Public Dock issues

[agallant80]

Any advice on using public docs for the night? Stolen shore power cords, people going on to your boat when you are gone or sleeping, stolen electronics etc. Anyone have any issues or advice for using public docs?

 

[Mason78]

Re: Public Dock issues

I leased a seasonal slip 3 years ago and left the boat there all season. I didn't have a problem but it was located in a remote spot of a state park so not many people came through, unless they had a boat.

Just like not leaving valuables in sight when you park your car, try to avoid leaving anything of value viewable to a passerby.

Is it possible to lock the sleeping area of your cuddy? If not could you install an exterior locking device to keep items secure?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Public Dock issues

Never had a problem here in Wisconsin, I probably do it half dozen times each summer on weekends and a week or so once a season. Course there are usually other boats around with better stuff than I got. Never heard of problems from them either though.

 

[CC245]

Re: Public Dock issues

I live a block from a public dock. The area has a small park, shore power and a outdoor concert stage. Most of the time the dock area is full, so there are many other boaters around. Everyone keeps a eye on things and the town police walk thru a few times a night. I have left my boat overnight a few times without any problems. Take any valuables with you and put the covers on the boat.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Public Dock issues

Some punks untied a cruiser one night at a public dock near downtown here in Louisville and pushed it into the Ohio River channel that runs adjacent. I seem to remember that it was occupied, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Public Dock issues

sort of like asking about parking a car in a public parking lot. The only answer is, it depends.

I know public docks where you can leave the keys in the ignition; another is so unsafe you don't want to use the ramp at night unless you are packing.

I think generally, boaters tend to be honest with other boaters. It's the non-boaters who may have easy access to the dock that will be the problem. So evaluate how open it is and how much it's used by the non-boating public--teen hang-out, right off a busy street, etc.