Locking up 50hp outboards?

[Geordie]

I have recently retired from rags and sticks into motorboating. I now own a boat with 2x 50hp motors on the back. Now I know that small outboards need to be locked against theft. I am thinking of having my boat stored ashore for a few weeks in an unlocked boatyard. Are these outboards too heavy to be pinched, or am I being naive?
If locking is advisable, how do I go about it?

 

[JKay]

Lock 'em up chain them take the props off
swindlers sell special locks!
I'd take them home to the garage to be on the safe side

cheers Joe

 

[Double arvor]

if its on a trailer remove wheelsand padlock towing attachment, there are transom padlocks for outboards around
£50 each for which are insurance approved

hope this helps
barking boy

 

[cptshed]

Most insurance companies stipulate locks for outboards whatever the size.
A cylinder type lock that fits over one of the transom bolts seems the best
type to me, check with your insurance company for their requirements.

As others have said, I would lock everything and remove what cant be
locked, cant be too careful.

Nige'

 

[Lakesailor]

Real thieves carry battery powered angle grinders. Try to ensure that the motor can't be cut off. This includes a section being cut out of the transom. They're not fussy. Best idea still is to put them somewhere else.

 

[andy_wilson]

A 50 hp 2 stroke is liftable by 2 geezers! If it's 4 stroke they may regret it, but hey, when did that stop an idiot trying!

 

[Its_Only_Money]

[ QUOTE ]
Real thieves carry battery powered angle grinders.

[/ QUOTE ]

...or even chainsaws for the transom!

 

[cptshed]

I guess whatever precautions you take there will be some numbnuts that will have
a go !!. Thats why I think he would be wise to check with the insurance company.
I'd hate to find that I wasnt covered if had to make such a claim.


Nige'

 

[Geordie]

Many thanks for all your replies. They have been very helpful.

Geordie

 

[Red]

I once had a boat with twin 50hp outboards on the tramsom kept at home. When I came back home from a weekend away both engines had been claenly removed - bolts unbolted, cables cleanly cut through. The engines had to be carried 100yds in open view to anyone, no one saw or heard anything. The insurance did not cover the theft because the insurance policy stipulated that locks/antithft had to be fitted to the engines. I was lucky insurance did pay up.

 

[hobiecat]

Some outboard manufacturers are starting to offer alarms which might be of interest.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

How about buying a set of four locking wheel nuts and using two on each motor. You will be able to find stainless bolts of equivalent size. Just need to make sure that the bolts aren't to wide in diameter to go through the mounting yolks. You could probably widen them a little if needed.

 

[Lakesailor]

Still doesn't help if they're using power grinders or saws.

 

[Lakesailor]

Still doesn't help if they're using power grinders or saws.

Probably the only dependable protection si to do exactly what your insurance company ask of you. Then at least you've a claim if the worst happens.