A hidden bolt / s through the transom might work.------If the culprits loosen the motor clamps they expect to walk away with the prize.-----They may not want to turn on a flashlight .----They might move on.
Didn't mean to start a post on "make my day laws". That what's here in Colorado. Just wondered about a good locking situation for an outboard and thanks for the insurance information as I think that is the best policy for now. Heh heh. I'll check my homeowners first. And yes, you better make sure the violators are inside the house before you take action or you will pay the price.
You need to bolt the motor on anyway, for other reasons. That being the case, install a McGard OB motor lock. Its won't deter the professional thief, but its a little extra protection. Take a picture of the install, so in the worst case scenario you can prove diligence to your insurance company.
A few years back a few boats had their props removed. Thieves tilted the motors up, went boat to boat tossing their ill gotten gains into their boats. Got spotted and they sped off in their boat. Best of my knowledge they weren't caught.
Look into a boat insurance policy. Mine's around $150/yr or so.
Documentation is also key. Pics of the serial number and any other identifiers in case the worst happens.
Remove nice shiny motor cowling and lock it in your house, wrap the remaining motor in some ratty, mangy looking burlap and secure with a bungee cord…..looks like motor is broken, being worked on, not really worth stealing….most thieves would maybe move on to a nicer, better running outboard to steal….
Be nice to find a second cowling that fit, that could be painted up to look like hell. Keep the original nice in case of resale. I see some duck hunter boat motors all painted camo and what not. They look worn out.
Mostly have a place for the 14' boat and motor but at times when you're away for a few days you are a sitting duck. I guess anything that's un attended is fair game these days, hence the insurance policy. With the wraps that go on cars , I wonder if a wrap could be made for a boat motor that looks old and funky?
Here's a thought.
Can you vinyl wrap a boat motor?
Mossy Oak® Graphics boat motor camo vinyl wrap conforms to all 2-stroke boat motors. Wrap comes standard in four different motor sizes to provide a perfect fit with any motor. ... For 4-stroke boat motors, it is recommended to order off the roll the amount of square footage you need.
Yep, that's a good idea. An old sweatshirt would be the perfect fit and if it had stains from auto work all over it........
Hey, there's a new business idea eh? That with the lock and through bolt would be enough most likely.
