stolen boats and trailer locks

[Cas]

Over the years we've read about quite a few boats stolen from people here on the boards and a whole lot more we don't hear about. I'm sure a lot of us use the typical tongue locks but I'm guessing very few use a wheel lock of sorts. Along with the tongue lock, I used to chain my boat to my garage door years ago. I just put an eye bolt on the door through one of the 2x4 supports....pretty easy. I've also set u-bolts in concrete for a couple of people so they could also chain the trailer up.
There's some pretty simple solutions that can help deter someone from ripping off your boat and trailer. If it's a tandem axle, chaining the wheels together is one way or just sticking a piece of rebar through the wheels from one side to the other would work. With those options, there has to be slots or holes in the wheels.

[DILLIGAF]

Over the years we've read about quite a few boats stolen from people here on the boards and a whole lot more we don't hear about. I'm sure a lot of us use the typical tongue locks but I'm guessing very few use a wheel lock of sorts. Along with the tongue lock, I used to chain my boat to my garage door years ago. I just put an eye bolt on the door through one of the 2x4 supports....pretty easy. I've also set u-bolts in concrete for a couple of people so they could also chain the trailer up.
There's some pretty simple solutions that can help deter someone from ripping off your boat and trailer. If it's a tandem axle, chaining the wheels together is one way or just sticking a piece of rebar through the wheels from one side to the other would work. With those options, there has to be slots or holes in the wheels.
When I bought the new house I would have had one of those cement blocks put in the floor but did not think about it plus it was too late. I have thought about getting it done but don't want to tear up the nice poly floor

[superdave013]

I think the only way is out of sight out of mind. I keep mine locked and inside a locked garage.
If ya just chain it up outside, a quick snip with a bolt cutter and away it goes. Heck, battery powered grinders and porta band saw are out now too. Those ports band saws don't make much noise either. Not much chance to keep anything safe if they really want it. But if they can't see it then they might not even know it's there.

[Legal Chemistry]

Try a "U-Lock" through the rim... just don't forget to remove it when you go to tow. Did the same thing for my motorcycle.

[MudPumper]

If they want your shit bad enough, they will take it. All you can do is make it as difficult as possible for them to take.

[shaun]

last time i was at the river some guys rolled up and forgot the key to there toy hauler, they had a portable grinder, must have tooken them 30 seconds to cut through the master lock they had on the back.
At least i think it was there trailer :wink:

[Goober]

It only takes me 10sec with a cutting wheel on an air dygrinder or 2 seconds with my bolt cutters. I work in the feilds and have to cut chain and crap a lot. Plus some how i always lose my damn keys to my locks but never to my car.

[Cas]

like I mentioned, they are just things to help deter someone from ripping off your sh*t and moving on. I know if someone tries to steal my boat right now, they will be towing a couple of gates with them also. With my first boat, they would have been towing the garage door, or at least pieces of it, around the neighborhood too. It wouldn't stop them but it sure would make people look at what the hell is going on. It also just might make someone remember what kind of tow vehicle it was.
As far as being inside, there's been quite a few that have been stolen right out of storage units, garages and backyards. If they want it, they're gonna try like hell to get it.
Maybe I'll just get a whacker, nobody really wants those......:D

[ultra tweaker]

these are all good ideas but as my dad use to say,(retired LAPD lieutenant) locks only keep the honest people honest!

[Cas]

these are all good ideas but as my dad use to say,(retired LAPD lieutenant) locks only keep the honest people honest!
very true but the dishonest will be dragging my gate behind them :D

[Bradf]

like I mentioned, they are just things to help deter someone from ripping off your sh*t and moving on. I know if someone tries to steal my boat right now, they will be towing a couple of gates with them also. With my first boat, they would have been towing the garage door, or at least pieces of it, around the neighborhood too. It wouldn't stop them but it sure would make people look at what the hell is going on. It also just might make someone remember what kind of tow vehicle it was.
As far as being inside, there's been quite a few that have been stolen right out of storage units, garages and backyards. If they want it, they're gonna try like hell to get it.
Maybe I'll just get a whacker, nobody really wants those......:D
You are not kidding. Last year someone in my park in parker had their beautiful V-drive stolen out of a locked storage unit. Never saw the boat again =(

[Squirtcha?]

I think the only way is out of sight out of mind. I keep mine locked and inside a locked garage.
I agree with Dave on this one. Also one of the reasons I don't get anything bigger. It won't fit in my garage anymore.
I was thinking about getting one of these for those times I make a road trip and have to leave it at a hotel parking lot n stuff.
http://www.immobilize.com/graphics/immobilizer.jpg
Immobilizer/wheel boot (http://www.immobilize.com/immobilizer.htm)

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

What about a cable and a lock through the wheels?? Make it so they cant see it. Thats what I have. They hook up and try to leave the screamming wheels will make alot of noise. Someone is guarenteed to hear it:idea:

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

If they want your shit bad enough, they will take it. All you can do is make it as difficult as possible for them to take.
Very true to say the least!!!! A good insurance policy will help alot, if you can find someone to insure it.................... :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Moneypitt]

I have no idea of the price, but it seems a lojack system could not only give you a little peace of mind, but also get the dildos that can't leave other peoples possessions alone a trip to the gray bar hotel for awhile. Almost worth a little "baiting", super temptation in the same area were a boat has been stolen recently. Maybe smoke 'em out and find some stolen property along the way........Anyone know the lojack expense?????......MP

[Placecraft Dragstar]

A FEW YEARS AGO A LOJACK SYSTEM WAS $600 INSTALLED BUT THEY HAVE SYSTEMS NOW THAT COST LESS AND YOU CAN MONITOR IT YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN COMPUTER, JUST LOG ON AND IT SHOWS REAL TIME AND WHERE IT HAS TRAVLED, BUT IF THEY TAKE THE BATTERY OUT THEN IT HAS NO POWER TO WORK OFF OF SO YOU MAY NEED A PRIVATE POWER SOURCE THAT THEY CAN NOT SEE. IF YOU DO CATCH PEOPLE LIKE THAT SHOOT THE S.O.B AND DONT ASK QUESTIONS :crossx: :crossx: :crossx:

[DUCKY]

I think the only way is out of sight out of mind. I keep mine locked and inside a locked garage.
If ya just chain it up outside, a quick snip with a bolt cutter and away it goes. Heck, battery powered grinders and porta band saw are out now too. Those ports band saws don't make much noise either. Not much chance to keep anything safe if they really want it. But if they can't see it then they might not even know it's there.
I agree. If they want it bad enough, they will get it, unless they don't know you have it.

[1968Droptop]

Out of sight out of mind is the best moto. I'm lucky enough to store my boat in my shop. I know not everyone has the ability to "hide" their boat. In such a case I'd make a theft as hard as possible, openly advertising how hard it would be to steal my chit. If you make it look hard enough, they're more likely to move on to an easier target.

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

double barell 12 guage and a box of slugs should do the trick:D