Do you stash a key?
- Thread starter Hawgwash
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The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Giggitoni
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Yes
sdowney717
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I leave keys in the ignition. But I disable the electric fuel pumps.
Last person at the marina and only one I know of killed, was shot by the owner with a shotgun as the thief snuck onboard. Happened in Hampton VA few years ago.
He goes onto boat to steal something late night thinking the owner was not there. Thief and owner were acquainted, friendly, although they guy was a blackhearted fellow, IMO, other people had some issues with the guy.
After the owner killed the thief, and saw who it was it, this emotionally ruined him and he sold the boat and we never saw him again.
Last person at the marina and only one I know of killed, was shot by the owner with a shotgun as the thief snuck onboard. Happened in Hampton VA few years ago.
He goes onto boat to steal something late night thinking the owner was not there. Thief and owner were acquainted, friendly, although they guy was a blackhearted fellow, IMO, other people had some issues with the guy.
After the owner killed the thief, and saw who it was it, this emotionally ruined him and he sold the boat and we never saw him again.
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Bay Pelican
Moderator Emeritus
There are signs on Bay Pelican which instruct a Good Samaritan how to start the engines, raise the anchor and basically save the boat if it is dragging at anchor. The upper helm is unlocked and the boat can be operated from there.
The boat itself is locked at anchor when we are not aboard.
This is a risk calculation issue. More likely damage from the boat dragging (has not happened so far) then from a thief stealing the whole boat.
I have manually raised and reset anchors on dragging boats a number of times. My approach is to make it easier for the Good Samaritan to help.
The boat itself is locked at anchor when we are not aboard.
This is a risk calculation issue. More likely damage from the boat dragging (has not happened so far) then from a thief stealing the whole boat.
I have manually raised and reset anchors on dragging boats a number of times. My approach is to make it easier for the Good Samaritan to help.
I once boarded a sailboat that had dragged and was banging on the rocks at the end of its stern tie. No security issues stopping me from getting the boat re anchored.
I have also witnessed other Good Sams trying to figure what to do with a 115ft yacht dragging in Long Harbour, eventually someone was brave enough (ex RCMP guy) to go aboard and try to get the engines started. Security of the boat issues kept the dithering going till there was little time to act before the boat would have been on the rocks. Ultimately resolved without any difficulties, as the boat was not locked and the keys in the ignitions.
I have also witnessed other Good Sams trying to figure what to do with a 115ft yacht dragging in Long Harbour, eventually someone was brave enough (ex RCMP guy) to go aboard and try to get the engines started. Security of the boat issues kept the dithering going till there was little time to act before the boat would have been on the rocks. Ultimately resolved without any difficulties, as the boat was not locked and the keys in the ignitions.
markpierce
Master and Commander
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Some years ago, someone got past the marina's locked gates and gained access. Stole a boat while ripping out dock cleats. Consumed the liquor aboard and ended up aground on the Pacific side of San Francisco.
http://www.stripersonline.com/surft...teals-boat-in-vallejo-ends-up-on-ocean-beach/
We keep things locked. Both I and first mate bring/have boat keys.
http://www.stripersonline.com/surft...teals-boat-in-vallejo-ends-up-on-ocean-beach/
We keep things locked. Both I and first mate bring/have boat keys.
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Bob Cofer
Guru
Wow! We are fortunate enough to live and boat in a place that has not turned into grand theft central.
Our neighbors look out for us and we for them.
When cruising we always dingy over an meet the neighbors and in a new port we lock the door when away.
Ebbtide has no ignition key, never did and never will.
Our neighbors look out for us and we for them.
When cruising we always dingy over an meet the neighbors and in a new port we lock the door when away.
Ebbtide has no ignition key, never did and never will.
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If I left a hidden key, I sure wouldn't advertise it here online.
What do you do, Hawgwash?
What do you do, Hawgwash?
FF
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The problem is not what the thief takes , it is in some places the New Jersey attitude exists.
"If you can't steak it destroy it!"
"If you can't steak it destroy it!"
ranger58sb
Guru
So what happens when you tell the insurance company afterwards:
"No, the boat wasn't locked... so potential thieves wouldn't break windows or doors."
??
Anyone with experience on that?
-Chris
"No, the boat wasn't locked... so potential thieves wouldn't break windows or doors."
??
Anyone with experience on that?
-Chris
CPseudonym
Moderator Emeritus
This question is asked every time this topic comes up so let me answer it with a question. Does insurance cover your losses if you are DUI?
jleonard
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We never lock the boat either. Key is in the ignition, seacocks open in case of an emergency.
ranger58sb
Guru
Hadn't noticed it coming up before, I guess... but...
