How do you protect an outboard motor?

Wash and wax your outboard engine. Careful washing with mild soap and water not only makes your outboard look good, but also removes salt and other deposits. An application of a good quality marine wax will help to seal and protect the finish against the sun and salt.

Can you lock an outboard motor?

Locking the motor to your boat is another good option. There are also special locks made to go over mounting bolts on larger outboards. Another simple solution (that works on all kinds of other marine applications) it to put a small spot-weld on the mounting nut and bolt at the base.

Do people steal outboard motors?

“In my 35-year career, I’ve never seen as many outboards and as many units being stolen from as many marinas.” In California, the second most ranked state for stolen boats, it’s only 55 percent. “It’s a great crime of opportunity,” Rutherford said.

How do you prevent a boat engine theft?

Anti-theft Devices The longer it takes for them to take your motor away, the less likely it is to be stolen. If you can’t hide your outboard motor, you must use an anti-theft device. The ideal is to accumulate them. Padlocks: for smaller engines, on an annex or a balcony, this is a minimal but indispensable protection.

How do you stop an outboard theft?

Also include a tracking device in case the boat is stolen and ensure an anti-theft device is fitted to your outboard motor. Use a lockable fuel cap to prevent theft of valuable fuel. Fix a deadbolt type lock to prevent entry to your vessel’s cabin. Secure your boat for any stop when on a trailer with a wheel clamp.

How do you secure a boat from theft?

Secure It. “Locks, locks and more locks,” says Fort, “preferably made of good-quality hardened steel.” Lock the engine to the vessel; lock a chain around the tires and wheels; and lock propellers, outdrives and the cabin.

Does Mercury Marine recommend a transom saver?

A lot of boaters advocate using your engine’s service or engine lock. While there is a lot of debate on the transom savers or motor support issue, we do not recommend trailering using your service/engine lock for engine support when trailering. Both Yamaha and Mercury recommend against it as well.

How common is boat theft?

According to an official report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, while there was an 8 percent decrease in watercraft theft in 2018 compared to the previous year’s record, there were still a total of 4,499 watercraft stolen from January 1 to December 31 last year; it’s still a high rate and it should be a cause …

How do I secure my boat from being stolen?