Boat Security and Theft Prevention

To keep your boat safe from theft, whether you're storing it for a short period or during the offseason, you’ll need to take some security measures. Thieves are always on the lookout for an opportunity to steal valuable items, and your boat is no exception. We have provided some tips to help you secure your vessel.

Secure Storage

One of the first things you should do is find secure storage for your boat. If you keep your boat at home, keep it in a locked garage or shed. If you plan to store your vessel at a marina or storage facility, ensure that the facility has surveillance, locked doors, and alarms to deter theft. Try not to store your boat out in the open where it is more vulnerable to theft.

Cover It

Using a strong, tight-fitting cover for your boat can also help deter thieves. It will make it difficult for them to see what's underneath without attracting attention by prying or snooping. Removing a cover takes time, and most thieves will seek out a less secure target.

Remove Valuables & Paperwork

It's also important to remove any valuable items and paperwork from your boat. Take expensive binoculars, electronics, cameras, fishing rods, tackle boxes, watersports equipment, and anything else you've spent a lot of money on inside when you leave your boat in storage. This includes registration, licenses, logbooks, and journals. You don't want thieves to steal your boat and use this information to pass it off as their own.

Mark Your Boat Parts

Engrave or mark various parts of your boat with your vessel's hull identification number (HIN), your name, and your phone number. These parts include outboard motors, the trailer, electronics, and equipment. Create a rubbing of your HIN with a sheet of paper and a soft pencil and keep it somewhere safe along with photographs of your boat for identification.

Security System

There are a variety of security systems available, including alarms triggered by unlatched doors or footsteps on your vessel, video surveillance, and GPS tracking systems. Choose a marine-specific system that is durable enough to withstand humid and wet conditions.

By taking these security measures, you can keep your boat safe from thieves. If you’re planning to buy a boat, stop by Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, NH, to browse our incredible selection. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Manchester and Nashua.