How to temporarily disable outboards (for anti-theft)

dcathey · 10-28-2009, 04:45 PM

We are considering running a boat over to the Bahamas fairly soon and I have read all of the recent news on center consoles being taken while at boat slips. Asides from chaining, GPS locators, fuel cutoff valves, what are some ways to disable a Yamaha outboard easily each night to prevent them from being started. I have read that a lot of these guys bring their own batteries, etc. so anybody got any info. We have racked our brains and wouldnt mind some outside info even maybe some out of the box thinking.

aka angus · 10-28-2009, 04:48 PM

Dont really have the answer but I would think a well placed ground wire would do the trick.

Cracker · 10-28-2009, 04:51 PM

Take the power line loose from the battery, I think the plug wires come off, take the kill switch key etc.

solarfry · 10-28-2009, 04:52 PM

Take the starters with you.
Or.
Make sure your insurance covers you in bahamas
or
chain boat to dock
or
since they bring batteries..
take the props with you.
again
Make sure your insurance covers you in bahamas
good luck!

TwentyFourSeven · 10-28-2009, 04:55 PM

Fuel line cut offs.
Take keys out of boat.
Turn batteries off.
Turn kill switch of.
Run a very thick coated wire chain through the t-top and through the dock or around a pole.
Take the wheel of.

dcathey · 10-28-2009, 04:56 PM

how hard is it to take starters off? We would be fishing daily and we are trying to determine the easiest although most effective methods but we would do whatever to prevent boat from being taken even if that means someone be the mechanic while the other guys clean fish

SIM · 10-28-2009, 04:57 PM

Remove the ECM(engine computer) from the engine. Depending on the engine, A couple 10mm socket size bolts and a few plugs to pull.

You can bet those effers aren't carrying around a $700 plus ECM.

Another idea........You could put a switch on the main engine harness white wire and bury that switch someplace. Its the lanyard wire. Leave the lanyard in.........throw em off a little. Hit the switch......engine will turn over but it won't start. And the horn will BEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP.

Pull the main 10 pin harness apart a 1/2" or so. But leave it looking connected under the cowling. That would delay them. If they were smart they could pick it up quick because the gauges would be dead along with the engine. The power tilt on the engine switch would still work.

Hey...........thanks for the thread. Made me clear my head a little!

dcathey · 10-28-2009, 04:57 PM

I ike the steering wheel idea. I may go take a look at that tommorrow to see how long that takes

dcathey · 10-28-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks guys keep em coming. Thats a great idea about the computer but what kind of damage could we do by removing it daily, are they pretty tough/easy to get in and out? Sounds good because we have heard stories about them scouting these boats and bringin what they need.

Glen E · 10-28-2009, 05:00 PM

buried behind my dash is a 2 dollar toggle switch on the hot lead of the tether kill switch -- it's as if you've pulled the tether...

SIM · 10-28-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen E

buried behind my dash is a 2 dollar toggle switch on the hot lead of the tether kill switch -- it's as if you've pulled the tether...

Hey......that was my idea number 2 dammit.

Where is your boat at again? jk!

carbo · 10-28-2009, 05:15 PM

Steering wheel is so visable they will just go get one and come back. Better have a backup plan. secondary kill lanyard switch is the best. Warning horn will blast as they crank and crank. (as you grab your buddies and the baseball bats)

JOEKEN · 10-28-2009, 05:42 PM

I wouldn't do the steering wheel they could just use a pair of vise grips!

haleraiser2 · 10-28-2009, 05:58 PM

I don't know who makes them but have seen them in YF 24 bay boat. Steering wheel is held on with a big nut on back side of wheel is easy too remove and put back on, It leaves a collar and nut on shaft shaft be real hard to drive like that.

publius · 10-28-2009, 05:59 PM

put your starboard prop on the port and the port on the starboard

captbudw · 10-28-2009, 06:12 PM

We did the toggle switch on all our construction equipment,, worked well. Run a little 110vac to the boat from shore power and wire it to a nice aluminum plate at the helm for them to stand on......... Hell I go with you and just sit on the shore down from the boat and lite them up when they get on board,,,,,, .270win makes a great pirate rifle,,, every thief needs a little 140 gr rehabilitation,,,,,,,, better yet take my buddy he shoots everything in the knees!!!!

deepwaters · 10-28-2009, 06:30 PM

They can steer it with a pair of vice grips. They will tow anything that floats if it doesn't run. The only way to stop it is to stay on the boat or sink it.

Shin-Dig · 10-28-2009, 06:36 PM

how about pulling the glass fuses under the cowling, removing the solenoids for the tilt and trim up/down and leave the engines tilted up, or removing the starter solenoid

patrickg · 10-28-2009, 06:41 PM

If you have a 12 volt horn you can place a jumper wire between your starter switch and your horn. As soon as they try turning they key it will sound your horn. It is really easy to do this on mine (takes less than 10 seconds).

GWcpa · 10-28-2009, 06:47 PM

Put Mercury Verado motor covers over the Yamaha cowlings. They'll never know you have Yamahas and move on to the next guy with Yamahas.

(Little self deprecating humor since I'm running a Merc. for SIM's benefit)

Great thread. Lots of good ideas. Hope I never have to use them.