Some tips to protect your boat and equipment from theft:
- When your boat is unattended, remove keys, registration, and all equipment that cannot be locked inside the boat.
- Permanently mark or engrave all equipment with an identifier that is unique to you.
- Lock outboard motors and fuel tanks to the craft.
- Use a trailer hitch lock, and chain the trailer to a fixed object in a well lighted area. If moored, secure the vessel to the dock with a steel cable and lock.
- Photograph your boat and equipment and record the OH number, hull identification number and the serial number of all electronics equipment for your files.
- Organize a dock watch program at your marina.
Be cautious when buying a boat. To avoid problems be sure to have the previous owner officially sign the title over to you. Match the hull identification number (HIN) listed on the title and registration to the one attached to the boat. Inspect the HIN on the transom to be sure it has not been altered in any way. |