Padlocks for Bavaria Cockpit Lockers?

[Baggywrinkle]

My boat is currently 500 miles away and last time I visited, I forgot to measure the diameter of the padlock holes in the cockpit locker latches

If anyone happens to know the largest size padlock which fits these holes snugly I would be extremely grateful.....

Attached is pic of said latch for reference, it's a '99 Bavaria.

 

[Tranona]

Will measure mine later and let you know. It is tight - I had to try a couple to get ones that fit. Think they were from Plastimo. Will get you details.

 

[rob2]

Don't know the size, but would recommend the Plastimo locks. You can get a set of five keyed alike, so each keyring needs only one key for all the padlocks on the boat. I have one on each locker and one locking the headsail reefing drum, plus a spare for the outboard. Five years and not rusting.

Rob.

 

[duncan99210]

My locker padlocks are 4mm - Bavaria 38, 2000 model.

 

[Boo2]

I have ... one locking the headsail reefing drum

Sorry if this is an obvious question but why ?

Boo2

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Thanks all

Consensus seems to be Plastimo, 4mm shank.

@Tranona, if you do manage to measure them today I'd still be grateful for the feedback.

Will sort out the padlocks on Monday. What a great forum this is!

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but why ?

Boo2

Only speculation but I guess it would stop the genoa unravelling in a blow should the furling line come loose ..... I've seen this happen to boats moored on the lake where I live. Nasty mess.

 

[PeteCooper]

I don't want to seem like a harbinger of doom, but I had a Plastimo padlock on a cockpit locker. I had either lost the key or it had rusted and wouldn't unlock, so I attacked it with a junior hacksaw and it came off in seconds. I can't remember exactly how long it took but it was way less than a minute.

 

[Tranona]

On the boat now. The holes are 6mm dia and I have the smallest size Plastimo padlocks with 6mm loop and 25mm wide. Fit well and have had no problems with them. Will look up the catalogue number when I get home,

 

[Blueboatman]

If all else fails, you can ream out the holes 'slightly' with battery drill and low tech drill bits. I did. The bigger padlocks look, well, bigger.

 

[rob2]

Yes, the lock prevents the gear unwinding, either by accident or some pilferer! I don't know about strength, but a padlock is mostly a visual deterrent, so job done. I'd rather have it sawn through than wacked off with a club hammer and half the locker lid...

Rob

 

[maxi77]

On the boat now. The holes are 6mm dia and I have the smallest size Plastimo padlocks with 6mm loop and 25mm wide. Fit well and have had no problems with them. Will look up the catalogue number when I get home,

Mind you even with that size you can get the padlock of faster with 12 inch bolt cutters than you can with the key.

A padlock will prevent casual pilfering and vandalism but will have no impact on the professional thief.

 

[bedouin]

I don't want to seem like a harbinger of doom, but I had a Plastimo padlock on a cockpit locker. I had either lost the key or it had rusted and wouldn't unlock, so I attacked it with a junior hacksaw and it came off in seconds. I can't remember exactly how long it took but it was way less than a minute.

The same will be true of any padlock that will fit typical cockpit lockers. When I left my keys behind some time ago I just went to the chandlery and bought a cheap pair of cable cutters.

However that's not necessarily a bad thing - anyone that determined to get in will, and with a stronger lock they'll only do more damage

 

[Tranona]

Plastimo catalogue number 27322.

Fortunately i keep my boat in a low crime area (famous last words!) and have not tested them!

 

[PetiteFleur]

I don't want to seem like a harbinger of doom, but I had a Plastimo padlock on a cockpit locker. I had either lost the key or it had rusted and wouldn't unlock, so I attacked it with a junior hacksaw and it came off in seconds. I can't remember exactly how long it took but it was way less than a minute.

Ditto! The Plastimo padlocks, which are excellent for not rusting CAN be cut though in 3 seconds flat with a junior hacksaw - how do I know? I locked my keys inside once and borrowed a junior hacksaw from a neighbour and was shocked at how easy it was to cut through. I immediately replaced all my padlocks with the maximum shank size possible with Stainless closed shackle ones. Abus make some good ones but they are not cheap. I bought some from ebay which have been perfect for 5 years. Similar to these:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHED-GARA...9?pt=UK_HaG_Lock_Safes_GL&hash=item4156f3532f
Don't use the circular disc stainless padlocks - my experience is that they rust internally without being in a marine environement!

 

[VicMallows]

Don't use the circular disc stainless padlocks - my experience is that they rust internally without being in a marine environement!

Odd. I have a 10yr old ABUS branded one; and a couple ALDI WORKZONE branded cheapos which are 5yrs old. All work fine. The ABUS is just starting to show rust on the shackle. (obviously not stainless ).

Vic

 

[duncan99210]

Nothing much worth nicking in the lockers - loadsa bitsa rope, buckets, bits of canvas, the holding tank, fishing gear etc etc. Add it all up it'll come to not a lot; the padlocks are there to discourage casual theft not a determined thief. Same goes for the boat itself; takes about 2 seconds and a penknife to get through the companionway hatch. However, slightly more knickable stuff down below - have to hope the neighbours spot anyone setting out to help themselves.

 

[nigelmercier]

If anyone happens to know the largest size padlock which fits these holes snugly I would be extremely grateful...

Put a cable tie through it; this will stop opportunist thieves. A determined thief will crowbar a well padlocked locker open. There is nothing better than a padlock to announce "swag inside".

 

[Baggywrinkle]

So in summary ....

1) No lock, no advertisement, no security, no insurance, petty theft of cheap but essential junk pretty much guaranteed.

2) Cable tie, good kick on the button and the hasp would cut the tie. no security, no insurance, petty theft of cheap but essential junk and I need a lifelong supply of cable ties and stout shoes. ( Nigel, you don't sell them by any chance do you? )

3) Cheap locks - advertising that contents worth nicking, minimal security, petty theft of cheap but essential junk covered by insurance. Likelihood of collateral damage low.

4) Fort Knox locks - advertising that locker filled with gold bars, maximum security but still breakable, determined theft of cheap but essential junk covered by insurance. Likelihood of collateral damage high.

To me option 3 looks like the lesser of all evils (especially as the most likely person breaking in is going to be me after losing the keys).

Cheap and cheerful locks it is then. The sort that say 'Look, I haven't spent much protecting the contents, you'd be better off on the 45ft 2011 HR next door.'

Thanks Tranona for measuring the holes and for the Plastimo part no.

 

[nigelmercier]

To me option 3 looks like the lesser of all evils...

I was going to suggest a cheap lock (as used for luggage), but figured that most boats would have cable ties on board for seizing shackles.