Trolling motor security?

[PAkev]

I've started looking for a trolling motor for the new rig I will be picking up in the spring. I want to put a good trolling motor on it right out of the gate so that I will have no reason to buy a new one, THAT IS UNLESS SOMEONE STEALS IT. It seems like this would be one of the easiest things to steal from a boat while we are eating at a restaurant or sleeping in a motel. I sure do not want to learn the hard way and am wondering what folks do to keep their trolling motors from being stolen? <br /><br />I guess I can accept the fact that it should be removed for the best security but the one I am looking at ( 24V 74lb thrust Minn Kota - Genesis) is a fairly heavy setup. Other than tying a doberman to my bow, I'm wondering if anyone makes some kind of anti-theft device for trolling motors in order to keep the honest people honest?<br /><br />Helpful advice appreciated,<br />Kevin

 

[Boatist]

Re: Trolling motor security?

PAKev<br />I think it is pretty rare for a trolling motor to be stollen but do know of one where guy thought prop was stollen. Since he had just changed it many though he may have not tightend it down good and may have fallen off. Anyway Many things you can do. To start with wire and extra wire and plug to the trolling motor. Then wire that into a boat alarm or ever your truck alarm. This wire is just a closed loop and if it is unplugged or cut alarm will sound. Do not mount with a quick release bracket, instead mount right to the boat. Do not use screws to mount it, use bolts with nylon lock nuts on the inside. This way have to get to both sides to unbolt it. You could even use a Magnetic sensor so if anyone evened raised motor off the deck alarm will sound.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Trolling motor security?

BOATIST gave some good ideas... maybe not out there but 'round here,, but trolmo's go like hotcakes .. them & fish finders..<br /><br />i use a quick mount.so 'I'can remove it when needed.. but i also lock-it ... drill a hole thru in any convienant place an use a 'bar bell/trailer hitch lock... <br /><br />try an have at it NOW,, ya thievin' ba@#^*@$

 

[JB]

Re: Trolling motor security?

Ahoy, Kev.<br /><br />The Genesis comes with holes predrilled for a padlock to lock it to the quick disconnect base. It would be just as easy to steal your outboard.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[poolshark38759]

Re: Trolling motor security?

do like i saw one guy do..<br /><br />he fabricated a bracket to hold the shaft of the trolling motor in a cradle that he bolted to the floor of his deck... the cradle had a metal strap that folded over the shaft and then he paddlocked it...looked like a great idea to me....also helped stabilize the trolling motor during transport and trailering....

 

[PAkev]

Re: Trolling motor security?

Thanks guys,<br /><br />I got some good ideas from your recommendations. I like to give folks a fair chance but a few years ago I had some fishing gear taken out of the back of my pickup in broad daylight less than 100 yds from where I was fishing. From then on, I've been a little touchy about making it easy for the things I work hard for to be stolen. I like the fact that the Genesis has a built in lock.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[crab bait]

Re: Trolling motor security?

yeah,, but for the price of the GENISIS,,with the holes already drilled an factory lock...you could buy 300 drill bits an 67 locks...

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Trolling motor security?

Just a quick note about pad locks... most of them can be snap in a heartbeat with nothing more than a large screwdriver. It’s quick and it doesn’t make much noise when it happens. Been there, done that. If you are going for a locking system that depends on the use of a padlock, dump a big chunk of $$$’s and get a high-end, high-quality marine-grade padlock. <br /><br />The trailer hitch locking dog bone/barbell (Gorilla lock?) is an excellent alternative in the $15-$25 range. You should slide a metal bushing (greased inside) over the length of the shaft when you install the lock. If anyone tries to cut the lock shaft with a hacksaw, the metal bushing just spins on the shaft and no cutting happens.

 

[KM2]

Re: Trolling motor security?

PaKev, You got some great suggestions. I think I'll try the collar bone lock on mine. I'll second the post on the nylon nuts on the bolts, almost lost a TM once. Keep it out of sight when you can and make it tough to take. That's all you can do.