I was finally violated... at least my boat was!!

S

shoelessben

New Member
Jan 5, 2007
98
Pittsburgh, PA
Boat Info
260 Sundancer 2003
Engines
350 Mag with Bravo III Drives
I got a call from my in laws today to say they saw on the news that boats at our marina were broken into. There are only 30 or so boats and there are only a few larger than ours. I call the management and he told me that someone broke into several boats last night and that the old Sea Ray 260 Sundancer next to min got it the worst that he had heard. Apparently they broke his aft entry door trying to get in and tried to tear his speakers out. I got in my car and drove down to find my cover unsnapped in the back. I figured my Chartplotter was definitely gone. I crawl in and to my surprise it was still there. The cabin door was open... they stole 4 fishing rods and a handful of CD's. Funny part was they moved my 2 hundred dollar trolling rods to get the 4 $15 spin casters. I couldn't find anything else missing. From what I heard they got into at least 17 boats mostly cabin cruisers and cuddies. It makes me angry but I am glad they left the expensive stuff. I would much rather repla ce a rod than a chartplotter!!
 
Consider yourself lucky but I'd be mad too. I'm a locksmith and am seriously thinking about designing a substantial lock for our boats. There are too many reports of this happening more and more. 10-15 years ago this wasn't so common. There are simply too many high ticket valuable aboard now and many marina's challenges are simply keeping wanderers off their docks.
 
Nehalennia said:
Consider yourself lucky but I'd be mad too. I'm a locksmith and am seriously thinking about designing a substantial lock for our boats. There are too many reports of this happening more and more. 10-15 years ago this wasn't so common. There are simply too many high ticket valuable aboard now and many marina's challenges are simply keeping wanderers off their docks.
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The only problem with the "substantial lock" is that now they will just kick the door in and cause even more damage. Locks just keep honest people honest.
 
Our marina is "secure"... at least it is gated. The thought is they came in by water. It looks like they even went thorugh my tackle box. Fortunately, since I just moved here, most of my gear is still saltwater gear and they realized that they couldn't use it so they left it. I suppose it was kids considering the missing items were fishing rods, PFD's, Alcohol, DVD Players and a remote control boat.
 
The damage from forced entry often exceeds the value of the stuff lost.

I don't lock ... but take the portable valuables off the boat in two canvas totes.

I've often thought about having a sign made telling boarders where the milk and cookies can be found!
 
midway said:
The only problem with the "substantial lock" is that now they will just kick the door in and cause even more damage. Locks just keep honest people honest.
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Yeah I agree and the doors (most anyway) are really designed for security, but I'd like to come up with a solution I can key to my house key and make it more substantial and more convenient.
 
There have been quite a few break-ins this summer in our area. Someone broke into 18 boats targeting TV's in Frank H's marina and they took electronics from some boats in my marina.
 
:smt013AAA! aHoy,sorry to hear the bad news, a video system is the way today,put up warning of video 24 hour monitor police patroled,you can even get internet video -wifi=two way looking @ home from boat or see boat from home,I save my old lap top and web cam for just that reason:smt115
 
People are crazy, I had some horse saddles stolen a few years back, the door was unlocked, just had the pad lock holding the door closed. They use a crow bar and pulled the entire pad lock off the door! Some times it is better to leave them for easy access rather than have them tear up your boat trying to get in.

Glenn
 
I had an alarm put in, www.boatalarms.us. It runs on a cell SIM card, calls me, her and then the cops. Sends text messages if doors opened, motion sensor, weight on mats, etc. Has a loud and annoying siren, and being 3-4 minutes from the boat I am assuming I can be there while any idiots are still trying to steal stuff. Also put in a vid camera inside and out and once the broadband device works could monitor that way. This system allows me to call the SIM # and listen to what is going on also. Highly recommended. The guy's name is Dwayne and he's great to talk to about the components, and more importantly, they're all wireless so a pretty simple install.
 
MikeS said:
I had an alarm put in, www.boatalarms.us. It runs on a cell SIM card, calls me, her and then the cops. Sends text messages if doors opened, motion sensor, weight on mats, etc. Has a loud and annoying siren, and being 3-4 minutes from the boat I am assuming I can be there while any idiots are still trying to steal stuff. Also put in a vid camera inside and out and once the broadband device works could monitor that way. This system allows me to call the SIM # and listen to what is going on also. Highly recommended. The guy's name is Dwayne and he's great to talk to about the components, and more importantly, they're all wireless so a pretty simple install.
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YUP... you sure are in NYC! :) Sounds like a pretty cool setup! :thumbsup:
 
Well the next marina upriver was hit over the weekend too. More boats more damage. There is a big Four Winns Vista at our marina and he has an alarm on his boat. We believe that is what finally chased them off.
 
Our marina fired the security guy as he was always sleeping. They installed video camera's everywhere. So the test came last year a boat was broken into . The intruders made numerous trips down the dock carring TV;s VCR and Gps. All caught on tape. No one recognized the people in marina. The police were called. they came a day later . Watched the video and made out a report. So if no one recognizes the person ur **** out of luck. Camera's are pretty much for after the fact. They walked into the marina from the marina next door so there was no car on the video. Adj marina does not have video but does have a security guy that drives around. So here we have both types coming up empty....

Wasnt there an article about a guy who electrified his boat ? nope never mind it was a car. ... sorry... the Robber got zapped was caught and then promptly sued ! Oh and he won ....



Rob
 
the yacht club we're trying to join got hit. they have the scuzbuckets on video, but i don't know how much help that is without a plate number to work with. got 4 boats for any and all electronics.

sadly, with the economy in the straits that it's in, i get the feeling that this will get worse. I firmly believe in taking everything out that you can.

then again, all of my saltwater fishing equipment got stolen from in front of my house. broad daylight, in about 3 minutes. i know it was a neighbor, and i know which one. just can't prove it. if i do, i won't call the police...

he will:smt021
 
I'd say it was kids that passed up your trolling rods for the perch jerker's. If they catch them be sure to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law and make the parents who never instilled a sense of values in them PAY.
George
 
Sorry to hear the bad news. Haven't heard of any issues in my marina. I rarely lock my cabin. I guess I better start being a bit more careful. Where does the responsibility lie? Is it with the marina??
 
more than likely, there will be a statement to the effect of "marina assumes no liability or items stolen from vessels stored herein" or something to the effect, agreico. that puts the onus of guilt on you.

george in bodkin is RIGHT ON! it is kids, and if we had pulled crap like that i bet every last one of us would have gottten our arse whipped but good!
 
Sorry to hear.

Up here in Alaska, in Whittier, break-ins always increase when the out-of-town commercial fisherman show up.

Harbor Master does try to do his best, but it is a public dock.
 
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