Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

[Matt S]

Just ordered a new boat, Glastron 185 w/ volvo in and out. We plan to go lots of places and stay the night with friends and hotels so I really want to secure everything as best I can.

Is Mcgard really that good to be the only thing I can find for the outdrive? Maybe I should use 2 of them? That big torpedo prop lock I find online really can be left on, all the time, in the water? All the tongue (and prop)locks look like they'll disintegrate with a sledge blow, or butter to a hack saw, and the dumbell receiver lock keys lead me to think they're easily pick-able.

Is what I'm finding on a standard google search really the best I can do? The dealer showed me items I wouldn't secure my bicycle with let alone a $3,000+ brand new boat on it's trailer!

What's everyone's thought? I can't seem to find any posts around here or anywhere dedicated to whole boat security. Obviously something is better than nothing, but the better is, well, better!

Hope I posted in the right spot, and thanks in advance!

 

[Matt S]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

The dealer showed me items I wouldn't secure my bicycle with let alone a $3,000+ brand new boat on it's trailer!

Sorry meant $3,000 outdrive!

 

[j442w30]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

McGard is the best known brand for that kind of stuff. I think you would be safe with the outdrive lock considering the amount of work that is required to remove an outdrive (and the weight) would be enough deterrent. I don't hear of too many outdrives getting stolen but im sure it happens. You could get a prop lock or just take the prop off if you're uneasy about leaving it on. The best coupler lock I've seen is the gorilla guard lock that fits over the lip of the coupler and locks where the ball goes in. Or you could get a lock for one of the wheels or just take a wheel off, lots of ways to do it!

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

Nothing is going to stop someone with a little smarts and determination. Making it difficult for them is about the best you can do. Park it in a well lite area and near to the front where people can see it from the road. My next door neighborh has a construction business and keep his stuff in a heavy duty trailer at the site most of the time. The other day someone took an axe and since the trailer door was really secure they just busted a hole through the wall.

 

[Matt S]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

Ok thanks. I don't think it's practical to remove a tire when at a hotel or friends house. Of course when parked at my house I can do all sorts of things but my focus was when traveling far from home overnight.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

Hey Matt,

Pay attention to the details. The best coupler lock is worthless if the coupler is held on by two bolts that cen be removed in less than a minute. The same goes for the draw bar lock on your truck. However a quick hit with the welder will keep anyone from easily removing either.

 

[aerwin]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

not much you can do really except have really good insurance. I work with locks and nothing is totaly 100% secure. there are alot of agricultural thefts in this area and even sea-train containers used for farm storage, the theives are just taking the whole container instead of breaking in. the world is getting crazy

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

I almost had a outdrive stolen from my driveway 3 years ago, about 1:00am. I heard a noise and didn't check on. In the morning I went out to load boat drive was trimmed down, I at first I thought I forgot or the trim pump leaked down, but noticed all but one nuts was gone and the shifter was in forward. I did police report, later I found out 18 were stolen that weekend in my area. They expect it was a ring with a shopping list since they hit 2 storage yards and they took random drives. Moral of the story, McGuard on my stuff since that day.

 

[Matt S]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

Hey Matt,

Pay attention to the details. The best coupler lock is worthless if the coupler is held on by two bolts that cen be removed in less than a minute. The same goes for the draw bar lock on your truck. However a quick hit with the welder will keep anyone from easily removing either.

Ah very good point I overlooked thanks. The nut on the ball is even easier to get off. Haven't seen any locks for that. I suppose I can only do my best to slow them down.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

A tack weld on trailer ball nuts and hitch bolts is a "must do" and works wonders for discouraging thieves. Locks merely keep honest people honest.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Securing outdrives, props, trailers and receivers

Nova, locks do one more important thing, They allow you to to say "yes" when the insurance company asks "was it locked?"o