Outboad Locks

[oregonmike]

I am searching for information on how best to protect your outboard while out boating or docked. I want to get a lock for it as to lock it to the boat. Doing some general internet searches I have come acrossed a few different ways but they all seam to have mixed reviews. Does anyone here use a locking device on their outboards? Which is the best kinda to get, I know the old saying if someone wants to steal something they will figure out a way. I just want some mental reassurance that at least I did something on my part to protect it.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Outboad Locks

What size motor? For the smaller ones they make a bar that goes across the two screws that hold the motor to the transom. Its secured with a padlock that would be very hard to cut with bolt cutters.

 

[oregonmike]

Re: Outboad Locks

It's newer (1997) Honda 9.9hp 4 stroke.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Outboad Locks

if bolting to the boat is not convenient. the one mentioned above is the best. i believe Master makes one.

 

[pwiseman]

Re: Outboad Locks

I had an old 6 HP that I ran on a small boat. Left it in a remote location for long periods, so I removed the motor and took it with me to avoid the unthinkable.

Realistically another alternative is to bolt it up through the transom. People looking to swipe an outboard are most likely in a hurry. The should be because it might be looked at in similar light to stealing a horse back in the day.

If you find a good product that seems to work, post some info on that. Good luck.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Outboad Locks

Grade 8 bolts, and marine 5200 sealer are what you need. We have an OMC lock. It is basically a piece of square tubing, with notches in the side, for the handles. You tighten the bolts, and it goes over the handles, and then the bottom piece goes on, and has a completely recessed lock. You could drill it, but bolt cutters wouldn't do diddley.

Similar to the one in this link.
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0001024011830a.shtml

 

[Joey One]

Re: Outboad Locks

I use the square tube with master lock. PLUS I use thru bolt carrraige bolts with two nuts and locktite inboard. I takes lots of time and lots of tools to remove the carriage bolts.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Outboad Locks

Those don't work very well, as a prepared thief (professional) will simply cut the thumb screws or the plastic tab at the end. Dad's motor was gone in 5 minutes using one of those locks. But i guess it works as a deterrent for the thief of opportunity.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Outboad Locks

nothing other than the old shot gun is going to stop a determined thief. got a rotwieller?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Outboad Locks

one simple bolt though the transom, then toss a little saltwater on the threads...

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Outboad Locks

To be honest with you, I haven't seen that lock in a while. Our small motor stays inside, and the others are bolted to boats. When the small motor is on the boat, we are either, in the tow vehicle, or in the boat. The trusty 12 gauge, and the .357, or the 4 dogs are probably the best deterrent.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Outboad Locks

I use a keyed alike padlock. The matching lock is the one I use to lock the coupler of the trailer. I know a padlock can be cut but there is an old saying that locks are to keep honest people honest. If a thief wants to steal it they will. There are all kinds of locks out ther for keeping you stuff locked down. I like the rotweiller ideal.

 

[pgdignan]

Re: Outboad Locks

The weak point on the locking system is the bolts that the outboard uses to hold itself to the transom. a mildly determined thief can use a cold chisel to break them off and take lock and all. the MasterLock bar system provides some protection but if you're really concerned you'd probably have to employ more than one system e.g. bolting through the transom and employing a lock.

 

[oregonmike]

Re: Outboad Locks

Thanks for all the replies. As my boat would rarely be out of my sight from either under lock and key at home or when out using the boat, I have decided on the bar like lock over drilling holes in the boat. It is insured although its a hassel to deal with stolen items, its mainly for piece of mind. I think we are all aware of the old saying... Know i just need to know which is the best of two evils. They are both about the same price.

The Fulton, which looks more hefty

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...hall&Nty=1&Ntt=master+lock+outboard&noImage=0

or

The Masterlock, which looks like less metal

http://masterlock.com/cgi-bin/produ...r/&displaynav=&sub_cat_id=D430&template=style