Boating is a great way to relax, spend time with family and friends, and explore the outdoors. However, boat theft is a serious problem. Not only the boat itself is a target for thieves, but everything installed or kept onboard may be sold for a significant amount of money.
Every year, boat owners are victims of theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Fortunately, there are steps that boat owners can take to help prevent this crime.
This article will discuss some helpful suggestions for making sure you prevent boat theft. It will cover the importance of taking preventive measures and provide some tips to help boat owners keep their boats safe.
Don’t Regard Marina Security as a Guarantee of Safety
While storing your boat, it’s necessary to be practical and realistic; even though it’ll probably be safer, there’s still a potential that someone will try to sneak onboard. It is important to understand that marina security does not provide 100 percent protection for your boat.
You should always stay vigilant and regularly check your boat for signs of theft, vandalism, or any other security issues. Additionally, marinas may not be able to provide protection 24/7 and can only respond after an incident has taken place.
It is, therefore, necessary to invest in other forms of security, such as GPS tracking, onboard cameras, and alarms to increase the safety of your boat.
Make Sure Your Boat Insurance Covers Theft
Although a boat insurance policy often covers theft, it may occasionally be excluded. You should take the time to confirm that theft is specified as a covered risk when determining whether a policy pays benefits for hazards like fire or accident damage.
It is important to make sure your boat insurance covers theft to keep your boat and its contents protected. Boat insurance can provide compensation for your losses due to theft, as well as providing coverage for any repairs or replacements that may be necessary.
Having the right boat insurance coverage can give you much-needed peace of mind knowing that your boat is protected.
Try to Keep Your Vessel from Tempting Thieves
The resale value of speedboats and opulent cabin cruisers may be targeted, particularly if they have high-end amenities that are obvious from the outside. Even small fishing boats are frequently targeted by criminals looking to get away quickly with pricey equipment.
Avoid using flashy paint jobs and additional décor features that can increase the risk of thieves spotting and targeting your boat.
Do Not Brag Online
It’s exciting to brag about your gorgeous vessel online, but you should not go overboard. You should be aware that anyone, including people you know, could be a potential burglar.
It’s not a good idea to constantly post navigation updates or videos of the cabin because this draws attention to your boat among strangers.
Always Keep the Key with You
Take your key with you wherever you dock. Keeping the key inside your boat’s ignition allows anyone to get access to your vessel, which can lead to theft or vandalism.
Leaving your key in your boat’s ignition puts it at risk for damage due to vibration or water splashing. Also, leaving a key in the ignition can drain the battery, as it could be accidentally switched on.
Never Bring Your Documents on the Boat
It is important to never bring any documents on board your boat, such as registration papers, insurance policies, credit cards, or other financial documents. These documents contain personal information as well as financial information, which could be used for malicious purposes should they be stolen or lost.
Additionally, you should avoid bringing valuable items on board your boat, as they can be easily stolen. Instead, it is best to keep your documents and valuables secured at home or in a safe place.
Conclusion
Boat theft is a serious problem and requires careful consideration when it comes to prevention. Taking measures such as using a tracking device, having a good locking system, and making sure the boat is always well-maintained are all important steps to take when it comes to protecting your boat from theft.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the chances that your boat will be stolen and ensure that your boat remains safe and secure.
If you need a dependable boat insurance agency in Sarasota, Bassine Insurance is here to help! We want to ensure that our clients get educated and receive the best price, so we always make it a point to offer the best options. Contact us today to add extra protection to your boat!
