Epropulsion outboard security

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yotter

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I have a shiny new EPropulsion Spirit plus leccy outboard. I am looking for the best way to minimise the chances of it getting nicked from the transom of the dinghy. The detachable battery does have a loop forming the carry handle that a wire could easily go through, but the motor/leg does not. Has anyone else figured out to secure it. The link below is an option, but seems quite expensive.

ePropulsion Spirit Lock Kit | True North Sailing
 
Outboard motor lock (stainless box that goes over the thumbscrews holding the leg on the transom). And a steel wire through the battery handle and around the lock.

It's only ever a deterrent for opportunist theft as anyone minded to do so will come equipped & nick it anyway.

My insurance (Nav & General) wanted the serial number of the leg and the battery to insure it.
 
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Outboard motor locks do a lock specially sized for EProp.

Protecting boat-owners from outboard theft - Outboard Motor Loc Ltd manufacturer of high quality 316 marine grade stainless steel motor locks

Excellent. No connection other than as a very satisfied customer, for several locks (on different boats!).

Q. I use a wire cable lock to additionally secure the battery, but suspect that the lift handle is just a piece of unreinforced soft plastic? Does anyone know for sure?
It seems very vulnerable to attack by cutting the handle...
 
Boater Sam said:
Insure it and stop worrying.
Click to expand...
Most (all?) insurers insist on it being locked with an outboard specific lock - i.e. not just a cable or padlock. Presumably the lock in the OP meets that definition despite looking like the body is plastic? I've not found anything similar for the elite model yet - although its light enough to carry with you if you are worried but thats not really practical if you are walking a mile to the shops and lugging a load of provisions back... although fortunately I tend to boat in areas where "outboard engine stolen" would be newsworthy for the local press.
 
The battery is the main cost of the unit and the leg without the battery is almost worthless.
In my view the most secure option is to remove the battery and take it with you in the provided rucksack.
If you're in a harbour with an RNLI lifejacket locker the battery will fit inside one of these.
 
orangemikey said:
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In my view the most secure option is to remove the battery and take it with you in the provided rucksack.
…..
Click to expand...
But if you like going exploring on foot, let alone walking up hills, carting a battery pack around with you is hardly convenient.
It is the security / theft issue for a circa £2k item that stops me from changing to an electric outboard.
Our 25 year old eBay purchase outboard stays on the dinghy stern from April till October, and dinghy and outboard are regularly left unattended (only kill cord removed) when ashore. Much simpler and less worries.
 
ylop said:
Most (all?) insurers insist on it being locked with an outboard specific lock - i.e. not just a cable or padlock. Presumably the lock in the OP meets that definition despite looking like the body is plastic? I've not found anything similar for the elite model yet - although its light enough to carry with you if you are worried but thats not really practical if you are walking a mile to the shops and lugging a load of provisions back... although fortunately I tend to boat in areas where "outboard engine stolen" would be newsworthy for the local press.
Click to expand...
Mine for the thumbscrews came from Nestaway who sold me the epropulsion as well.
The cable bit for the battery came from halfords for push bikes.
The padlocks are abus and abloy.
Just need to sort out the oars .....

There is only so much deterring you can do to protect your property and I think that mine is about right. If they want your engine they can always chainsaw the transom !

IMG_1844-1.jpg IMG_1842 1.JPG
 
dunedin said:
But if you like going exploring on foot, let alone walking up hills, carting a battery pack around with you is hardly convenient.
It is the security / theft issue for a circa £2k item that stops me from changing to an electric outboard.
Our 25 year old eBay purchase outboard stays on the dinghy stern from April till October, and dinghy and outboard are regularly left unattended (only kill cord removed) when ashore. Much simpler and less worries.
Click to expand...
it does feel like a design flaw in all OB's but especially ultraportable, high-value ones, not to have a lock built in (the part in the OP could easily be designed in for very little cost), for exactly the sort of reasons you highlight... but I actually worry more (still not very much) that some 'yoof' will have nicked the whole dinghy or cast it loose leaving me no way back to the mothership...
 
ylop said:
it does feel like a design flaw in all OB's but especially ultraportable, high-value ones, not to have a lock built in (the part in the OP could easily be designed in for very little cost), for exactly the sort of reasons you highlight... but I actually worry more (still not very much) that some 'yoof' will have nicked the whole dinghy or cast it loose leaving me no way back to the mothership...
Click to expand...
I have a long SS wire rope that Locke engine and dingy also life jackets when ashore,.
 
I was in Holyhead and a local advised outboards get stolen so I took it off and stored in locker, went out got pissed and went bed . Woke up next morning took dog , spotted no engine got back said to wife the thieving tw### have had my engine , she says the one in the lazerete. Dink is a wonderful thing.
 
Agree with everything above. All depends on the situation. I detach and use bicycle D lock for the battery or put it in the rucksack and go to the pub. Another bike lock/heavy cable for the motor to something solid. The process is a pain but sensible. The floppy old Avon is not too much a target I hope. I will use the oars and leave the outboard on board if it seems a dodgy place!
 
orangemikey said:
The battery is the main cost of the unit and the leg without the battery is almost worthless.
In my view the most secure option is to remove the battery and take it with you in the provided rucksack.
If you're in a harbour with an RNLI lifejacket locker the battery will fit inside one of these.
Click to expand...
Its quite heavy about 10Kg, but I guess its an option. RNLI lockers a good idea though.
 
FairweatherDave said:
Agree with everything above. All depends on the situation. I detach and use bicycle D lock for the battery or put it in the rucksack and go to the pub. Another bike lock/heavy cable for the motor to something solid. The process is a pain but sensible. The floppy old Avon is not too much a target I hope. I will use the oars and leave the outboard on board if it seems a dodgy place!
Click to expand...
Take it to the pub in the rucksack to charge it up, I like that, the dog will be made redundant:-)
 
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