Security systems to prevent unwanted boarders.

[pilotdave]

I was reading another thread that got me thinking. Mark showed a pic of his steel companionway security screen to keep intruders from entering the cabin while he was sleeping. Great idea. Please post that pic Mark. What else could/should be used to keep intruders at bay? Let's not discuss guns. They are a last resort for some of us. I remember reading Slocum's book and he spread tacks on deck at night to discourage natives. How about tack mats in the cockpit? Or a mat that sounds an alarm/horn when somebody steps on it? An electric fence? Ideas for scaring intruders off and alerting the crew?

[shorebird]

A tack-mat has a built in alarm. Sounds a bit like:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[JPA Cate]

We saw a vessel that had motion sensors that activated flashing spreader lights and a klaxon, using the concept that thieves would prefer a quieter location for their business.

[pilotdave]

Originally Posted by shorebird

A tack-mat has a built in alarm. Sounds a bit like:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Joshua Slocum wrote of that in his book "Sailing Alone Around the World". He talked of being woken by screams and hopping sounds as natives jumped off the boat. Finding blood on deck in the am.

[pilotdave]

A dog?

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by pilotdave

Please post that pic Mark. What else could/should be used to keep intruders at bay?

It obviously doesn't work. It didn't stop this person!

[zeehag]

i love that screen, markj...i am trying to design one for my beautiful companionway doors--so it will fit into the open door slotting that looks like it was made for such an item..... my overhead hatches need also to be addressed for air flow and protection factor, as well.....

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i love that screen, markj....

I'll make sure its unlocked when you get to the Caribbian

[David_Old_Jersey]

A squillion threads on this subject already - but one thing not mentioned previously is a motion activated pre-recorded voice in local lingo, advising them that the boat nearby has better stuff onboard!

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

A squillion threads on this subject already - but one thing not mentioned previously is a motion activated pre-recorded voice in local lingo, advising them that the boat nearby has better stuff onboard!

Or... That this boat is currently under quarantine of the authorities for the ebola-bubonic-tuberculosis-meningitis-syphilis-aids fever ...

We don't have a flag so we made this recording.... "cough"....

[Roy M]

David_Old_Jersey, Mine can switch its recorded message between English, Spanish or French, or any combination of two of those. It's done with an alarm driver, available at suppliers. Here is one you can even do your own recorded message: ELK 120 Recordable Voice Siren Driver. Installation is simple. The alarm output terminal sends its current to the driver, which activates the speaker(s). Mine transmits a two-tone klaxon, followed by a loud (130 dB) message that you are in the wrong place and need to leave before worse things happen, in several languages. Relays allow you to include strobes, deck lights, or full phaser array.

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

A squillion threads on this subject already - but one thing not mentioned previously is a motion activated pre-recorded voice in local lingo, advising them that the boat nearby has better stuff onboard!

Ding ding.... we have a winner.

It reminds me that my brother who lived in NYC used to have a sign on his car window showing a statement like: I am sorry you are too late. My radio is gone.

[delmarrey]

For a simple unit this would be a sudden surprise to someone just boarding the boat.



ISafe T Alert RV Intruder Alarm

[Roy M]

Personally, I hate motion sensors on boats. Too many false alarms, the neighbors stop paying attention. Better to use infrared, pressure mats, magnetic switches.

[MarkJ]

I had one of those intruder alerts with movement detector. It worked fine, but the detector took 2x AA batteries and the siren 2 x DD batteries and it was ALWAYS running through them even in standby!

So the expense of operating it made me ditch the thing. Great idea, though.


Mark