Outboard engine lock

rbmatthews

rbmatthews

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I know that there has been discussion before on outboard engine locks, but I am wondering what the experience is of these MotorLoc Volcano ones specifically?

http://www.outboardmotorlocks.co.uk/boltlock.html#v

Given that they are quite pricey, has anyone found that they work, or more to the point I suppose, that they don't work?

We have a Mariner Optimax 75 that we would quite like to keep with the boat for the foreseeable future. Are there any other types of lock we should be considering?

R.
 
rbmatthews said:
I know that there has been discussion before on outboard engine locks, but I am wondering what the experience is of these MotorLoc Volcano ones specifically?

http://www.outboardmotorlocks.co.uk/boltlock.html#v

Given that they are quite pricey, has anyone found that they work, or more to the point I suppose, that they don't work?

R.
Click to expand...

Interesting concept but this is not a typical outboard lock for dinghy use we all know so well. This is aimed at the higher end outboards where the mounting bolts are pushed through the transom. The lock system prevents a damaged bolt being driven through after cutting. I'm not sure if it would work so well if someone attacked the dome end of a coach bolt with an angle grinder tho... :confused:

This type is more common:
http://www.outboardmotorlocks.co.uk/

They protect the standard mounting bolts, to a point. I guess if those scrotes want it badly enough, it'll go.:disgust:

RR
 
I looked into the topic and discussed with my insurance company. They said that while there were o.b thefts, it wasnt pandemic , so as long as there was "a" lock, the o/b was covered and didnt hit ncd or excess (I think)> Smaller o/b than yours , though, but I think the "gangs" dont really care about the lock.. they are going to use a chain saw or angle grinder on your transom to get the o/b off. Which leaves you with the interesting question of whether a fancier lock is a + or a -.
 
No lock is 100% secure. If a thief wants an engine they will find a way to take it, even if it means taking the transom off the boat (it has been known). If an engine has a lock the thief will think twice about trying to get it, some locks are harder to crack than others!
 
Our Honda is secured with two set screws that have sliding tommy-bars with an eye at each end - with the bars slid right through, the eyes in the centre line up and it is easy to slip the hasp of a padlock through - thus locking the two tommy bars together and stopping them being unscrewed - far cheaper than any purpose built outboard locks!
 
Plyn said:
No lock is 100% secure. If a thief wants an engine they will find a way to take it, even if it means taking the transom off the boat (it has been known). If an engine has a lock the thief will think twice about trying to get it, some locks are harder to crack than others!
Click to expand...

I think that depends on the thief. Your own ins. co. may advise, but while the 3.5hp might be the local sticky fingers guy, the larger stuff might well be organised gangs.I am not sure they give two hoots about your lock- just chop the back off the boat.Alot faster.
 
Question is if a lock is meant to be 100% safe or just turn the thief away (towards another poor boat)?

I had a Volcano on my last outboard. It worked perfectly for all the time I had it (as the engine was not stolen and to my knowledge nobody even tried to attack it).

I found it well worth the money
 
Thanks for all your answers.

Just to summarise, it seems that there are two functions needed for an outboard lock:

1. Act as a deterrant for would-be thieves - as has been pointed out, if thieves are determined, then nothing will stop them, but at least it might make a chancer think twice.
2. Satisfy insurance companies. The wording in my policy says "... no claim shall be allowed in respect of ... theft of an outboard motor unless secured to the Vessel by an appropriate anti-theft device in addition to its normal method of attachment, or following violent forcible entry into the Vessel or place of storage;"

I had also thought about the SmartWater approach (http://www.smartwater.com/) that is being promoted, but that wouldn't seem to satisfy item 2 above, so it looks like some kind of lock. The Volcano does seem to be well-made, and surely the price would convince the insurance company that it is "an appropriate anti-theft device"! :)

R.
 
I'd get the insurance campany's approval of choise, in writing, once you have decided.

That, together with proof of purchase, could make your day in the event of a theft.
 
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