Hatch Security

[ditchcrawler]

What is the best device to lock the hatch.Locally there have been a few break ins & the traditional hasp & staple do not seem up to the job.The only special lock I have seen is the Cabinlock sold by Moodys.Any advice gratefully received

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[philip_stevens]

Have a look at the arrangement that was on my Konsort at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/html/hatchseckonsort_mods.html>http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/html/hatchseckonsort_mods.html</A>.

It is as secure as the strength of the padlocks.

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Philip

 

[sailorman]

imho
if they intend to get in they will.
there are numerious battery tools availabe thers days.
Alarms might be an answern suitable "signed - up" to deter
They got into Brinks Mat !.

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[charles_reed]

Security

However much like Fort Knox you try and make your boat, you'll do no more than slow down the professional and perhaps deter the odd amateur thief.

Providing the boat is not in a very secluded position, you might find fitting a simple hatch-operated siren a better alternative.
My siren is alongside the main hatch and on 2 occasions the sheer discomfort of the decibels, drove the intruders away. It's quite easy to fit and wire one yourself, but does, of course, need a continuous 12v supply.
Do make sure the arming switch, whilst concealed, is accessible to authorised visitors - the siren is truly painful in the confined space of a saloon.

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[Quartet]

Try thought transference. If you make your hatch appear seriously well protected, by a decent quality hasp ( or better, two) through bolted, with 'penny washers' and locking nuts on the inside, with good quality close shackled padlocks, and then draw the boat curtains closed so that tempting goodies are not on view, you generally get the miscreant to transfer his thoughts elsewhere. As another contributor commented, a professional thief will still get in, but most thieves are opportuinistic little b******s who will move on to easier pickings. Several years ago, three boats laid up either side of mine were broken into, there were muddy footprints in my cockpit, but no theft and no damage, so I think it worked !

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