Summertime is the best time of year to be on the water, but even when you're not out there enjoying your boat, you need to make sure it's protected. Boat theft is a real issue, and it can happen to anyone. That's why we've put together this list of tips for preventing your boat from being stolen. Follow these tips, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that your boat is safe and sound!
What Do You Need To Protect?
The first step in protecting your boat is to understand what you need to protect. Your boat, of course, but also any belongings that are on board and your boat trailer. Make a list of everything that you would want to keep safe and make sure all of those items are accounted for. This includes things like:
Once you know what needs to be protected, you can start taking steps to secure those items.
Use Common Sense
Of course, one of the best ways to protect your boat is to use common sense. Don't leave your boat unlocked and unattended in public areas. And be sure to notify the authorities if you see anything suspicious around your boat or marina. By using common sense and being aware of your surroundings, you can help deter would-be thieves and keep your boat safe all season long.
Lock it Down When It's Not In Use
A simple way to prevent boat theft is to lock the boat whenever it isn't in use. This might seem like an obvious solution, but you'd be surprised how many people don't take this basic security measure. If your boat is stored on your property, make sure it's locked up in a garage or shed when you're not using it. And if you keep your boat at a marina, be sure to use the available security features. Most marinas will have gates and locks that you can use to secure your boat.
Invest in a Security System
Another great way to protect your boat is to invest in a security system. There are many different types of systems available, so do some research to find one that will work best for your needs. A good security system will include features like motion sensors, cameras, and alarms. This will deter thieves and also give you peace of mind knowing that your boat is being monitored even when you're not there.
Remove Valuables & Expensive Equipment
One of the main reasons people steal boats is to sell the parts or equipment onboard. So, it's important to remove any valuables or expensive equipment from your boat when you're not using it. This includes things like GPS units, stereos, and fishing gear. If possible, store these items in a secure location off-site. That way, even if your boat is stolen, the thieves won't be able to profit from it.
Avoid Standing Out
Making your boat too noticeable can also make it a target for theft. So, try to avoid making it stand out too much when it's not in use. If you keep your boat at a marina, don't leave it decorated with lights or flags. And if you store it on your property, be sure to keep it out of sight from the street.
Pick a Good Marina
When you're not using your boat, it's essential to store it safely. If you keep your boat at a marina, be sure to choose one that has good security measures in place. This includes things like gates, locks, and surveillance cameras. A good marina will also have staff on-site 24/seven to help deter thieves and keep an eye on things.
Store It Properly
There are still ways to protect it from theft if you don't have a garage or shed to store your boat in. One option is to cover your boat with a tarp or storage cover. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your boat and its contents.
Ensure It Can't Be Moved When Parked
You should also make sure that your boat cannot be moved when parked. If you have a trailer, invest in wheel locks or chocks. This will prevent thieves from being able to hook up your boat and drive off with it. You can also use a cable lock to secure your boat to a fixed object like a tree or pole. This will make it much more difficult for thieves to steal your boat and will also deter them from even trying.
Install Tracking Device
Installing a tracking device on your boat is a great way to protect it. This will help you track down your boat if it's ever stolen. There are many different types of tracking devices available, so do some research to find one that will work best for your needs. A good tracking device will have real-time tracking, geo-fencing, and remotely disabled features. This way, you can always know where your boat is and even disable it remotely if it's ever stolen.
Good Watercraft Insurance
Even if you take all the necessary precautions to protect your boat, there's always a chance that it could be stolen or damaged. That's why it's crucial to have good watercraft insurance. This will help you financially if your boat is ever stolen or damaged. When choosing a watercraft insurance policy, be sure to get one that covers both theft and damage. That way, you'll be covered no matter what happens to your boat.
If you're looking for a good watercraft insurance policy, look no further than MD Marine. We offer comprehensive coverage for both theft and damage and the [MD Advantage](https://mdmarine.ca/md-advantage), which has perks that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. So, you can rest assured knowing that your investment is protected.
Boat theft is a real issue, and it can happen to anyone. That's why we've put together this list of tips for preventing your boat from being stolen. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your boat is safe and secure.
If you want additional peace of mind, [contact MD Marine](https://mdmarine.ca/contact-us) to learn more about our watercraft insurance. We offer comprehensive coverage to protect your boat from theft, damage, and more. Don't wait –[get a quote today!]https://mdmarine.ca/quote)
