Boat security

[HuskerDave]

We're hoping to head out cruising this fall (after hurricanes pass). We were out on our boat this weekend, and I was thinking about security that might be needed in some parts of the world.

Our entryway between cockpit and salon is lockable by key from the outside, and by a latch on the inside - that seems safe. But in our boat (Beneteau 423) the foreward hatch is the foreward escape route from below, and that hatch can be easily opened from inside OR outside.

Is there a good system for installing a lock or something on that hatch to prevent unattended access to the inside of the boat?

[deniseO30]

If your locked in they will just sink you or at least point in the ports and make fun at you cowering down below? A good alarm; cans and or pots and pans that rattle if boarded, protection is a simple as is broken glass on deck, if they are barefoot pirates. (re "sailing around the world by Joshua slocum)

A M-50 mounted just inside the forward hatch and companion way would be a great 2nd line of defense too! although I Wouldn't mind having Laura Croft on board either!

I Can't help but wonder if an unlocked boat is less liked to be searched for valuables then a locked one.

[sailingdog]

I would rather have a katana and a mossberg shotgun for the 2nd line of defense.

I'd point out that the size of the boat has a lot to do with whether they bother you or not. Also, most "thieves" are not pros, they're opportunists...so if you make your boat marginally tougher than the next one... they'll usually go onto the next boat.

[wind_magic]

The obvious answer is don't load a boat up with expensive stuff and sail it into the third world. 50% of the people on the earth live on less than 2.50$us/day, less than 1000$us/year, about twice as much as your fancy new iPad.