Protecting your watercraft from theft is relatively easy because most thieves look for easy opportunities. They are discouraged by the possibility of noise, visibility and even delays. So if your security detail consists mostly of a boat alarm system going off, you’re already on the right path.

There are several different ways you can prevent boat theft and without incurring a ridiculous amount of expenses or taking up too much of your precious time. This article will explore the two main ways you can scare a burglar away from your watercraft so you can have a smooth sailing experience. 

Getting a boat alarm system

The first step to securing your boat is to invest in a boat alarm system. Having an alarm on your boat can ward off the majority of the burglars. In order to do so you have to find the right security provider and an efficient alarm system that works to your advantage. 

An effective alarm system should be reliable. You have to check whether the alarm system you are getting is designed to last long and withstand environmental factors such as humidity, water and sun exposure. 

Alarm sensibility is also something you should consider because you don’t want the nuisance of an alarm that goes off with simply a bird landing on the boat’s deck. You need an alarm that detects heat and human activity. 

In light of this, it is also important to mention that alarm coverage is a factor to consider. You should find an alarm that you can set to alert you when the intruder reaches a certain point such as the deck or the cabin etc. This way you can decide if you want to protect all areas of the boat or only the vulnerable ones

An alarm system that is easy to use and instal is a definite plus. You need to know how to use your own boat’s alarm as this will be handy when you are at sea. 

An alarm system that lights up by sensing motion is a great detector for a thief in hiding and deterring threats on your watercraft. 

Getting a boat security camera 

Incidents of boat theft and vandalism are mostly reported at night or during the day when the marina is busy. Live video surveillance can ensure that any theft incident is dealt with instantly. 

Having a boat security camera on your boat is useful but you need to ensure that you have live CCTV footage. Recorded CCTV footage is not as useful in prosecuting the crimes but it is still a great deterrent. Simply the knowledge of a particular area being monitored reflects in lower crime rates. 

To get the best results you can add a security camera on your boat and install signs that suggest active surveillance. Intruders will be discouraged by this immediately and your boat will most likely not make the list of easy theft options. 

As you already know Miami is a big city and with the big cities come higher crime rates. Having boat security is essential living in such a city. If you are considering getting a security camera set up or an alarm for your watercraft, Marine Tech Miami provides extensive services and competitive rates. 

Having uninterrupted power supply and access to the internet is required for the alarm system and live surveillance to be effective and to work to your advantage. This may be tricky if you plan to be at sea for a long period of time. 

A little something to keep in mind.  

Other boat security measures

• Parking 

While a security camera and an alarm system are great measures for protecting your watercraft, it is important to ensure that your boat cannot be moved easily when it is parked. 

If it’s hard to move the boat, the burglars will be discouraged from moving or stealing it. About 90% of boat thefts take place at the trailer. You can chain your boat to the trailer frame for safety or park at specific spots where it is harder for it to be moved or be left unsupervised. 

• Keys 

This goes without saying but never leave your keys in the jockey box or in the boat. Even if the boat has a dinghy, store it in the boat or connect it with a locking cable to secure your boat. 

• Valuables 

While preventing theft is important, you must prepare for circumstances beyond your control. This means having a backup plan for when there is burglary. Remove personal documents and valuables from the boat. You may want to limit the number of expensive appliances you have onboard or move them out of sight so thieves are not compelled to come to your boat. Insurance is also a great way to protect yourself from the loss incurred in case of a theft.