Re: How to protect OB motor from theft
There is no way I'd ever leave any of my smaller outboards attached when parked, it's not that bad of a neighborhood but I think if I offered the temptation, someone would take it.
Most of mine are older motors but that don't seem to matter.
My best protection here is my alarm in the garage and my rifle with an LED and scope. If I hear or see anyone in or about the yard, the passing red dot usually is all the deterrent they ever need.
The neighborhood has several cops and lots of gun collectors and a few half crazy ex vets, so most stay pretty well clear of this area. I have always been fond of the signs that say "Don't mind the dog, beware of the owner".
I only had one incident here, years ago, with an attempted theft. The potential thief went away empty handed but was kind enough to leave me a complete set of Craftsman tools complete with tool box and the remains of a Chevy Nova that wasn't much good after we got done with it. It made good target practice for about a week! ..Owner last seen jogging full speed heading due west through a field full of sticker bushes. I think he was after the wheels on my car but who knows, he didn't stick around after the first warning rang out.