Security while cruising

[Act Three]

Hi folks. Wife and I are planning to be in the Bahamas and then moving into the caribbean seas starting this fall. We have notice infrequent crime but are concerned going forward. The Windward Islands seem to have more cases (
https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/zoo...sessment-tool/ ). We do not feel this is a high concern but do have a couple of questions.

While some monohulls have metal companionway hatches have any multihullers thought of an expanding gates that covers the sliding glass door ( https://www.uline.com/BL_3942/Folding-Security-Gates )? Would this attract more attention than repel criminals elements?

Is a system like Pirate Lights ( https://www.piratelights.com/ ) effective?

Is locking up and returning shortly before dark enough?

Thanks for your experience.

[NaClyDog]

Originally Posted by Act Three

Hi folks. Wife and I are planning to be in the Bahamas and then moving into the caribbean seas starting this fall. We have notice infrequent crime but are concerned going forward. The Windward Islands seem to have more cases (
https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/zoo...sessment-tool/ ). We do not feel this is a high concern but do have a couple of questions.

While some monohulls have metal companionway hatches have any multihullers thought of an expanding gates that covers the sliding glass door ( https://www.uline.com/BL_3942/Folding-Security-Gates )? Would this attract more attention than repel criminals elements?

Is a system like Pirate Lights ( https://www.piratelights.com/ ) effective?

Is locking up and returning shortly before dark enough?

Thanks for your experience.

We have been doing our preliminary research using https://www.noonsite.com/ for security about particular locations and are planning on getting some sort of security system from an outfit like GOST but we are still investigating.

[flyingfin]

There are two Bahamas, Freeport and Nassau - where petty theft might occasionally be an issue, although we have never had any problems. And then there is the remainder of the country - basically every island is a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business and there is no crime issue. On my last trip to one of the Out Islands, I made a one week reservation with local operator for a rental car. Owner told he would leave car in parking lot at airport with key under seat. Said I would see him in town during the week so I could pay him then! Once you get to the Bahamas, you will not want to leave

[djousset]

I have found Pirate Lights to be very effective. Simple install, options for lights/sound. Very convenient to have cockpit lights turn on with remote control as you return to the boat. Check out freespiritgear.com as a seller. I believe he may have an unboxing video and can advise on install, great customer service.

[slug]

Originally Posted by Act Three

Hi folks. Wife and I are planning to be in the Bahamas and then moving into the caribbean seas starting this fall. We have notice infrequent crime but are concerned going forward. The Windward Islands seem to have more cases (
https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/zoo...sessment-tool/ ). We do not feel this is a high concern but do have a couple of questions.

While some monohulls have metal companionway hatches have any multihullers thought of an expanding gates that covers the sliding glass door ( https://www.uline.com/BL_3942/Folding-Security-Gates )? Would this attract more attention than repel criminals elements?

Is a system like Pirate Lights ( https://www.piratelights.com/ ) effective?

Is locking up and returning shortly before dark enough?

Thanks for your experience.

The “ rule “ is don’t spend to many days in the same place

On the first day they check you out
On the second day they make their plan
On the third day they get you

As for locked companionway ?

Perhaps it might help against a walk in opportunist thief

Even with the companionway bolted shut , I can enter your boat thru a deck hatch in a minute

Difficult to defend against a thief

[sailorboy1]

that's the way to feed some paranoia and fear

[boatman61]

Don't walk the streets looking expensive.

[OloteleMtn]

It is not paranoia if they really ARE out to get you.....

[Enfant Du Vent]

Security when anchored in a harbor, and you've gone ashore:
Some sailors inflate a second dinghy and stuff weather gear">foul weather gear full of whatever--so it looks like someone IS aboard, sitting in the cockpit.


BUT: beware the warped humor of fellow sailors, as exhibited by a guy I met in Florida. He was able to purchase a Cigar Store Indian for his decoy. But he knew the penchant sailors have for randomly waking up in the night and sticking their heads out to be sure they haven't dragged anchor. Thus he waited until 02:25 am to bring his decoy aboard. And sure enough: within 2 days the story spread through the whole anchorage that he'd been seen dragging a dead body ON to his boat!

[ttex]

The more scared you seem the bigger the target you appear.

[Setsail360]

Originally Posted by NaClyDog

We have been doing our preliminary research using https://www.noonsite.com/ for security about particular locations and are planning on getting some sort of security system from an outfit like GOST but we are still investigating.

I am curious if you have purchased a GOST system, and if so, which product?

[NaClyDog]

Originally Posted by Setsail360

I am curious if you have purchased a GOST system, and if so, which product?

We have not but the one we think we want is the GOST Apparition. It has a great deal of functionality / flexibility.



We need to see a demo but there are no boat shows in our near future so things are still on hold other than research.

[IslandInfedel]

Get a dog.

They historically work quite well in this role

If you are a active exercise type guy

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DPUO_dp4z_I

For a smaller breed

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=koq1G5eDDEE

[Chayal]

My dog got a potential robbers hand nicely when he/she tried through a window.

She was so happy ��. Husky/malamute.

Must have hurt. Bit of cleanup.

[IslandInfedel]

Originally Posted by Chayal

My dog got a potential robbers hand nicely when he/she tried through a window.

She was so happy ��. Husky/malamute.

Must have hurt. Bit of cleanup.

Your pup taught that person a lesson in respect their father should have. Good pup!

It is interesting to watch the police shows and see how the criminal element has a almost natural fear of dogs