Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

[CATransplant]

With Spring here, small outboards are frequent targets for thieves, who sell them on Craig's List or eBay. Last year, there was a rash of thefts of smaller outboards (3-15hp) in my area. Most were stolen off boats on trailers in people's yards, late at night.

I'm starting this thread to collect tips for securing small outboards on transoms. My assumption is that the thieves want an easy target, so I'm guessing that most of these were stolen by simply unscrewing the clamps and walking off with them.

What I've done...so far...is to add two stainless bolts with nylon insert nuts through the holes in the transom bracket on my 6hp Johnson. My reasoning is that they'll have to have two wrenches to get them off and that may be just enough to make them go down the street.

How about other ideas? How are you all securing your small outboards?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

there was one a couple of weeks ago.

 

[JB]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Useful laws help. Texas titles outboards and maintains a list of the serial numbers of stolen outboards. You can't title an outboard here that doesn't have the model/serial plate on it. Never buy one that hasn't the plate on it, engrave the model and serial number on the block casting.

Use prison bolts to bolt it to the transom. They can only be unbolted with the special wrench.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

I've heard that taking the motor hood off also prevents theft. One needs it and would think it's inoperative and or hard to replace.

Just cover the motor with a vented plastic bag.

 

[HondaPower]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Before I built my Garage I would take it off the boat at the end of the day and lock it in my shed. It was a pain in the butt, but it worked.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

it's like this, if they want it they are going to get it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Around here, it used to be that some people would paint it some godawful color so nobody would want it. I don't go that far, but I do bolt it on as suggested.

In FL it is against the law to posess one that has had the numbers removed. But there sure are a lot of them around that haven't gotten caught.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Bolted on...and they move on. On some I just put one Carriage bolt (no head) through somewhere. Then a steel lock nut (then good kind, not insert). Then even I need a torch or hacksaw it get it off..

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Click for more ways.

 

[rndn]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

There is a square tube that slides from one end over the knobs and then padlocks on the other end. It is impossible to unscrew the outboard without taking this off.
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0001024011830a.shtml

 

[JCF350]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Take it off. Out of sight out of mind.

 

[rndn]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

Taking it off is a great idea, but people with a severe back disability, myself, can't so this is the next best thing.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Preventing Theft of Small Outboards

I've used the Master outboard lock that other's have mentioned. It's about $25 (cheap insurance). Also add your outboard to you home or car policy (that's cheap too).

Just do a google search for Master Lock Outboard I just found one on Amazon. Iboats might carry them too. Here is an example: www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Outboard-Padlock-430DSPT/dp/B00004SQM6

One tip on the master outboard lock . . . it rattles like hell, especially when trolling because it rests on the two plastic or metal screw handle thingy's.

I first wrap the handles with a layer of that thin black rubber waffle stuff that comes in a roll available at Walmart, HD, Linens etc for about $2-3 for a 12 inch by 4 ft roll. Handy stuff. Some use it to line tool boxes.

Stops the rattles nicely from the motors vibration, once you slide the handle lock on. Mines only a 9.9 Merc 4 stroke but at 87 lbs, it's still too bulky and heavier to remove the motor at the end of each outing.

My last motor was a 5 hp Honda 4 stroke at about 50 lbs and that one I could put it in my trunk or move it to a stand and roll it into a locked garage.

I would bolt it, Master Outboard Lock it and insure it. As Tash said if they want it, sadly they are going to get it anyway. If they see you keep it in your garage they will just break into your garage, ya can't win.

All motors should be registered with the DMV in my opinion. In NY we have to register our trailers and boats once you put a motor on it. But they don't register outboards . . . Go figure

Read on another site where brazen theives in NJ just stole (this past Sat.) two brand new BIG Etecs right off the new boat in the dealer's yard. Read the same thing in Palm Beach FL too recently.

I even just picked up the Club Tire Claw that I mentioned in another thread, just to try and protect my trailer too.

Don't want to get back to the launch and find no more trailer