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The premise of the question is unsettling. It raises the possibility that one can take "preventative counter measures" which would prevent an unwanted intrusion or enable a few gals on a boat to fend off some sort of aggressive act.
What would intimidate a bunch or creeps from NOT picking on you and your boat? If it looks shabby and there is not much to take, it might discourage thieves. But you don't want to have a beat up looking boat. But if it is shiney new and has a cool inflatable and a nice shiny outboard dangling off the stern, this is the veritable apple that these types just can't resist. Don't have a dink which looks like a million bucks.
You boat should look occupied at all times and so when you are ashore, locking it up tight is a sure sign that you are away. Try to find a way to secure it, leave some music on, laundry drying on the life lines so it appears that someone is around or only gone for a few. Leave some drinks or dishes in the cockpit again to fool someone who might try to break in.
A big barky dog can be a deterant, but it needs a lot of attention too!
If someone comes and you feel you are going to be boarded, (scary) I would have a loud siren and flood the boat with lots of lights which even stobe. Have some mace handy and perhaps a flare gun. Shoot it off and hopefully someone can see it, Smoke flares work too, as long as you can get some attention.
I never left my boat locked for 2 years in the Eastern Caribe, but I heard that the French like to steal. Perhaps a rumor. I wouldn't want to life with the anxiety that someone is out to harm me or steal my property. I've been mugged, but I refuse to give in to that sort of fortress mentality. It's so antithetical to cruising. 99.99% of sailors will go out of their way to help you. You couldn't ask for a better lot.
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