Long story .

[ROLAND]

First of all that sucks that you can't have your boat in an area where you don't have to worry about it.... that said, am I missing an obvious solution.. isn't there some way you could secure a heavy chain from your fencing or someplace on your boat and chain it to the lift / dock / post.... anything that would prevent them from taking the boat out... also, again, maybe I'm just missing something here, but take the key with you.... even though I keep my boat in a rented storage facility, I never leave the key in the ignition... always afraid some some idiot might get up there and decide to fire her up.... do reason to provide temptation... sorry about your security issues... hope it all works out for you.. I'm like bmr... If I caught someone screwing around with my boat I would be one pissed off old man...

[smoker62]

He does not leave the key in the boat and he did cable it to the dock the second time he found it was boarded. Even if they dont take it out, just the fact they removed his full cover, put up his bimini and sat on it partying at the dock would be enough to warrant an ass kicking.

He pulled his out last Sunday so I am anxious to get up there this weekend and see if mine is now the target. I too will pull out and trailer for the remaining season.

[STEVEBRENDA]

It is a big inconvience, but pull the battery out of the boat when you leave, or install a hidden battery switch. I do not think anyone is going to throw a battery into your boat just so they could listen to music and party on your boat.

[baxt3r]

I'll second the battery switch.

I've had some issues with people boarding my boat this year and I am currently working on a solution. It won't be a deterrent but it will help in identifying the people screwing with boats. We've had a couple items stolen from boats and one boat cut loose from the dock (no, it wasn't bad knots or anything like that). We think someone was trying to hotwire it an got cocky when they crossed wires and heard the starter spin. Fortunately, a local fisherman wrangled the boat back into the slip....motor first. but

Another possible option is to install some metal eyelets to run small cables with padlocks through. You can get a set of 4 matching padlocks from Home Depot for fairly cheap, maybe $20. Make it a PITA to get on the boat and they'll bypass you for another one. Get multiple people complaining about unauthorized use and you've got enough to make the owners pay attention. Bad new travels fast, especially if a news crew gets involved. *Professional Boat Thieves Target Local Marina While Owners Ignore Problem* would make a very catchy headline.

[foster brooks]

One fix is to install a remote switch so when the key is turned to run or accessory the horn comes on.