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Stolen outboard

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/12/2005 : 21:49:10

J.B. Manley s/v Sea Trac Allied Seawind II #65
DPO s/v Antares Catalina 25 #4849
Association Treasurer 2002 - 2006
Association Bookkeeper 2002 - 2008
Association Quartermaster 2004 - 2008

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2005 : 22:22:26

So Sorry,
It has never happened to me directly but at one time we used to sail with a friend out of Huntington NY. We took the launch out to the Seidleman 24 with all the food supplies and sails for a weekend on Long Island sound. Bob, our skipper was about to get under way as the tide was slack and found no outboard!!! we ended up sleeping on the beach at his parents house.

Any other boats hit? let us know if there is anything we can do.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2005 : 22:40:14

What a bummer. Was it locked in place? Frankly, I'm surprised we don't see these posts more often. Hope it was insured.

Steve

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2005 : 23:02:18

Thanks, John and Steve.

No other boats hit, which doesn't make any sense. Why hacksaw off the lock of a twenty year old 8 hp when there are plenty of newer, bigger and better motors in the same marina; all unlocked. Guess I shouldn't have kept it cleaned and waxed.

No, no insurance. One of those things that you don't think is worth anything at all...until you have to try and come up with $2,000 to replace it. Unfortunately, the bastards have killed my season before it even got started. Needless to say, I'm extremely pissed off right now.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 02:09:51

"No, no insurance. One of those things that you don't think is worth anything at all..."

Sorry for your loss.

On your way back from the Yamaha/ Honda/ Tohatsu dealer stop by your agent's office and issue your boat.

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 08:00:07

Perhaps you can get a good deal on a used outboard. I just picked up a like new 5yo 9.9 merc for my john boat for $750. Remember that all is not lost by some misfortune. There is usually SOME good in the end.

I went through this 2 weeks ago when my new in the box weedeater was stolen from my car! I still have no weedeater .....but 2 boats!

Tom.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 08:07:40

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by atgep
 I went through this 2 weeks ago when my new in the box weedeater was stolen from my car! I still have no weedeater .....but 2 boats!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yeah, it'll be alright.

For the record, I carry liability insurance on the boat, of course.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 08:30:26

Hook one of these up to your outboard. http://www.kencove.com/charge.htm

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 09:50:05

Sorry about your loss JB.
That does seem strange they would go for yours and not the newer motors.
What adds salt to the wound is missing a day like yesterday too.
Kinda blows your faith in humanity for a while.
I have an old flat top Evinrude 8 or 9 horse my significant others father gave me back in the fall you can have.
It wouldn't work on the boat but it could be traded for one that could.
Gee and you just bought spark plugs too!

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 10:18:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Charlie Vick
 What adds salt to the wound is missing a day like yesterday too.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Luckily, some friends showed up and I was able to sail on their C30 for five hours. First sunburn of the season, but well worth it.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I have an old flat top Evinrude 8 or 9 horse my significant others father gave me back in the fall you can have.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thanks for the offer, mate, but I'll figure something out. Offers like yours are what keep me from ever losing faith in humanity!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Gee and you just bought spark plugs too!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yeah, that was the real kicker. Right after arriving, I walked down to the boat with plugs and wrench in hand all excited to get that baby ready to go for the season, and..."Oh, you've gotta be f****** kidding me!" I'm sure you can imagine the scene.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 10:42:12

Sorry, JB...As someone who has had 2 cars stolen from them, I know how freakin' pissed off you are!

Even though my marina is somewhat secure due to it being the home of the Park Police, DNR, Border Patrol, and County Sheriff, the marinas I visit while cruising might not be. Along with the outboard lock, I think this year I'll be thru-bolting the outboard to the mount. You don't want to lose an engine miles from home.

Edited by - dlucier on 03/13/2005 10:43:12

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 10:57:04

They hacksawed the padlock? Were there filings laying around? If so, they must have had some extra blades, time, and wanted that motor pretty bad... usually a big bolt-cutter is the tool of choice. One quick "pop" and "Bob's your uncle". I've wondered though, if the new crop of battery-powered tools (sawz-alls, angle grinders etc) would be expanding opportunities for the thief.

IMHO a good vinyl-covered stainless cable lock is more theft resistant... they don't respond well to hacksaws and bolt cutters. Most 'casual' thieves won't have a good cable-cutter lying around in the garage. (all bets are off for professionals or the very determined).

I still contend a custom paint job on the cowling, (with boat name) is the best theft deterrent of all. Pretty tough to 'fence' and certainly conspicuous when you're hauling it around.

One can only hope that the impeller in your old motor will burn out the first time they go to use it... about 5 miles offshore!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 11:26:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
 ...I've wondered though, if the new crop of battery-powered tools (sawz-alls, angle grinders etc) would be expanding opportunities for the thief.

IMHO a good vinyl-covered stainless cable lock is more theft resistant... they don't respond well to hacksaws and bolt cutters...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think the vinyl-covered cable lock would be as secure as a piece of string and noise producing tools are probably not used because of the attention they draw (At night in my marina, you can year a flea fart at 200ft).

