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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Stolen Motor!

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2008 : 14:59:02

Steve,
The other problem with your digital lock idea which you alluded to, is that the thieves would have to know that stealing the engine would render it useless. Otherwise they'd just steal it anyway and when they couldn't get it started for their fence, just toss it.

The problem with outboards our size is that they're relatively easy to steal simply because of their size.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2008 : 19:04:45

DavidP, we have a locking nut on our spare, it consists of a Large U bolt with a standard nut on one end and the locking unit over the other.

Sadly the same issue applies... if they want it then all they need do is break it!

Paul

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2008 : 21:49:45

Boy, having a electronics background, all I can do is wonder how I could electrify it or maybe a large capacitor that would discharge when they cut into the lock.

Edited by - Chris Z on 07/09/2008 21:50:23

SJ
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 13:28:33

Well, I ordered the motor, but unfortunately, back ordered until quite possibly August 10th! UGH!!!!!

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 17:33:54

Britinusa,
I was talking about putting the special lug bolt through the bolt hole on the o/b's mounting bracket used to anchor the motor to a boat's transom or motor mount. I think that there is a place on the motor bracket for that purpose so the motor won't accidentally vibrate or get knocked off of the transom. If the lug nut requires a special wrench, then a thief would have to separate the motor from it's own bracket in order to steal the motor.

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Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 17:46:01

I thought about hooking up a battery powered fence charger. Perhaps the ground to the stern rail and the hot wire to the motor? If the shock gets them like it gets me, it should knock them into the water!!!
Edk

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 18:11:55

Its a major incovience if the motor or anything gets stolen. All I can say is make sure you have insurance and dont forget to renew on time.
Steve A

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 10:49:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ed Cassidy
 I thought about hooking up a battery powered fence charger. Perhaps the ground to the stern rail and the hot wire to the motor? If the shock gets them like it gets me, it should knock them into the water!!!
Edk
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Ed,
That seems like it might save your motor but also cause galvanic corrosion all across your marina. It would be difficult to have a hot rail/outboard and not leak current into the water.

There may be discussions in the archives.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 11:34:53

You might also fry the electronic ignition module the first time something/someone touches your outboard.

BTW, I've heard of cases where the motor was bolted/locked to a bracket and the thieves just pried and ripped the bracket off the transom, creating a structural issue for replacement. Some of these guys apparently are up to a challenge. ("Oh, a smartass, huh??")

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/11/2008 11:35:30

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 13:09:00

I read that some places here in the Sunshine State they travel with chainsaws and have removed parts of transoms to get the kicker.

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2008 : 13:11:10

Hi Folks,

My 78 Chrysler motor is like my 95 Ford Escort. It is such an unattractive item that I can motor it and park it anywhere and fear not of it becoming stolen. In some cases, it would be a blessing if they both became victims of quick hands: both my car and motor.

Deric

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2008 : 22:00:12

I don't rely on just a chain or cable lock. My Yamaha T8 is permanently through-bolted to Quiet Time's motor mount with two 1/4" SS hex head bolts (red loctite on the nuts), and I intend to increase that to four bolts at some point when I find the time. A determined thief with a power abrasive saw could cut off the whole motor mount, cut the security cable, and cut the electric starter cables, and probably be gone in under a minute, but there's no way he could do it quietly, so hopefully it's enough deterrent that he'd pass up my boat and go for an easier target elsewhere. Of course the downside is if I ever need to remove the motor myself to take it to a mechanic for repairs, it'll probably take me all day to get it off the boat. The worst part would be pulling the starter cables - they run direct from the motor to the battery with no easy quick disconnect coupling at the hull (so there's nothing to corrode).

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2008 : 09:23:41

The fact is that any method of locking can be overcome; locks are only to discourage a thief. Another thing to consider is where you keep your boat. Marinas are good because there are other people around and a thief does not want to attract attention. Only a stupid thief would use any kind of saw or prybar at a marina, it's too noisy. If however, you keep your boat where it is pretty much deserted most of the time, it's much more likely that a thief would use noisy tools to cut or break your engine free.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2008 : 21:15:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stardog
 ...Marinas are good because there are other people around and a thief does not want to attract attention. Only a stupid thief would use any kind of saw or prybar at a marina, it's too noisy...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Your thieves have no balls! In some marinas, they come in with their tools in the middle of the day, make a big commotion, and carry the motor off in one of the marina's dock carts. It's like home thieves--they generally drive a van up to your door at 2pm on a Tuesday and "go to work".

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/17/2008 21:17:11

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