Target Hardening – Boat/Trailer

Aluminum boat and jet ski trailers rank among the top security problems in our neighborhood. Many have gone missing and we know of none that have been recovered. They are easy to transport and are sometimes quickly turned into scrap metal. Consider storing your boat trailer at an offsite, secure facility.

Add additional security measures using chains through wheel wells and a quality padlock on the trailer tongue. (Quality padlocks have double-locking shackles at the toe and heel, a hardened steel shackle (the larger the diameter the better), a five pin tumbler, and a key-retaining feature that prevents removal of the key when unlocked.)

Stolen canoes and kayaks also seem to rank among the top five concerns. Secure them with appropriate chains and heavy duty locks.

Remove valuable items from your boat, purchase a custom-made cover for your boat to help secure valuables, or both. (The cover has the secondary benefit of protecting cushions and equipment from sun- and other weather-related damage.)

Consider adding an alarm sensor on your lift control box.

Record serial numbers of all after-market components added to your boat (e.g., after-market stereo components and depth finder). Law enforcement has access to a nationwide online database that pawn shops use to enter serial numbers for all incoming merchandise. If a match is found, you significantly increase the odds of catching the thief and having your items returned. (Even if no match is found, this list may still come in handy with your insurance company.)

. This can be performed from the main circuit breaker panel in one’s home. Alternatively, some installations have a dock subpanel, allowing the homeowner to switch off power to just the lift motors. If using the subpanel, make sure to add a padlock if it is located outside your home. As part of their normal operating regiment, some neighbors only turn the lift motor circuit breakers on when they are using the lifts and turn them back off after use.