Secure your boat and equipment

Don't leave easy target for thieves

There are several precautions to take to prevent your boat from being stolen.

Some of these crimes are committed by amateurs who cannot resist the temptation to take what is not theirs. There are several types of thieves - young kids, professionals and the person who cannot resist an easy target.

If you leave your boat open with the keys in the ignition or leave articles in plain view on seats and on the dashboard, you are inviting a thief to steal your property. Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board - even if it is for a short time.

You can permanently mark everything on your boat (electronics, boat, trailer and personal items) with the hull vehicle identification number. Make a complete inventory of the boat's equipment and keep it in a safe place. You should have the boat's registration and insurance papers on board. Keep them in a lock box using case-hardened locks such as a Master Lock. Make copies of all important papers and VIN of your boat. Keep a copy on the boat and a duplicate copy at home.

Another way to identify items is to photograph them. This list and pictures will be important when you are dealing with your insurance agent. Most insurance policies have a deductible clause that you are responsible for before the balance is paid.

You may also want to consider an alarm system. Self-contained systems are inexpensive and easy to find at most marine supply stores. The are not hard to install. However, systems not designed for marine use may malfunction or report false alarms.

Your boat should have a kill switch, battery turn-off switch and a hidden fuel cut-off switch. The harder they are to find, the safer your boat will be. Boats on trailers are easy targets for thieves. They only have to back up to the trailer hitch, connect and drive away with boat, trailer and everything in it. You can put a lock on the trailer hitch. Also, you can take one wheel off the trailer. Keep the boat and trailer in a locked garage or out of sight in back on your property. Put the front of the boat and trailer away from the street. Use a large case-hardened chain and secure the trailer to a permanent place such as a large tree.

Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, locker and cupboards and always lock them. Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves. When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a theft, immediately call the police, your insurance company and the marine or storage facility manager. Be sure to check your boat thoroughly to see that your boat is seaworthy.

Sign up for boating course at your local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron. The Cape Coral Power Squadron has classes throughout the year. The power squadron is open from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace. The number is 549-9754.