Outboard Theft ALERT!!! <<Tampa Bay Area Members>>

[Bergertime]

Hello all...

I am sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news but I am sure that it's really not a surprise to most as it's been going on for some time now throughout the state.  The storage yard I keep my boat in near Brandon was broken in to Thursday night and three Yamaha motors were stolen off the backs of boats.  In some cases the batteries and other valuable parts were also taken.  These dirtbags were fairly organized as they cut the chain on the powered gate and disabled the video surveillance system.  In addition very bold too… all three boats were backed up to the fence that borders a very busy 4 lane road.  Any of you guys out there that have the new 4 strokes be on alert as I am sure they are traveling throughout the Tampa area.  I will post more as details become available.  

As a side note I did some research online regarding outboard theft deterrent and unfortunately there seems to be very little one can do to completely mitigate this risk outside of keeping the boat inside under lock and key or on the 3rd tier of a high and dry.  One suggestion actually may the best of all and a very cheap solution…   Take a large heavy duty black garbage bag with some vent holes installed  and cover you motor and lower unit giving the appearance of dilapidation or mal-repair.  I guess the thought was out of sight, out of mind.  Anyway, stay vigilant my friends..

B

[wingtime]

Fernando has some special lock nuts on hit that you need a special key or driver to remove them.  You know kinda like those special lug nuts that needed a special socket.

[Blue Agave]

As they say, "Locks are for honest thieves".  If they want it, they are going to get it.  But I believe if you make it harder for them they will just move on to easier prey.  I have four of these on my outboard.

http://www.mcgard.com/marine/outboard-motor-locks

[seabob4]

What Nando said is the key.  Thieves, by nature of what they do, are lazy.  They don't want to work for a living...and they don't want to work to hard to steal something!  Make it difficult, they will find easier prey...

[Blue Agave]

Welcome back Bob!  How was camp?

[pzart]

Best deterrence IMHO, put your paint cans away and keep those old ones running like a top

[love2fish]

Best deterrence IMHO, put your paint cans away and keep those old ones running like a top

HAHA! I was about to say,, if this post came up about a month ago- pre-spark plug wire changing... I would have put a shiny 4-stroke cowling on my motor and left it parked backwards in my driveway!

[Aswaff400]

so they just steal yamahas? Fernando, i think your safe! yet another reason to go with Mercury!

[seabob4]

so they just steal yamahas? Fernando, i think your safe! yet another reason to go with Mercury!

Yams, the choice of the third world...

[Blue Agave]

so they just steal yamahas? Fernando, i think your safe! yet another reason to go with Mercury!

Aaron, didn't stop the bastards from stealing the previous Mercury I had.

[nick15]

Got my Yami 4 stroke 115 stolen at storage in land o lakes. Cut bolts straight off.

[seabob4]

Doesn't take long for the experienced.  Diamond wheel on the mounting bolts, same on the rigging, cherry picker drops it in the truck, away they go...

Doesn't help that you have Pasco Cty Sheriffs around to "guard" your stuff.  I go down 41 through LOL all the time on the way to Tampa.  Speed limit?  50.  I do 65 to 70 not even worrying about seeing a deputy sheriff...