Security bars for hatches?

You lot really should have a little visit to the real world now and again. It really nice! Some nasty areas but cruisers don't go there.

Once in a blue moon you might end up stopping off in an anchorage where you think just in case it might be a good idea to lock the door and windows when you go to bed. Just in case. Well, not the windows , too hot, so but a grill up instead.

Only AK47s you'll ever see are watching a Rambo film.
 
Kingfisher 3 said:
Joshua Slocum used to sprinkle tacks on his decks in case of night-time visitors ... presumably ones with bare feet! Dustpan and brush job in the morning ... cracking idea as long as you don't miss any! ... :encouragement:
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Bare feet or cheap sneakers/sandals were a thought that came into my head when I read the comments above regarding stoving in the bars by stamping on them. Strong boots would be required for that.
 
I met a Dutch chap in Cherbourg sailing a famous boat called Chartist Lady. He had sailed around the world in her & endured many problems including dissmasting etc etc. He wrote a book about it & was honoured on his return to Holland by the Dutch yachting community.
He described to me how he was boarded by Somalian pirates. They looked on board & decided that he was too scruffy & poor to be not worth bothering with so they wished him well & went to the boat following.
So the moral seems to be- make out that you are a bunch of total scruffs.
 
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I have a friend who is in charge of the security of an oil company which regularly encounters pirates in the Indian Ocean. He is ex-French Foreign Legion.

His advice to us was give them what they want, they don't value life: your's or their's. He gave us some CS gas but in gel form, ie no blowback from the wind, also he said have a bottle of spirits that you don't drink, for us whiskey, with crushed up sleeping tablets in it, first thing they go for is the booze.

What his lot do to them is not something you could consider.

PS hatch guards https://www.swi-tec.com/en/sicherheit/114-burglar-bars-for-hatches-8436568320717.html
 
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PCUK said:
Ah, right. How about a heavy duty hatch with bars and no glass. Then a polycarbonate hinged lid on top?
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It would have to be a heavy duty hatch with hindged polycarb top and hinged bars which are easily unlocked from inside. If they exist I've never head of them.
 
I must admit that we'd look for something easily removable with a key. Not too bothered about nights as insect screens are drawn and we are onboard. Big problem is leaving hatches closed during the heat of the day with only a tiny vent gap. If something keeps an opportunist out when we are away from the boat then that's a win. If they break in then it is better if they bend some bars. Our insurance gives no cover unless there's evidence of forcible/violent entry.

I keep meaning to design something from stainless tubing to act as a deterrent and meet minimum insurance requirements.
 
GHA said:
€260!! For some bits of stainless?

Sod that ;)

Then looks like you can't properly shut the hatch when a squall comes over.

Thanks but no thanks.
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I think that you missed off the tax and delivery and that's only the price for a small hatch. My hatches will be a very reasonable €720 for a pair incl. VAT and delivery. But it is for the marine market, probably cheaper to be robbed. :D:D

Given me some good ideas for something more robust at a fraction of the price.
 
Hello all. Here is my solution for the non permanent tenable security bars. I'm still yet to drill a hole for the padlock but I feel this should work ok. The bolts are small but the sheer strength should be sufficient even with someone jumping up and down on the bars. The bars are made by Abus in various widths and expand and fair distance.

 
GHA said:
Very nice :encouragement:

So it's into a locker with them rarely to be seen again but good to know they're there :cool:
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No id like to be able to leave the hatch fully open most of the time when we leave the boat. We've only ever sailed in high latitudes and heading south now so warm will be a first for us. I understand cabins can become little ovens especially with our large saloon windows.
 
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