Outboard lock recommendations

[Fantasie 19]

So I have a new outboard, a nice shiny new one (4 stroke 6Hp; thanks Giblets.. ) but it is a little heavier than my old 2 stroke 4Hp - about a couple of kilo's heavier... it's on the margin for me considering leaving it on the back of the boat.. if I do, what are the forum's recommendation for a decent outboard lock?

I'm not really interested if it involves drilling into or modifying the hull - there comes a point when the damage done in stealing the thing (and I've heard of chainsaws being used) outweighs the cost of replacing the engine...

 

[Topcat47]

I have a "marine" SS padlock in mine which goes through holes in the clamps, connecting them together. A deterrent for the casual tea leaf, but not to the serious burglar. There aren't any that'll stand up to a pair of big bolt cutters and a determined thug.

 

[gjgm]

Speak to you insurance co, bcz they may have some requirements, though mine seemed very relaxed about what I fitted. They said they didn't really have a claims problem on the smaller stuff. I think the extra premium was £4 ..!
I did look into it on the web, and there are some locks £50-100 level for smaller o/bs that are difficult the break (the lock, that is).The problem is that may cause £500 worth of damage to your boat. Basically it is down to deterrent, as far as I could see, rather than engineering. Much of the o/b is plastic or alloy so not exactly hard to break anyway. A waterproof padlock (or you wont be able to unlock it either) and some chain.
If they really want it, they are going to take it.
Edit. in terms of financial protection, it seems the insurance is more valuable than the lock. I don't think there is an excess on the policy for o/b. And in the end , is it your beloved o/b that you cherish or an identical one would do just fine.

 

[simonfraser]

+1

Cheap waterproof lock, for the washboards too.

If they come armed and determined it's better to lose the lock than suffer the damage to the boat.

 

[Burnham Bob]

I have one of these

http://www.force4.co.uk/2677/Force-...rrer=froogle&gclid=CMbv3vTm278CFQcHwwodZb8A3Q

IIRC correctly PBO or similar tested all the locks available a few years ago and came to the concluson as one of the previous posts says, if thieves really want it they get it. I leave the outboard on a bracket on the boat whilst we are away but take it off at home (its only a small honda for the dinghy)

A lock like the one I have will deter casual thieves but round here we have had reports of petrol chainsaws used on transoms to remove outboards. you might be able to get - we can in essex - a replacement engine cover branded 'essex police' or similar. Thieves then have to source a manufactirer's cover which makes the profit on the theft smaller.

 

[Tam Lin]

I bought a Fulton outboard lock just this morning - hope it works OK!
FWIW my club paints the covers bright orange as a deterrent.

 

[Fantasie 19]

I bought a Fulton outboard lock just this morning - hope it works OK!
FWIW my club paints the covers bright orange as a deterrent.

Thanks guys.. I'll see how I get on with putting on/off by hand..

 

[Oldhairy]

FWIW my club paints the covers bright orange as a deterrent.

Mine is painted in the boat colour.
Has anybody on the forum access to the statistics on stolen "custom painted" motors?

 

[FishyInverness]

The OML ones appear to be proving fairly popular. Their Volcano bolt lock for the larger engines is insurance approved, but the smaller ones aren't.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

Make sure that your outboard is listed on your proposal, as part of the contents of the boat and update it if you upgrade.