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Old 08-04-2012, 21:16   #1
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Electric fence for boat

Over the years I have received a variety of uncomfortable surprises from electric fences. Enough to think that electrified steel lifelines would be useful to deter intruders when I am sleeping on board or the boat is unattended. Anyone tried this or have any suggestions. I understand that would need care re corrosion, not to inflict too much damage on intruders. Not trying to kill anyone - just deter. Would grounding to the hull be required or would it work if intruder was in water or dingy and reaching up?
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Old 08-04-2012, 21:39   #2
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Re: Electric fence for boat

By the bye, have searched the past postings. NOT wanting to do the whole defensive posture, firearms, piracy thing - just simple bit of advice re deterence with inexpensive fence for occasional use by anyone who has actually done it. I am quite aware of the legal ramifications, limits of use etc. Thanks
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Old 08-04-2012, 21:43   #3
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Re: Electric fence for boat

I'm not sure others in your anchorage would care for the RFI when operating HF SSB. I guess a electric fence transformer would be quiet compared to an old Model T ignition coil with electro-magnetic contact breakers. When I was a kid around 12, my older sister would lock me out of her bedroom and I figured turn around was fair play, so I connected the output of my Model T coil I used for experimenting to her door knob, effectively locking her in her room.
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Old 09-04-2012, 00:52   #4
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Perhaps not good to piddle over the side!
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Old 09-04-2012, 01:05   #5
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Electric fence for Livestock
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Old 09-04-2012, 01:33   #6
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Re: Electric fence for boat

How would you switch it off to gain entry to the boat?
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Old 09-04-2012, 03:37   #7
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Re: Electric fence for boat

How would you even design and hook up the system? How is the ground going to be?

Be just as effective or more so to wire a trip line to a loud speaker.
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Old 09-04-2012, 08:55   #8
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Re: Electric fence for boat

I think Don Lucas has hit on the biggest problem. The electric fences designed to keep stock in create a circuit between the wire and the ground. When a person or animal who is standing on the ground touches the wire they complete the circuit and get shocked. On a boat, what is your ground going to be?
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Old 09-04-2012, 09:17   #9
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Re: Electric fence for boat

They do make an intermittant RF interference too. Radio Shack sells a 9v trip wire alarm. small as a cell phone, loud and cheap. With fishing line strung low.... you'll know if someone is coming on board.
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Old 09-04-2012, 09:30   #10
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Re: Electric fence for boat

I think the body has enough capacitance that you would at least feel a little zing, especially if it is AC. Electrons would shift between the body and the wire at 60Hz. That might be enough to ward off an intruder.

The whole idea seems like overkill though.

If you are worried about this I would rather set up an invisible infrared electric beam where if it is broken sets off a loud alarm. I don't think many intruders are going to hang around with a loud siren wailing away.
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Old 09-04-2012, 09:35   #11
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Most dinghies are going to be wet enough to make a path to ground somewhere. The ocean is a perfect ground.

The Jaws movie where the guy survived electrocuting a shark by standing in a rubber dinghy isn't credible.
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Old 09-04-2012, 09:37   #12
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Why do electric fences shock you if you have shoes on....?
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Old 09-04-2012, 09:55   #13
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Quote:
Originally Posted by capn_billl View Post
Most dinghies are going to be wet enough to make a path to ground somewhere. The ocean is a perfect ground.

The Jaws movie where the guy survived electrocuting a shark by standing in a rubber dinghy isn't credible.
Yup, with AC there would be enough inductance through the rubber raft and into the water for there to be a partial ground.
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Old 09-04-2012, 10:55   #14
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Re: Electric fence for boat

Just move somewhere that does not have the security problem
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Old 09-04-2012, 15:02   #15
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Re: Electric fence for boat

normal electric fences , would be no deterrent, you can take the shock without t0o much bother. remember they are just there to deter cows, not detain them, any cow can be driven through an electric fence.

using a bigger voltage is creating a "death trap", just bear in mind the legal consequences. your boat is NOT legally your home, it is a means of transportation, many have the right to board it.

Just move elsewhere.


really guys when will this personal protection nonsense end.

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