??
I don't understand how that question applies, Craig. (Unless you mean owner's culpability does indeed apply. In which case, maybe I'm just a bit slow, today...)
??
The answer is no (I assume), but insurance does (is supposed to) cover my losses in case of theft, excepting the deductible, but including damage....
But I've not seen any language about owner's due diligence (keeping things locked?) being required. Or not.
And I haven't seen (noticed) anyone saying a claim was upheld -- or denied -- in the case where boat was left unlocked.
So what the answer? With an answer?
-Chris
CPseudonym
Moderator Emeritus
Yes you get a new car if you drive yours into a tree on the way home from the bar. Yes your losses are covered regardless if locks are used or not.
Northern Spy
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No. Not in BC. Insurance is a crown corporation.
If you are DUI in BC, you will be in breach of your ICBC insurance. ICBC will not cover your medical expenses. ICBC will not pay for your lost wages. ICBC will not fix your car. ICBC pays off the other driver’s vehicle damage claim. The other driver’s injury claim gets settled. ICBC will come after you for the extent of the other drivers claims.
As far as locks go. Yes I keep my boat locked. No I don't have a spare key on board. But I only live a kilometre away. My insurance may exclude some theft by this clause "Mysterious disappearance of equipment or electronics or personal effects from the Watercraft but this exclusion does not apply if the Watercraft shows signs of forced entry or forcible removal."
main boat doesn't have a key just a starter button
Always leave the key in the dingy when chocked on boat or when pulling it
When launched keys stay with me
Main boat is locked and have spare keys in the cap for shore power and taped under the stairs in transom and carry them on my key chain
"Alarm is the main deterrent" have had an attempted break in where they broke a window and disappeared into the night
2 years ago at the club a small boat and 2 guys made their rounds taking electronics and booze
They were found the next morning passed out drunk in their boat and then there was the 50 footer a guy took for a spin They found him going in 360 deg idle spin in harbor. They found him passed out drunk also.
So best deterrent is have lots a booze on board
Always leave the key in the dingy when chocked on boat or when pulling it
When launched keys stay with me
Main boat is locked and have spare keys in the cap for shore power and taped under the stairs in transom and carry them on my key chain
"Alarm is the main deterrent" have had an attempted break in where they broke a window and disappeared into the night
2 years ago at the club a small boat and 2 guys made their rounds taking electronics and booze
They were found the next morning passed out drunk in their boat and then there was the 50 footer a guy took for a spin They found him going in 360 deg idle spin in harbor. They found him passed out drunk also.
So best deterrent is have lots a booze on board
Bay Pelican
Moderator Emeritus
My policy specifically excludes coverage for the dinghy or outboard if they are not locked.
Thats were i used to put my keys
I liked the shore power Cap idea it worked well
Now i have keys for all family and spares for guests if they leave the boat on a outing
Just easier that way
I liked the shore power Cap idea it worked well
Now i have keys for all family and spares for guests if they leave the boat on a outing
Just easier that way
Giggitoni
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Good for Canada. As it should be in all countries. We shouldn't reward a person from operating while impaired. No exceptions.
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Revocation of license and ridiculous insurance rates to insure vehicles moving forward isn't enough? Where does the line between restitution become retribution?
Back to the ORIGINAL topic...... I don't have a lock on my door, so there is no key to keep. My ignition key is where it belongs....in the ignition. Taking property because the key was available should not make me liable or the act legal. That is ridiculous (lack of) reasoning.
CPseudonym
Moderator Emeritus
Wifey B: While you guys are broadcasting where your spare key to your boat is kept, wanna publish on facebook where you keep your spare house key and when and for how long you'll be out of town?
Really kinda pointless if you've ever spent 20 minutes seriously studying typical residential entry lock hardware. I'm not a professional locksmith or thief yet I can defeat (pick)most entry door locks and padlocks in less than 30 seconds. More difficult commercial style take 2 minutes or so, really is a simple skill to master. Thanks to YouTube many multiple of thousands of other common folks now can too.
Gotta a key hidden in the front yard but you won't need it if you come to the back door. All my neighbors are aware of it too. Perhaps some of you need better neighbors in a better neighborhood? We had crappy neighbors when we owned a 4,000 square foot house in a gated subdivision. Now that we live in our old gardeners neighborhood we no longer worry about burglary.
dhays
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I don't believe I can lock myself out of my boat. As others have mentioned, a locked door simply means that if someone really wants to break in, they will break a window. Not sure why, but I don't tend to worry about security as much as I probably should. Even so, I lock up my boats when I leave.
No Mast
Guru
I have a spare key inside the glovebox in our car.
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