Purchasing a Boat Insurance policy should only one part of your personal boat loss management program. There are many things that boaters can do to reduce the risk theft and related headaches. The very first person you speak with should be your marine insurance broker. Insurance representatives have many practical ideas and methods that can be tailored specifically to your situation. Anything you can do to discourage or slow a theft down will help reduce your risk of theft.
Criminal Behavior - Boat thieves are attracted to vessels that are easily transport and hidden. This means that boats under twenty feet in length, personal watercraft, kayaks and canoe make inviting targets. A theft is more likely to occur in the off-season, just before sunrise and just after sunset, and the day following a long weekend.
Record Keeping - There are several items of information that each boater should record about their boat and the items on board it:
- Boats built after 1972 have a 12 digit identifier consisting of numbers and letters permanently marked on the starboard side near the stern called a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Be sure to verify this HIN on your boat, ensure it matches the registration, and record it
- Photograph your vessel from a number of various angles. Take notes on its color, markings, and any other unique identifying features
- Make a list of what is normally found on the boat. Record a description, serial number, and manufacturer name for each item
- Keep this information in a safe, separate location away from your boat
Protecting Your Property - Here are some proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of boat theft:
- Mark or engrave the loose equipment found on your boat with a driver's license number. Use the format of your state abbreviation followed by the license number and ending with the letters DL. Example: AK-0000000-DL
- Use the strongest locks and chains available to secure the boat and trailer
- Lock boats or personal watercraft to their trailer. Lock the trailer to something secure or install a hitch lock
- Park your trailer nose-in when able
- Lock outboard motors to the vessel transom. There are specialized products available for this use
- Use good, heavy-duty hardware on doors, windows, and portholes. Keep the curtains closed
- Store your boat in a protected location at home when able
- Take your keys home with you at the end of the day
- Purchase and install an alarm system
- Install a well hidden lockable battery master switch and gas line lock
- Hire a professional boat watching service
- Rent a secure locker from your marina
If you are the victim of a theft, contact the police, your harbormaster and insurance company. Be prepared to provide the records you have for the vessel. Remember this subject as you consider the purchase of a new or used boat. Does its HIN match on both the vessel and the registration? A HIN that appears to be altered or an unusually low sales price are warning signs of a stolen boat.
