poll

[Snowgoose-1]

It occured to me that I probably have more to lose in my cockpit lockers than down below. i.e. outboard, inflatable etc . And easily transportable,

What do folks do ?

Apologies for the thread title other than "poll". Can't edit it.

 

[Poignard]

I didn't lock my cockpit lockers.

There was no means of doing so. and if there had been I wouldn't have locked them since the cost of repairing the damage caused by a thief breaking in would be much greater than the value of anything inside them.

 

[ylop]

As well as what’s inside I think there’s also a factor of where you keep the boat - a harbour with no CCTV, a marina staffed 24/7 with cameras and swipe cards everywhere and a mooring are all rather different risks, as is the part of the country. So not sure following the “herd” in either direction is right.

 

[MontyMariner]

Cockpit locker opens in to the walk-in 'workshop', not to lock it would be like leaving the back door open.

 

[Robin]

I had multiple 'key alike' locks so with one key no real hassle and insurance might have been invalidated if left unlocked even the pushpit mounted liferaft had one such fitted too

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Nothing of value in mine apart from the outboard fuel tank. So no.

 

[Sea Change]

I've only ever locked the cockpit lockers when leaving the boat unattended for a long time in a yard in the Caribbean. Everywhere else I haven't felt that there was enough of a risk to bother.

 

[Boathook]

Had five cockpit lockers all padlocked shut when back on mooring. Didn't bother locking them on holiday though.

Padlocks the same style but all keyed differently. Locks had lines scratched on them and the same with the keys. Locks always put on in order and keys on a loop in order. Never a problem in unlocking.
Lockers had warps / ropes to tools and outboard in them so I thought it was worth locking them.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Mine were secured with two Abloy stainless steel locks with backing plates behind the hasp and staples. Not proof against bolt croppers or cutting discs but enough to deter the casual scrote. All locks on the boat were on the same key.

 

[rogerthebodger]

T fitted a jemmy proff lock to my ash boards with ss backing plats inside the wash boards

I also have fully ss wash boards with 12 mm Dia vertical bard that can be fitted to allow better ventilation and wash boards with a ss frame and polycarbonate see through to allow extra light but prevent access all with jimmy proof locks

 

[steveeasy]

I’ve never ever even thought of locking my boat, let alone the cockpit lockers.

Steveeasy

 

[potentillaCO32]

I don't lock the boat or the cockpit lockers. Never have in 30 years. If someone is determined enough to get on board and steal stuff then they will have the tools to break any lock causing lots of damage. I don' t keep much of realisable value on board.

 

[Stemar]

I work on the basis that I want enough security to deter a casual thief, but not so much that the damage a determined one will do getting in will cost more to fix than replacing what's stolen.

 

[dunedin]

I don't lock the boat or the cockpit lockers. Never have in 30 years. If someone is determined enough to get on board and steal stuff then they will have the tools to break any lock causing lots of damage. I don' t keep much of realisable value on board.

If not locked generally not insured for any theft.
People on here have previously referred to an “insurance shackle” - a lightweight shackle (on lockers and on cabin) to deter casual thieves, and meet the insurance terms, but be weak enough that the serious thief does minimal damage.

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Interesting.
Thanks for the replies .
I think it is often that boats are broken into on hardstanding rather than in the water.