I need ideas on how to secure a dinghy

[penguin]

I had my small plastic "sportyak II" dinghy stolen last week. It was resting on the transom/swim platform and was "secured" with a bicycle lock to the aft cleat on the boat. The assholes stole it by cutting the plastic on the dinghy and slipping the cable out. Whoever has it now has a chunk missing out of the back; however, they also have my dinghy too.

I'd like to get another dinghy. This time, I really would prefer a Zodiac w/outboard instead of the plastic tub row boat. However, I sure as hell am not going to get a $3,000 Zodiac/outboard combo when assholes are stealing $200 plastic tubs. I need ideas on how to safely secure the potential new dinghy at the marina.

My thoughts are:
1) with inflatable dinghy, I could drill a hole through the outboard mount and transom. That would be more secure because they would have to cut the transom and metal plate or cut the cable
2) move the dinghy from the swim platform to the bow of the boat. That would force them to actually board the boat to get to it.
3) with inflatable dinghy, I would also get a bow eye. So I could run a second cable through it as well as one through the transom. Two locks are better than one?
4) with inflatable dinghy, I could deflate and take it home when we knew we wouldn't be using it for an extended period. Not so easy with the sportyak.

If I did these steps, do you think it is enough to deter theft? What other ideas do you have to keep my dinghy from getting stolen?

 

[MonacoMike]

That is a b!te in the @ss. Good luck getting some suggestions and here is a bump from me. MM

 

[techmitch]

This will not only lock your engine to the transom of your new dinghy but is also the perfect place to put the cable lock through.




And can be obtained here. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=50366&subdeptNum=50411&classNum=50412

 

[islandhopper00]

Best bet, deflate and store in cabin or take it home with you. If a thief wants it, they'll get it.

I "lost" my dingy two years ago in the Bahamas, I was anchored off the beach, dingy tied to the stern like always. Woke up the next morning and it was gone. I'm pretty sure someone swam out and took it. I think that because the next day when asking around the marina, some locals told me if there was a big enough reward they could "find" it. I told them I'd rather buy a new one than give a ransom/reward for my old one, keep it.

 

[Hampton]

This will not only lock your engine to the transom of your new dinghy but is also the perfect place to put the cable lock through.




And can be obtained here. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=50366&subdeptNum=50411&classNum=50412

I used one of those for a couple of years. Works great, but definitely have to keep it lubed up.

 

[vernh59]

I think it would be best to deflate it and store it aboard or at home. If they don't see it they can't steal it. It is better for the inflatable too to keep it out of the sun if you aren't using for an extended period of time.

 

[Henry Boyd]

A Stainless Steel u-bolt through the transom will do the trick, especially if you mangle the thread ends so the only way it is coming off is with a bolt cutter. The steel channel outboard lock works well if you can find one that matches the size of your OB, usually the locks are sized for larger motors. You might want to consider bolting the motor to the transom. Obviously this is going to make removal inconvenient.

When we had the bigger Zodiacs I used to run a heavy plastic coated steel security cable through the outboard and then through a large SS transom U-bolt. The cable then was secured to one of the steel cleats on the dock. The u-bolt is a nice addition, security reasons, or not, as it makes securing a stern line a little neater than the OEM solution of attaching it to one of the handles.

Henry

 

[Bucit]

This will not only lock your engine to the transom of your new dinghy but is also the perfect place to put the cable lock through.
And can be obtained here. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=50366&subdeptNum=50411&classNum=50412

I kep my Achilles on a floating jet ski lift and we have had things stolen in the past. I use this OB lock on an 8HP yamaha and it works great.

 

[penguin]

Appreciate all the ideas! Has anyone ever had problems with people puncturing the inflatable if it is locked to the dock? I could see where some @ss would take an ice pick to it if they couldn't get it.

 

[Surprise390]

With assholes like that in your area an inflatable would be a better idea. I think you nailed it early on, they will be back and will steal your new dinghy or motor no matter what lock you use.
On my boat I have a Solstice 4 person inflatable w/ an electric motor. It all fits under the floorboards and the battery stays charged hooked to the existing charger. Not fast but is lightweight, inexpensive and works. Your boat would perform better with the extra weight off the stern anyway and it would be easier to dock and get on and off the boat.