About five years ago in the back of the dry storage lot, a number of outboards were stolen from the transoms of the parked boats. The modus operandi was to choose boats that were the farthest from the main buidling with their sterns facing away. Additionally, it appears the theives chose those outboards that could simply be removed with bolt cutters. They cut through steering cables, electrical wires and starter cables, and the vinyl covered locks. Probably took all of 30 seconds.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 11:50:01

The vinyl coated cables are usually more secure than the locks used with them. For years I rode, sold, and locked bicycles that cost as much as a good outboard. Always found the cable to work best. That being said, I'm using a Mster outboard lock on my new motor because SWMBO thinks it looks better than a cable wrapped around everything.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 12:21:55

I just assumed a hacksaw had been used, but bolt cutters are probably right. However, our marina is the equivalent of a wilderness area, so anything could have been used and any amount of time taken. They could have done it in a boat, on my boat, or from the slip. Who knows?

Still, the thing that continues to bug me the most is, why?

Edited by - Sea Trac on 03/14/2005 11:43:02

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 12:57:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Doug
 The vinyl coated cables are usually more secure than the locks used with them...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I don't know about that...The cables are usually made of steel or stainless steel which is easily cut with bolt/cable cutters, whereas a good hardened lock might ruin them.

On my last boat, I redid all the standing rigging myself at the local West Marine and the tool that was used to cut all the stainless steel wire rope...bolt cutters!

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 13:48:58

Why is it that some low life jerk seems to think he's entitled to what we have?
My solution to motor theft has been to keep the thing in the garage when the boat's on the hard. In the water, the 9.9 elect big foot merc is so HEAVY that any " ....."-hole trying to take it will be attacked by the thing and taken to a watery death amoung the beer cans, wine bottles and assorted tools lurking beneath our marina.

Edited by - andy on 03/13/2005 13:54:25

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 14:19:04

I'm using one of those Fulton motor locks. This is a bar which goes over the two lock down bolt levers. Of course a side grinder would cut it off quickly.
My Honda is insured, as well as boat, and contents with a 500 deductable. replacement value policy of course.

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 14:21:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
About five years ago in the back of the dry storage lot, a number of outboards were stolen from the transoms of the parked boats... They cut through steering cables, electrical wires and starter cables, and the vinyl covered locks. Probably took all of 30 seconds.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We had the same thing happen in the dry storage lot at Folsom Lake several years ago. About 20 outboards stolen, and the sherriff said that it was almost certainly a professional job. They arrived in two Econoline vans after dark, about 30 minutes before closing time. It looked as though they had "cased" the dry storage lot prior to the actual operation, because they targeted only the newest, most valuable motors - Honda and Yamaha 4-strokes; no 2-stroke motors were taken. They were in and out in less than 10 minutes, so fast that they must have known in advance exactly which boats to hit and where they were parked in the lot. Unfortunately, California has no title registration system for outboards motors, so there is little or no hope of recovering stolen ones. I would guess that they are mostly transported out-of-state and fenced elsewhere.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 17:39:10

" the tool that was used to cut all the stainless steel wire rope...bolt cutters!"

Well, I won't be buying my rigging wire there... that will mess up the end of the cable.
Here's the right stuff (which our local marine supplier uses)

http://bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=Cutters

In my experience common bolt cutters will cheerfullly 'smoosh' (ie crush) stainless cable... yes, if you gnaw away on it for awhile you can get through, but you'll mess up the last 6" or so of the wire. (don't ask me how I know this).

Maybe if you had a pair of brand new bolt high-quality cutters... (the kind I don't have)

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 18:01:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
[brHere's the right stuff (which our local marine supplier uses)
http://bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=Cutters<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Those darned things cost more than my outboard was worth!

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 03/13/2005 : 18:13:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Antares
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
[brHere's the right stuff (which our local marine supplier uses)
http://bosunsupplies.com/products2.cfm?product=Cutters<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Those darned things cost more than my outboard was worth!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

They probably stole those too!

Edited by - on

frogger
Navigator

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USA
184 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2005 : 10:13:45

Worst I ever had was finding out that Merc 110 does not work well without a prop. During the night someone came through the marina and removed props from all the boats, sailboats and powerboats. Vandalism? Dealer restocking? Never did find out anything.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2005 : 10:34:02

Frogger wrote: <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">During the night someone came through the marina and removed props from all the boats...Never did find out anything.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

So the police never produced the prowling pilfering prop perps for proper prosecution, penance and possible probation?

Edited by - Lightnup on 03/14/2005 10:37:30

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2005 : 11:24:39

J.B.

Have you checked with your homeowners insurance to see if they might cover the loss?

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
SF Bay

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2005 : 11:45:34

No, Jim, I haven't, because I figure the motor wasn't even worth the deductible; monetarily, anyway. Thanks for the idea, though!

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