Protecting the Shiny New Outboard

[off-the-grid]

Just got a new Honda 2HP, and since I hear theft is more common the further South you get I had a few questions.

I already have some HT chain, and a few BIG locks I'm going to use to lock it to the dink.

Would removing those Honda stickers be a good idea?
Or are any good thieves going recognize it anyway?
Is a little 2HP really going to be a target in the first place,
or do they generally go after larger motors?

[Vasco]

I think your 2hp is safe!! But don't take chances in Miami. Lock your dink when you go ashore and it doesn't hurt to haul it up at night.

[rebel heart]

It sucks, but: spraypaint.

[GordMay]

Do you really think I won't identify your outboard as a Honda, sans sticker?

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

It sucks, but: spraypaint.

... in a sloppy, non-professional-like way using multiple drab colors, including rust-like and oil-stain colors. In other words, expertly done to look like a piece of junk.

[off-the-grid]

Originally Posted by Vasco

I think your 2hp is safe!! But don't take chances in Miami. Lock your dink when you go ashore and it doesn't hurt to haul it up at night.

Already got that cover. A nice length of chain and 2 big locks to chain the motor to the dink and the dink to the dock.

Originally Posted by rebel heart

It sucks, but: spraypaint.

Well, maybe I'll at least wait until I get to Florida. So would a coat of solid flat do? Or do you mean really grafitti it up?

Err...never mind, just saw that last post. You know that can still look cool, though. You can make it sort of camo looking. Cool...but still looking like a POS.

[Abaco]

If Sears sells Gamefisher stickers you would not even have to lock it up!

[shipofools]

Originally Posted by grunzster

Already got that cover. A nice length of chain and 2 big locks to chain the motor to the dink and the dink to the dock.

Well, maybe I'll at least wait until I get to Florida. So would a coat of solid flat do? Or do you mean really grafitti it up?

Err...never mind, just saw that last post. You know that can still look cool, though. You can make it sort of camo looking. Cool...but still looking like a POS.

Paint the engine cover white, and plaster it with your boat name going all around it.

I know some will disagree because you don't want people to know when you are not on the boat, but I think it is a good practice. The reality is that if someone is scoping out your boat, they will probably notice a dinghy missing regardless, and rap on your hull to confirm you are there.

Cheers

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by markpierce

... in a sloppy, non-professional-like way using multiple drab colors, including rust-like and oil-stain colors. In other words, expertly done to look like a piece of junk.

My neighbor has one that's pink with green stripes, ridiculously sloppy. He carved his boat name into the shaft with a router as well. If anyone steals that thing, good luck selling it.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by shipofools

Paint the engine cover white, and plaster it with your boat name going all around it.

I know some will disagree because you don't want people to know when you are not on the boat, but I think it is a good practice. The reality is that if someone is scoping out your boat, they will probably notice a dinghy missing regardless, and rap on your hull to confirm you are there.

Cheers

Indeed.

[fla.sailor]

I have a stazo lock, practical sailor thinks a lot of it and after using it for 2 years, I still have my outboard. The sucker just looks tough (though expensive) and I'm sure there are easier targets at the dinghy dock.

-dennis

http://www.sailorssolutions.com/Body...ewFall2006.pdf