Hi all islanders, our 16'Riviera with a new 25hp Yamaha "disappeared" from the front of our dock - 5 miles No. S.P. (between windmill house and Playa Blanca Beach Club) at about 1am this morning. Would REALLY appreciate keeping an eye out for it in the back of lagoon between us and town or I suppose, sadly already in Caye Caulker. Telephone is 603-9066. We were up in the middle of the night and noticed almost immediately, but obviously not quick enough for quick hands or incredibly tricky well-articulated winds!!!!!!! Thanks, Sally @ Casa Suenos BOAT

Just wondering what can be done to lower the odds of losing a boat this way? Is a boat lift an effective deterrent? Motion sensor lights on your dock? Night time security person? Looking for suggestions.
Are the missing boats ever recovered or are they quickly on their way to Honduras or Mexico?

Good deterrants are

Paint your BOAT so it is very distinctive so it does not blend in with all the other boats that are White PUT big letters on it or a unique paintjob to make it stand out this way the thief will be less inclined to steal a boat that is very visable.

25,40,and 60hp are good targets as they are easy to start once pulled out of hearing range try to put on an electric start and add a kill switch this will not deter the most determined thief as these can still be bypassed but it will make him think twice when he realizes he cannot start it easily.

Use a BIG chain and Padlock and lock ot to the dock, boats have been taken using a bolt cutter so use the thickest chain possible.

Take the Prop OFF each night and remove fuel tank if possible, not many thieves are walking around with the right sized prop and a full fuel tank.

regards

Gaz Cooper
PLaya Blanca Beach Club

Deterent #1. Own a crappy boat that a self-respecting thief would be ashamed to call his own.