About boat theft...I know a cheap way to prevent it...

[Kelly Ripa]

If you go online you'll find that they seel a boot that goes over the wheel ( Just like the cops use if you screw up and park and they are going to tow it). It takes minutes to install and nobody is going to go anywhere with your rig with this unit attached. They aren't real pricey and can be used on a varitey of trailers and wheels as you can buy them by the rim size and move it around as you desire. To me it advertise's the fact that you aren't going anywhere without a struggle and that is usually what the perp is trying to avoid. What do ya think?

[Rob Cummings]

I think that if they want it bad enough they'll find a way, wheel boot or not. Is it something a portable oxygen/acetylene torch won't cut off in minutes? I think that it also advertises to them that you have something valuable that you don't want to lose. 15 boats in a parking lot and one has a wheel boot on it, which one do you think will catch their attention first?

[Kelly Ripa]

I saw bring it on MF....I see it exactly the oposite....15 boats sitt'n there one is locked...Go for it...Get out a tourch and have at it, or drive away with the one that has a piece of cheese lock on it. I don't think many will be out after a 9 year old boat but the stories of how stupid the thiefs are makes me think that on seeing the boot they will assume the police are involved and will stay awy from them altogether. I am a machinist and I doubt anyone can keep me out of anything ....I just figured advetising what a pain in the *** this jack is going to be will make it a easier decission for the scum looking it over. I never leave anything of value in my lockers and leave them unlocked when my boat is parked...Knock on wood no problems ever.....Except for the nameless pos that I turned into the lake patrol for being drunk and having his 10 year old drive him around the lake...After he got pitched from the lake he stayed around and grabbed all of my rods and was walk'n away with them when officer O'Malley caught him red handed ...I didn't press charges and he's banned for life from Cachuma...Great way to raise the kids The lake patrol was sure he'd try something in his state of intoxication and he waited around the marina area for 2 hours while I towed in a rental boat out of gas and the a pontoon boat with engine trouble and decidid to go home as I wasn't fishing much anyways. I have always felt that the locker bar systems employed across our locker lids advertise's that there is something in the lockers of value and thereby might invite an investigation...Just me. I got this idea when I started reading how many trucks like mine were being stolen from the long term parking down in San Diego in the parking lot for the long term fisherman at the landings. Guys with kill switch devices were having to pay thousands because the theifs would get in and damage the hell out of stuff and leave it for the next one that didn't have a switch...I figured a big ol' yellow boot would keep em' away to begin with

[Kbeever]

I believe that is what insurance is for.

Truth be told, I bet a lot of guys wish their boats were stolen so they could get themselves a new rig.

[Bill Brown Jr.]

Kelly is dead on with his assumption of most situations.

It is true that if someone wants it bad enough there is not much, short of shooting their gonads off, that will stop them from taking it. On the same token, the vast majority of these S.O.B.s are opportunistic p.o.s. They are not going to cut through a loc-r-bar or wheel lock when they can just go to the next boat over without the added security. It is a simple matter of risk vs. reward. The easier target offers a potential reward with reduced risk of being caught. Same reason why these same S.O.B.s rob the elderly and women. Easier target of opportunity. They don't want to face a fired up man when they can intimidate and scare women, kids, and the elderly.

Their scum, not total idiots (well not most).

[hang'emhigh]

I agree with Kelly.

I would not bypass putting bars on my house windows in South L.A. just because I feel if they want in bad enough they will get in.

The bottomline is that these guys will take the path of least resistance if given one. I do not see guys going after a boat because they conclude that it must be more valuable due to having a boot on it. All things equal, if they have a Ranger A w/boot sitting next to Ranger B, they are not jacking the Ranger A because it has a boot and might be more valuable. They are going with Ranger B because they are probably most concerned with minimizing their time spent in the act of the crime.


Just my .02 on the psychology of the perp

Victor

[Hollywood]

There used to be a boat alarm system called Boat Patrol. I had it on my ranger and it was great.

If you hooked it up a blaring alarm was going off while your towing it, if you hop in the boat a sensor went off, if you open one of the compartments the alarm went off, if your boat was in a slip and the alarm went off it would not start as it had a disabler for the ignitiion.

It may not stop a boat theft as if they want it bad enough they will get it but for a few hundred bucks it would be a good though.

[Kelly Ripa]

Cheap way to prevent this was my intrest and motivation. I can do a lot in the way of alarms but...They const dinero! I see on the other board that residents of Oakdale are having a continuing problem at a local Denny'd and it's only bass boats. I'd set em up to fall hard myself.If the PD isn't up for it I'd think that a little time invested would payoff for a bunch of guys in the long run.

[Rob Cummings]

Of course everyone is going to agree with Kelly Ripa, that's how it works around here.

There is truth to both sides. Yes, most criminals are opportunistic and will take the path of least resistance. If they just want to steal a boat then it wouldn't matter. However, there are also criminals who realize the difference between a Ranger/Champion/Triton and are after something specific and will do anything to get what they're after. If they want it, they're taking it boot or not.


The smartest thing said in this entire post was Kbeever..."that's what insurance is for".

[Hollywood]

Your right about that

If they want it, they're taking it boot or not.

[Kelly Ripa]

Somebody needs to take a happy pill. Of course everbody is going to agree with me That's a laugh. I found my own peace of mind and ordered my boot just last week. Whatever flips your flapjack.

