subject: Keeping Your Boat Safe And Secure [print this page] To many people, a boat offers a sense of freedom, a way to relax and is a great hobby or interest. The question is - how does one secure their boat to stop people from damaging or stealing it?
The Simple Things
It might be obvious, but many boat thefts occur because owners or users of a boat leave the keys in the ignition, leave the motor idling or leave valuables in clear view. You wouldnt do any of the above mentioned in relation to your car, so why do the same with your boat?
Other basics to consider:
Mark your boat, trailer and all other important and expensive items permanently great identifying options are the hull ID or your drivers licence number.
Catalogue your entire inventory that relates to your boat, including your trailer be sure to include the make, model and any key identifiers of each item. Keep a copy at home and another hidden on the boat to use as a checklist.
Take photos of your inventory from all angles. Once youve done so, upload them onto your computer and save them in a non-descript folder. In addition to this, save them to your web email address in a specific folder. That way, if your computer is stolen, you have alternative access to the photos.
Consider purchasing an alarm system. When buying one, make sure it has been specifically designed for boats. If you have a cabin, selecting one with a smoke alarm can be beneficial. As an alternative or addition to an alarm, you may want to consider a boat lock.
If your boat is moored, check on it regularly, but not at the same time or day. If you cannot get to the boat, ask a friend to help you out.
If you store your boat at home on a trailer, ensure that it is kept behind a locked gate or door and ideally is kept out of sight. Also, dont leave your trailer out in the street unattended, even if there is no boat on it. It is more common for a trailer to be stolen by thieves than a boat that is moored in the water!
Dont forget about your boats windows Locksmiths carry specialty locks and fasteners that can increase the security of your boat. When it comes to sliding windows, place a piece of dowel in the track so that window cannot be opened from the outside.
Insure your boat. With all the time, money and hard work that goes into maintaining a boat, its crucial that you have comprehensive insurance for it.
It really doesnt take much to keep your boat safe and secure. By following these basic steps youll be geared for many more happy boating adventures with family and friends for years to come.
by: Amy Vale
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
