Securing a 4.10 on the beach

[frank]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at upgrading from a good OLD tinnie to a new Challenger 4.10 side console with maybe a 40hp Honda.

We often use the tinnie to access various overnight camp spots on the Gold Coast & Tweed broadwaters, and just drag the tinnie as far up the beach/bank as possible and throw out an anchor.

The old tinnie has always been there in the morning but a new Poly Craft in the same situation has me worried about theft.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about securing a boat/motor in these type of situations?

Cheers,

Frank

[Doug]

I'd be inclined to ensure the motor was locked onto the boat and then take something critical out of the engine (Suggestions from all you blokes with oil under your fingernails?)

My experience on a jetty is of losing things left in boats like oars, gear, anchors etc, so the major hassle becomes taking it all out at night and then restoring it in the morning

[bushbeachboy]

Do you camp in areas that are only accessible by boat, or are they also accessible overland?

I would remove any attractive stuff that is easily stolen, but not worry too much about the rest.

A motor locking device is almost mandatory, but it would take a couple of very strong blokes to carry off a 40HP motor through mud and mangroves.

You could also remove the 'dead man' device so that it can't simply be started and driven off.

Remember that you'll have to drive the poly most of the way up the bank, as it's too heavy to pull or push very far.

If you're on your own, sleep in the boat. Just move stuff around until you get a comfy spot, and throw a tarp over you to keep the dew off.

And importantly....(alco)

[flootapooch]

G'day Frank,

Have you considered an alarm. You can pick up some small battery operated jobs that work on vibration or motion. Just had a bit of a surf and saw this one but I'm sure there are heaps around:

http://www.goldminingcentre.com.au/md/portable%20security%20alarms.html

Your local locksmith or Tandy / Dick Smith would probably be a good start.

I'm thinking about one of these for my 4.1 open. I'm a bit paranoid about losing my boat and gear too, so I reckon one of these under the front hatch or behind a discreet cover might be good. Anyone up to mischief could always take it and chuck it in the water, but by then you are going to know all about it. You could also screw it on.

To be honest, most thieves are gutless so would probably run off leaving a yellow trail behind them.

Cheers,
Pooch.

[flootapooch]

Just a follow up from yesterday.... you inspired me to look in to this a bit more, so I stopped by Bunnings on the way home to see what they had.

Bought an Arlec portable motion alarm for $17. Goes off at 110dB and won't stop without the coded key, so that should put the frighteners up anyone. Haven't tried it yet 'cos the kids were in bed and didn't want to have to peel them off the ceiling.

Will give it a go and let you know.

Cheers,
Pooch.