Public storage?

[MCNPathfinder]

I'm needing to put my boat in public storage. What do some of the guys that utilize public storage do to your boat to ensure it's security? I would rather not pick up my boat one day and see that the outdrive is missing. I'm thinking about wrapping a chain around the outdrive and trailer to make sure it stays with the boat. Has anyone else had their boat broken into while in storage? I'm really nervous.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Public storage?

the storage units I used in Florida have security. The ones I use in Wisconsin - just park the boat in the unit, lock the door.

if anything happens, that is what insurance is for.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Public storage?

Research the storage area, evaluate their security, controlled access, lights, cameras, 24 patrolled security etc. Talk to the local police and ask which ones they think are the "safe" ones and which ones have been hit repeatedly. Look at which ones are directly off of busy highways and can be seen from the road vs tucked back off of some side road which would afford a thug plenty of time and concealment to break in.
Look at how many other boats are there - anyone less protected than you? Hate to say it, but in my neighborhood I ensure my cars and my house appear more of a pain in the *** and more dangerous to break into for the thugs than my neighbors. I know I can't stop them but if I can be less enticing then I will.....

With that said, I lock my hitch and occasionally I'll put a lock bar through a wheel. If they take my outdrive then fine - IMO, that's a heck of a lot of work, high in risk category since it takes several minutes and with an old boat like mine who wants to take the risk of going to jail over a beat up lower unit that may or may not have problems?

 

[MCNPathfinder]

Re: Public storage?

I suppose you guys are right. I straight up asked the guy, and he said when they first started (years ago) some RVs were getting broken into, but if I don't have stuff that's grab and go then I should be okay. So far no issues as of late. Unless you steal the whole rig, it's not worth it for a small TV. It's pretty much right off the freeway. Thanks for helping to put my mind at ease. The guy that owns the place reminds me a lot of Clint Eastwood in from Gran Torino. He most likely hates thieves just as much as I do. Haha! It's in a spot where I'll most likely be able to at least catch a glimpse of the boat on my way to and from work. I'll invest in a better set of locks. Right now I've just got a Masterlock running through my chains and hitch. You could probably snip it in a few seconds. Although, you'd have to be pretty stupid to steal an ENTIRE boat, right?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Public storage?

You simply have to know about your particular lot. I leave my trailer in an open fenced lot ($40/month) and it's fine but even the owner agrees that if I put my boat in there it would be stripped overnight.

If you store it, check it over carefully before pulling out; one guy here found all but one of his outdrive bolts undone by a thief who didn't complete the job.

A cover helps keep things out of sight. That makes a big difference, as well as anything that will slow him down. IMO the opportunist thief (grab what's easy and tempting) is the one easiest, and most effective, to guard against.

The decision after that on how to secure is purely personal and particular to your circumstances--like asking, "How should I lock up my house?"

Consider the types of thieves you may encounter--the pros who would take a whole boat or OB cannot be stopped. The opportunist won't tow off a boat with a padlock on the hitch, nor will he look under a cover. A thief looknig for stuff to sell may go for electronics but not boating equipment such as a tube or anchor; your fellow boater will take ("borrow") a fender, bow line or paddle. And then there's the gas syphoner. A boat in the water is subject to a joy rider more than a steal-to-sell thief.

So for example, a boat i leave at a yacht club is subject at most to "borrowing," which is aggravating, but not thievery of valuables. I could leave a GPS sitting out but not a bowline. Cheap and easy enough to solve.

If you try to lock up against all types of thieves you become a victim of a crime that has not been committed yet, with the expense and inconvenience.

 

[MCNPathfinder]

Re: Public storage?

I see what your saying, it makes perfect sense. It seems like it's a decent place. It's kind of tucked away between some campers. I keep the cover on it, primarily to keep the rain out. It's a pain to get that cover off, it takes me a good 5 minutes to figure out what's going on with that thing before I even enter the boat, and I've messed with it a few times. You had me a little concerned about the gas siphoning, but being that I'm pretty poor, I usually don't have any gas left in the boat when I put it away LOL!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Public storage?

I think a straight up chat with the owner about the history is a good idea, any other owners you see around too. The public place I used to use for the Sea Ray over the winter years ago had an inner fenced and locked area specially for boats. You called the guy to come and open it up and so he was there when boats were coming and going. Helped to prevent hangar rash too if another pair of eyes are around. Not terribly convenient, however more more regular in-an-out use.

The other thing I liked about the segregated area was that the "transient" folks renting a lockup to store crap for a month or so didn't have the opportunity to wander the boat area window shopping when no one was around.

Bottom line of course is anyone motivated enough is going to get what they want. And you never know what they'll want. A woman at work the other day said some theives hit her street in the middle of the night and took.....plants. Yeah, plants. Right out of people's yards all up and down the street. Some shrubs and other garden stuff. What has the world come to...?

 

[silliker]

Re: Public storage?

Be sure to check the dimensions of a potential storage unit. Most Boats require more space. Some equipment, such as boat trailers, may be too wide for the door of a drive-up unit, so covered parking would be the better option.


EDIT

 

[5150abf]

Re: Public storage?

If someone wants something they are going to get it, your job is to make that as hard as possible and send them onto easier pickings.

Take off your prop and all electronics and lock your storage doors or don't have anything in them, maybe do some urban camaflauge and put a crappy cover on it,makes them think the boat is crappy too so not worth messing with.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Public storage?

Pull the outdrive and take it home. They are not that heavy