Dinghy Security

[Sailormantx]

Use an ugly, derelict looking fiberglass dinghy with oar power. If it looks ready for the dumpster, no one will mess with it. But I still lock it if the area is questionable.

[bensolomon]

Panamax,

Congratulations on finding a boat. I remember your other posts. Here is what we do:

On our current boat we have davits. I have a 3.5 tohatsu on a 9 ft west marine rib dinghy. I put a padlock through the handles that screw the outboard to the transom, so the outboard can't be taken off the transom. When we go out, I have only rope to tie off to the dock. That is here in the Chesapeake. If I don't plan on using the dink, I take the motor off, and put it on a motor storage plastic thing mounted on the aft rail, and once again, lock the mounting handles with a padlock.

In the Caribbean when on charter, there is typically a cable pre mounted on an eye of the dink, with a pre fab loop at the end to lock with a padlock. At night, I use a spare halyard, or the main halyard, and hoist the dink and motor up and out of the water, and let it hang, secured, at night.

Ben


Ben Solomon
S/V Dawn 1989 37.5 hunter legend

[Cheechako]

I loved davits for security if your mother ship is big enough. It's so easy and convenient. You are at anchor probably 95% of your cruising time so they are well worth it. Otherwise lift the dingy up against the shrouds and live with the heel and etc.

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

Panamax,

I have a 3.5 tohatsu on a 9 ft west marine rib dinghy. I put a padlock through the handles that screw the outboard to the transom, so the outboard can't be taken off the transom. When we go out, I have only rope to tie off to the dock.


Ben Solomon
S/V Dawn 1989 37.5 hunter legend

The padlock through the handles won't even slow down a knowledgeable outboard thief--they just insert a screwdriver into the slot in one of the aluminum handles and pry it open and off.

[onestepcsy37]

I drilled a 1" hole about mid way up the transom on my dinghy, near the outboard pad. Leaving it at a dock i wrap a chain around the engine a few times, then run one end of the chain through the hole and padlock it to the other end.

[nimblemotors]

Originally Posted by Sailormantx

Use an ugly, derelict looking fiberglass dinghy with oar power. If it looks ready for the dumpster, no one will mess with it. But I still lock it if the area is questionable.

In LaPaz I saw one very clapped out old jetski hull with oars. Nobody is going to steal that, or even want to tie up next to it..

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

In LaPaz I saw one very clapped out old jetski hull with oars. Nobody is going to steal that, or even want to tie up next to it..

those are the new upscale fishing pangitas, dontche know.....they have those everywhere in mexico, anywhere there are fishermen.

[Amapola]

We hoist ours at night. We secure the motor with a lock similar to MarkJ's. When we go ashore in iffy places, we use a long coated, braded SS cable secured with a padlock and attach it to something secure.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Randyonr3

Ran across a guy a few years ago that painted his outboard "PINK".. said " Who would have the balls to steal and use a pink outboard....................

Golly, don't tell Sailorchic, she may want one, too!

[Lubber4now]

I just keep my pet Diamondback in the dinghy box with the Dos Equis logo.

[Jim Cate]

To reiterate an earlier statement: Don't rely upon s/s cable to secure anything. It can be quickly and silently cut with an inexpensive tool that can be carried in one's pocket.

A better alternative is chain, especially HT chain. Much harder to cut, noisy if disturbed, and if you are a bit clever, it can be part of the dinghy anchoring system.

In reality, there is nothing that will stop a determined thief. These days battery powered angle grinders and sawzall type tools can cut any chain or even saw out the appropriate area of the dinghy transom in a matter of minutes. Not likely when the dink is secured to your boat with you aboard, but when left ashore...

Finally, making the item less attractive might help. Years ago we watched with astonishment whilst a chap in La Paz unpacked a brand new Avon and threw dregs from several paint cans all over it. Don't know if it worked, but made a lasting impression on me!

Cheers,

Jim

[Lubber4now]

Okay it's not a real Diamondback.

Just a rubber one that springs out and goes YAYYAYAYAYAAAA!!!! when you open the box.

I pity the fool who messes with a determined practical joker's stuff.