Outboard Stolen

dbrock010 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Well, my Nissan-Marine 9.8 hp outboard was stolen right at my slip in the marina this past weekend while I was out of town. Called my insurance and they said that I only had liability insurance and they won't cover a dime. I had a lock on it and Monterey is supposed to have one of the safest harbors in California. I'm shocked and abated. So, I'm going to get a Honda T-8 high thrust (8hp) with 20" shaft and forward controls (the Nissan dealer is too far away). Any tips on how to prevent theft?

Boasun · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Keep it in your Garage when you are not using it... Then it comes under your household insurance.

tommays · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

I use a stupid big chain But its not like anybody with a battery powered grinder could not cut it in 10 seconds

Just ask anybody who attempts to keep a bike locked up in NYC

Sublime · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

I'd post signs asking if anyone saw and check craigslist in your area.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Use an outboard lock like this:

While they could cut the outboard off the transom, this will keep most of the basic thieves from stealing your outboard.

Also, filing a police report is a good idea. The police can call up the local pawn shops and such to see if someone pawned the outboard. You may want to e-mail a copy of the police report to craigslist and eBay as well.

speciald · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

I had a lock similar to the one above so they broke into the boat and used my tools to disasemble the outboard and left the lock and transom clamp.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

No lock is going to stop the truly determined thief. They could easily use a sawzall to cut the transom as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by speciald

I had a lock similar to the one above so they broke into the boat and used my tools to disasemble the outboard and left the lock and transom clamp.

Bene505 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Sorry to hear that. Now you have me wondering about my insurance on that.

Make it look old and broken? Scratch it? Paint it purple with big yellow polka dots? Seriously though, a good mark that would be instantly recognizable in an ad would be good.

Actually prosecute theives in a way that the public knows the penalty and not letting theives out early for Massachusetts-style furloughs or overcrowding. That's is the only real answer to deterrance without constant guarding and uber-locking.

Regards,
Brad

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Some fundamentalist Islamic countries have the right idea about treating thieves...cutting off their hand...

Bene505 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Some fundamentalist Islamic countries have the right idea about treating thieves...cutting off their hand...

.. and they probably do it in public, to actually make it effective. It would make everyone who saw it think twice. That would certainly keep outboards safe.

However, I wouldn't go that far. People aren't fundamentally bad, it's their behaviors that are sometimes bad. Behaviors change, hands don't grow back. So it takes some strong discouragement, shown in public-- from public humiliation, to whatever. There's a strict sheriff in Texas I heard about. The outboard would probably be a lot safer in his district.

Regards,
Brad