Boat Security

[(Nobody You Know)]

Can anybody recommend a security system for a boat. I'd be interested in what some of the members are using and what works (or seems to anyway).

Thanks,

 

[MikeP]

We have an Ademco security system with wireless magnetic sensors on all the exterior entrances and on the storage doors under the flybridge helm. It was installed by the PO and runs off the batts. It is not connected at all to ac though it can be. There are no motion sensors; I don't think you could use them on a boat anyway but I'm no alarm expert.

If triggered, a loud yelping horn activates. It works fine. It's just a household unit - not "marine" at all. But has been on the boat since at least the early 90's and with no problems. Occasionally a new battery in the various mag sensors is the only maintanance required.

Obviously there are much newer units with all sorts of features - like notifying you at home if the alarms trigger. I don't think I'd want that with a boat 3000 miles away!

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I know Pascal will agree with my answer... LIVEABOARDS.

We are now up to 8 full time liveaboards at my 21 slip marina... If we don't see you on the dock, the 3 "boat dogs" will.........

It's kinda neat as the 3 dogs "know" when the regulars are walking on the dock (they don't bark) as opposed to an "outsider".....

We haven't locked our boat up in the 5 years we've been at this marina (like it would be tough for someone to breakin anyway).

But I also know I need something for when we are out cruising or docked somewhere else.... Kinda like what Mike has...

 

[Boatsb]

My dual layer system is pictured below. About 50% of the boats on my dock have at least one of these.

Lots of live aboards too.

 

[MikeP]

I prefer this "final alarm" but of course, you have to be there to use it:

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

I prefer this "final alarm" but of course, you have to be there to use it:

But it's a great comfort when you are there!

I have several pieces which I cherish. But my small Glock 45 is a my favorite. If you miss the noise will scare anything away. I can't "roll a can" but I ain't bad.

Hope I never have to use it.

(thought about using it at a couple of boat yards in the past though)

Talk about stealing your own thread

 

[JLR]

Same setup as Mike P but with two additions. I have visible CCTV cameras that I monitor and make it known that they are on all of the time. I also have a small flashing red led near each pilothouse door that also, flashes all of the time.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I don't care for the Glock. I like having a safety and that trigger safety is just not doing it for me. I prefer the 1911's or my Springfield XD. At least the XD has a grip safety in addition to the one on the trigger. The last thing I want to do is shoot myself.

If you are just looking for an alarm, I agree that anything with a motion sensor could be a problem. The boat rolls a little and something aboard moves and sets it off. You would probably have to have a glass break sensor, door contacts, or both.

 

[thoward]

Here is one we looked at when we were racing karts...
http://www.tattletalealarm.com/product/index.php

 

[Liquid Asset]

Flagship marine in Florida Makes a nice alarm for boats.

www.flagshipmarine.com

Just click on their alarm section down at the bottom.

 

[doc g]

Motion sensors are not a problem,you just have to adjust the sensitivity on them. They also can be programmed out easily and put in other zones so they are only on at the dock,depending on how the alarm is armed. We use ours while on the hook alot.................................Pat

 

[tim45haley]

I agree with Charlie. Liveaboards are the answer. Only bad part here in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, very few facilities allow liveaboards any more. Lived on our last boat at Marina Jacks a few years back, bought the new boat last year, MJ no longer takes liveaboards. They say some kind of legal mumbo jumbo with the state. Yeah, Right. Only security job I know of that you pay them for the opportunity.


tim haley

 

[nyrussell]

I understand no one Lives Aboard anymore in Florida, they are now Cruising (cruisers) and therefore always in transit.

Also, I agree with the dogs and Live Aboards in the Marina being the best. We personally do not allow anyone in that we don't know. Actually got the owner of the sailing school here pissed at me one day when I stated that how I did not know one of his students(?) I was not opening the gate for him. LOL what an ass. I knew him but not the guys rattling the gate.

Noel
Living Aboard in NYC/NJ and it is getting warmer too

 

[Calcutta]

Before I took my boat to S. FL, this past fall, I bought one of those battery-powered motion detector chime/alarms and installed (mounted on velcro) at eye-level on the entertainment cabinet, under the, facing the salon door. I also put on the WARNING window decals on the door, for all to see.

I kept the boat on the Harborage /Indian River, where there can be consideral movement in a strong south wind. The alarm never went off accidently, only when you slid the door halfway open. Ear-piecingly loud. I also used it for on-board security, activating it on to monitor the rear of the cabin, while I slept forward. The bateries were changed out every other month. It was cheap ($25), quick and reliable.

 

[eze2bme]

I have a similar system to that which Gregg uses. Mine came from Radio Shack and is a motion detector. Can be set to either chime or alarm (loud shrill). I have it set up on the aft deck. Has a hand held remote to turn OFF and ON (Turns OFF long enough to enter the code). Works great as anyone who climbs the dock steps will set it off. When at anchor I use the "chime" function at night. Only drawback is that the batteries only last about 4-6 weeks ... and when they get weak and need to be replaced the alarm goes off and I get a call from the marina office that my alarm is going off.

The unit uses 4 AA batteries. Does anyone know of a way to convert the house 12 volts to power this alarm?

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

Try using AA Nicad batteries. They are supposed to last much longer in electronics. All the big "home retail" stores generally have 'em.