies boat stolen the first day. It appears from reading the article that the owner thinks the customs guy in was in on the theft. Boat had only 10 hours on it and it has never been recovered... he does have some good advice about insurance which could make the difference when and if your boat is stolen...
Call Andy at sim and get a 2 foot section of hydraulic hose, put quick disconnects on either end and then put it inline to your steering line. Just take out the two foot section when you leave.
No steering makes for a very grumpy thief.
QD's can be removed and reinstalled with no bleeding.
But like someone else said, if they tow it with a dink, what does any of it matter?
Most recent issue of Florida Sportsman has an article from a guy who took his new Contender to the Abacos this summer and had his boat and buddies boat stolen the first day. It appears from reading the article that the owner thinks the customs guy in was in on the theft. Boat had only 10 hours on it and it has never been recovered... he does have some good advice about insurance which could make the difference when and if your boat is stolen...
I know the owner of that boat and it seems that his third buddy, a pretty anal guy, was spared because his boat was cabled to the dock. They tried to steal all three.
1975 Mako 20c (Sea Whore) 2008 Suzuki DF140
