Having a boat can be a lot of fun. However, purchasing and maintaining a boat can be very expensive.
This means that security is important to protect your investment. Here are six simple tips for securing your boat and boathouse:
Don’t Leave Keys in Your Boat
Never leave your keys inside the boat. Leaving the keys in the boat will allow anyone and everyone that wants to leave with your boat easy access.
If you insist on leaving your keys in the boathouse, then you will need to have a lock box in place which can only be opened with a combination.
This will ensure that only you can get to the keys.
Lock the Boathouse Doors
This one may seem obvious, but be sure that when you leave the boathouse you lock the doors.
If doors are left unlocked, thieves and vandals are able to enter with little to no effort.
If you seem to forget to lock the door on a regular basis, you can install a keypad lock that locks when the door closes. This is an automatic way of offer additional security to the boathouse, as well as the boat.
Lockers and Storage Chests
Having a way to store personal items inside the boathouse is convenient for many common boating items such as life jackets and spare boat parts.
Make sure that anything you would like secured is placed in the storage chest. These not only keep the area clean and tidy but deters potential thieves.
Remove Valuables
When it is time to leave the boathouse, you need to remove all valuables. Leaving valuables in the boathouse, especially in sight, invites theft.
This includes important documents such as your boat registration, which should be kept inside the house in a secure area with other similar documents.
When you leave, open the blinds so possible thieves will see there are no items inside to steal.
Used Timed Lights
Another great security measure is timed lights.
Having your lights on a timer will offer visibility of the boathouse and will deter thieves. These can be purchased at any local hardware store.
Keep the Area Clean
When an area is not properly maintained it will look abandoned.
Abandoned means “up for grabs” in the world of theft. Keeping grass cut and limbs trimmed will show that the place is active and should not be messed with.