Your Guide to Boat Security and Theft Prevention

When storing your boat for the season or taking a short break between cruises, you’ll want to secure your vessel using the simple tips we have highlighted in this guide. For more information and advice, visit Loewer Powersports. We are your local boat dealer located in Alexandria, LA, proudly serving all those in Lafayette and the rest of Rapides Parish.

Store Your Boat Safely

When storing your boat, look for a secure and locked place like your shed or garage, which will keep it out of view of others. You’ll want to place its tongue away from the road or keep it behind a tall wall to make it difficult for a potential thief to find your vessel or easily hitch it to a truck and haul it away.

If you’re leaving it at a marina or storage facility, do some research to see if it has surveillance and patrols that can offer your vessel the protection it needs.

Cover It

A well-fitting cover can protect your boat from the elements and crooks lurking in your neighborhood.

When thieves can't see what’s underneath the wrap, your vessel will remain safe from their prying eyes. To get to your boat, they will need to remove the cover, which they likely won’t do as that will make them look suspicious. Also, they will need some time to remove the covering, which will mean risking themselves getting caught. Instead, they’ll prefer seeking out a less secure target.

Remove Valuables and Paperwork

Accessories like binoculars, cameras, pieces of fishing gear, electronics, and fancy GPS systems come in handy on boating trips. However, when you leave your boat in storage or at the dock or marina, these items can lure thieves and motivate them to try getting their hands on your expensive belongings. Also, crafty thieves can use your boat’s paperwork when trying to sell off your vessel after stealing it. That’s why you must remove any items, including essential documents, from your boat when leaving it unattended.

Install a Security System

You can also consider installing a marine-specific security system on your boat. There are various options that you can choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some are simple alarms that go off when someone sets foot on your vessel, while others offer video surveillance. You can even use a GPS tracking system, which isn’t a theft deterrent as such, but it can help you find the location of your vessel in the event of theft.

We hope you find this guide helpful for enhancing the security of your boat. If you need more ideas to secure it, don’t hesitate to connect with our experts at Loewer Powersports. If you’re looking to buy a boat, we have a wide selection at our dealership in Alexandria, LA, so stop by today! We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Lafayette and the rest of Rapides Parish.