[mark poulson]

Rob,
In a former life, I was intimately aquainted with the scum who do this kind of stuff.
99% are looking for a quick, easy hit.
You can't defeat the 1% who have a torch, or a cordless sawzall, but I think the boot will make it a lot less desireable.
People put alarms in their houses to discourage the many. The few, the Pros, are in and out before the alarm co patrol or police can respond. They have it timed down to the minute. But most burglars are opportunists, who take the easy stuff, and don't want the hassle of alarms, or boots.
Next time I see you at Casitas, I'll talk to you a little more about it.

[Kelly Ripa]

Marks going to talk to Rob about this !!! I don't know Mark are you sure you and the family don't want to go one lake further up the coast? Sure all the lakes are bendo then but a little birdie sez there won't be 200 boats there and personally I like being able to whack'm on every rod in the boat! Prolly go there this weekend if I can...It's been to long and I miss Lopez...The Tigers at this lake are are in my opinion a better looking fish than Cachumas...They just seem more riverrun ( Dark Colored )....I do know where I can get a rip fish smallie "first cast" for you during your time frame! But only if you ya want?

Rip

[mark poulson]

Kelly,
Who would want to rip a smallie?
I'm drooling (more than usual). I have short timers syndrom.
Come on March 30! I can't wait.
I'm thinking about playing hooky this Friday, and going to Casitas. My little one is going to be gone to religious school camp for three days, and I'll be solo cholo.
Casitas Friday, Piru prefish Saturday , Piru club tourney Sunday.
Tough job, but someone's got to do it.

[Brian D.]

If that don't work, then here is some info that might be useful if you do get vandalized.

Boat Theft Prevention
Equipment Identification
Boat owners should mark all equipment when purchased. Many local law enforcement agencies will loan an engraver for this purpose. Engrave a unique identification number and the state's abbreviation in a concealed area. These identification numbers will assist law enforcement officers in tracing stolen merchandise back to the owner.

If your boat was built before 1972, it may not have a hull identification number. Since most registration numbers can be removed easily, it is a good idea to inscribe that registration number onto some unexposed location on the interior of your boat. This works well for backup identification.

Document It
Make a complete inventory of your marine equipment, boat and trailer. In the event of any type of loss, this information will prove invaluable in making a prompt, accurate report for law enforcement and insurance personnel.

Photograph or videotape the interior and exterior of your vessel showing all installed equipment and additional gear. Date and sign the photographs and add any clarifying or identifying messages. Store the photographs in a safe place, not in the boat.

Store It
When securing the vessel, take home as much gear as possible, including TVs, radios. CBs, small outboard engines and other gear. There may be some equipment which must be left on the vessel. Rather than leaving it around the cabin, lock equipment inside when you leave. A secure boat cover would also help. Out of sight —out of mind!

Outboard motors, especially the larger ones, may be impractical to remove. Adding an outboard motor lock can make them more secure.

Trailerable Boats
Stealing a boat is much easier if a thief can hitch up to your boat on a trailer and drive away. These tips may help.

If possible, store the boat and trailer in a locked garage, secured boat-storage facility or mini-storage stall.
Boats stored at home may be put in the back or side yard out of sight.
Store the boat with the trailer tongue not easily accessible.
If storing a boat in an open driveway, carport or open side-lot, park another vehicle or other large object in front of the trailer.
Remove one trailer wheel.
Store the spare tire in an automobile, truck or secure it to the trailer with a chain and lock.
Secure the boat and trailer to a permanent object with a good quality chain and lock.
Purchase a good quality trailer hitch lock and use it — even if stored inside.
When it is necessary to leave your boat along the shoreline during an extended outing, remove the outboard motor or secure it with a transom lock.
Vessel Security
There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of vessel theft.

Marine Hatch: Marine dealers carry special exterior hatch locks. When fastened with a quality padlock, one of these improves security. Depending on the type of boat, it may be possible to add or substitute hinges for improved security.
Forward Hatch: Special interior hatch fasteners, or even a padlock can be added. These should be unlocked when the boat is in use.
Windows: For sliding windows, place a length of doweling in the track to prevent the window from being forced open. Locksmiths and hardware dealers also carry a variety of special, small locks and fasteners which can be used to increase the security of other types of windows.
There are many systems which can be installed on boats. Care should be taken to select one designed for marine use — one that is resistant to water, salt and humidity with a reset function.

Report It
If your boat, trailer or gear is missing, report it immediately to the following groups. Use your written and photographic marine record to give specific and complete information.

Local law enforcement agencies.
Your insurance company.
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The dock or harbormaster.
Neighboring boaters.
Local newspapers.
When Buying a Boat
Be careful when buying a boat because it could be stolen.
Be certain that the boat's description on the title matches the boat you are buying. Check year, make, length and hull identification number.
Be sure the model and serial number on an outboard motor have not been removed, tampered with or altered.
Be suspicious of a fresh paint job on a late model vessel.
When buying a used vessel, try to deal with a reputable marine dealer or a broker licensed by the state.
If the price seems too good to be true, there is a good chance that the boat is stolen.

[Kelly Ripa]

That there isn't a post that there is a genuine article! Nice work Brian! Stony, a little help here? Put this puppy on the main page.

[hang'emhigh]

Cost/Benefit Analysis = Boot

As for the Rott, it's easier to use and carry a steak bone than a torch.

I for one always carry a tube steak on me, but I don't know if I want a boat that bad.

Victor

[mark poulson]

Victor, that's not a pretty picture!