Guide to Boat Security

Boat security features

Securing the contents on your boat, as well as the craft itself, is hugely important as there are many valuable items on your boat. This article looks at what boat security options are available as well as some simple tips to help reduce the risk of theft and avoid being an easy target.

Boat padlocks

Keeping valuables out of sight and locked away is always good practice for security, however, this is not always practical or possible with items such as life rafts and outboard motors. When not in use, having high quality padlocks in place can help to keep these items safe. It is recommended that you buy weatherproof locks to ensure that they are not damaged by water. Bronze or stainless-steel shackles tend to last well in wet conditions, provided they are locked and unlocked regularly to keep the mechanism working smoothly.

Alarmed padlocks and cables

Some modern padlocks have a built-in siren which will sound if they are removed or tampered with. These are really useful as they are quick and easy to fit and may work as a deterrent. These are many different types of alarmed locks, cables and chains available on the market at a range of different prices.

Boat engine immobiliser

Immobilisers works by locking and unlocking the engine using a concealed or remote button which can help to prevent criminals from being able to start the engine even if they have the keys. Like cars, some boat engines come with an immobiliser as standard, but if yours doesn't, it's worth getting one fitted.

Boat alarm stickers

Sometimes all it takes to deter a thief or vandal is to highlight the fact that your boat is protected by an alarm system. It is worth advertising this as clearly as possible by placing stickers in obvious locations around the boat. These stickers will come with most systems and are also widely available online, typically costing very little.

Fit a boat tracker

Should your boat be stolen, having a tracker fitted means your boat may help you to locate your boat and help authorities to recover the vessel. There are a number of trackers available on the market, including equipment which allows you to track your boat in real time from your laptop or mobile phone. This guide from Yachting World lists a number of boat trackers on the market to suit a variety of budgets.

Boat storage options

One way to help reduce the risk of theft or vandalism to your boat is to ensure it is stored as securely as possible. There are a number of options when it comes to storing your boat and it is worth researching to find the best boat storage options to suit your needs, whether that is a marina, dry stack or at home.

Choose a secure marina

Nowadays the majority of marinas have security features in place, such as CCTV and security teams. Key-card systems are also commonplace, meaning that only those with a key can access the pontoons and facilities blocks. When finding a marina for your boat it is always worth enquiring about the security to ensure that you feel confident your boat will be looked after. Take a look at our guide to choosing a marina for more information.

Store your boat in a dry stack

Dry stacks can be a secure way to store your boat and are particularly useful out of season or if you don't use your boat that frequently. This involves lifting your boat out of the water and storing it up on a large rack up in the air. There are a number of dry stacks around the country but it is worth keeping in mind that there will be differing size limits at each so it is important that you check the size limitations at the dry stack to ensure it will be suitable for your boat.

Storing your boat at home

Some people choose to keep their boats at home and this can be a way to keep your boat in sight. Of course, this will be dependent on the size of your boat and the size of your driveway! If you choose to store your boat at home, either in the garage or on the driveway, it is important that you keep it locked and secured at all times to ensure that you don't invalidate your insurance. Storing your boat at home may not always be the best way to deter thieves, so where possible we would recommend using a marina or dedicated storage facility.

Insuring your boat

Insuring your boat can help to give you greater peace of mind. You will also find that most marinas will require you to have a certain level of insurance to be able to berth at their marina. Should the worst happen and your boat is damaged, stolen or vandalised, boat insurance can help to cover some of the costs. For more information on insuring your boat with Towergate, visit our dedicated boat insurance page or call us on 0344 892 1987 to speak to a specialist adviser.