Locked Storage

prelude219

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2008
Messages
55
Hi, just wondering if anyone has added any lock boxes to an older starcraft. I am keeping the boat in a slip this year and thinking of ways to keep fishfinder/gps and stuff locked up and hidden on the boat.
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Locked Storage

which model? i'm guessing 18 holiday or SS from your avatar pic?
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,365
Re: Locked Storage

Many truck type tool boxes made from aluminium out there, in many different sizes, something should work. Now about the ugly part...
do you really think those cheap locks will keep someone out that wants what you have? I carry a bag similiar to a gym bag that I keep all my elextronics in. Radio, gps, fishfinder, etc it has a shoulder strap and quite easy to carry. I just grab the bag and go or can even leave it in the trunk of your car to be ready when you are. Can't leave it where high heat may form, same concern for your boat if setting out in hot summer sun. In the great lakes area, theft in marina's is a real possibility, even with security guards etc. Some have been known to come in by water, steal then leave by water in the dark of night undetected. Ugly as it sounds it is real life, so consider taking any valuables with you rather than storing them on your boat.

Airshot
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Locked Storage

As much as I hate to say it after growing in a kinder, gentler era, I have to agree with Airshot. Nothing is safe anymore, anywhere. Around here your tow vehicle is another target, even in broad daylight.
 

prelude219

Seaman
Joined
Apr 7, 2008
Messages
55
Re: Locked Storage

After thinking about it..i'll take your advice and take the stuff off the boat. I already hate leaving the outboard on it with the lock as it is. Thanks
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Locked Storage

i think it's feasible to secure your boat against petty pilferage, but a determined thief who has time/inclination to use prybar or cutting wheel can get into most any boat in 30 sec. Go look at a gun safe and build something like that from 3/4 ply, alum angles and nylock nuts on the inside, and bolt to your deck for less theft prone items.

ironic that i'm less worried about leaving my boat in Mexico in dry storage for months than some of you guys need to be about your tow vehicle for a few hours. so much for stereotypes.....;)
 

Pantharen

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
47
Re: Locked Storage

Aluminum diamond plate is difficult to cut through. My last boat had a aluminum over plywood lock box in the bow, with a "master ring lock" they're very difficult to cut through, and a thief will look for something a lot easier.. (Sorry no pictures of the box), but I used 3/4" ply with fiberglass reinforcing, and a 1/4" aluminum diamond plate skin. The hasp for the lock was under the lip of the aluminum with a wrapper of tin riveted through the aluminum. The box measured 3ft long, by 2ft wide by 10 inches deep. I was a fair size, but I kept my GPS, fish/depth sounder in it, plus anything else I figured was of value..

The thieves tried a few times, I saw a lot of cut marks all over the box, but they never got through..

This is the padlock I used
brinks_r70.JPG
 

barato2

Commander
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Messages
2,956
Re: Locked Storage

that does sound like a nice arrangement. i'd love to see any pix if any ever surface. it's not gonna be feasible for me to tote the electronics back and forth so i'm just buying cheap ones and making it as secure as i can.
 
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