Boat Trailer Theft Prevention

[Luddo]

G'day Fisho's

Just wondering if any of you guys/girls could recommend a method of preventing a boat and trailer from getting stolen. I don't want my new boat to get knocked off!!!

What do you other boat owners out there use and prefer, wheel clamps or trailer locks and whether or not they are worth the investment.

Thanks

Luddo

[jimi]

I guess that depends on how paranoid you are. I haven't had a problem yet, but plenty of people have.

It's not just at the ramp where you have to be careful. If you have to leave your boat in your front yard at home, it is more likely to get stolen there than anywhere else.

If theives really want it, they will find a way around any security device, but if yours is harder to steal than the one parked next to it (if at the ramp) then........well you know the rest.

Chaining your rig to a post at home is supposed to be next to useless as the theives carry boltcutters most of the time.

Wheel clamping would be a good option to prevent trailer theft as it is highly visible and works pretty well. They are not cheap though. Something else very useful is one of those clamps that goes over the coupling. There are some that can be used both when the trailer is attached and when it's off. Check out http://www.biasboating.com.au/trailer_access.html

Taking off a wheel or unbolting the hitch is another good idea if you have to store your boat in a visible place at home.

Have a read of this club marine article online. It has some very good info on protecting your boat http://www.clubmarine.com.au/internet/clubmarine.nsf/docs/MG16-6+Theft

cheers
James