News — safe boating habits

The Best Outboard Motor Security Tips to Keep Pontoon Thieves at Bay

By: Better Boat

A new crime wave is sweeping docks and marinas across the country.

Boat thefts.

We’re not just talking about the actual vessels being stolen—we’re talking about valuable items being swiped from the vessels. And there’s one valuable item in particular worth worrying about if you’re a pontoon owner: Your outboard motor.

This is the type of the motor that graces every tooner’s vessel (except for the odd tooner with a sterndrive motor).

Still, outboard motor security is an important precaution that’s being somewhat overlooked by unsuspecting pontoon boat owners.

When the boating season draws to a close, pontoon owners will generally swap water for dry land. As boat owners change their environment, so do preying criminals.

Think about it—you’re moving indoors and your prized possession (the pontoon) remains outdoors, whether this is at a local dock, in your driveway or in your yard. Since you won’t be focusing your attention on the vessel when it’s out of the water, this presents thieves with a prime opportunity to swoop in and take what isn’t theirs!

The Best Outboard Motor Security Tips to Keep Pontoon Thieves at Bay

Things to Know About Outboard Motor Theft

Sure, the boat itself might seem like an easy steal, what with it being easily portable on wheels, but unmanned outboard motors are becoming just as desirable for thieves.

Regardless of their weight, outboard motors are highly valuable and the main appeal for thieves is that they’re much less traceable than an actual pontoon boat.

Outboard motors are detachable and can be unmounted from outboard racks swiftly, allowing a thief to make a speedy escape before you’re even aware of their presence.

Before I divulge some valuable seasonal outboard motor security tips with you, let me answer some common questions that every pontoon boat owner ought to know the answer to:

• What are the main targets for thieves? — You have to remember that thieves are smart in their ways. Many will be on the prowl for days, weeks or even months before they make a move. A few things will entice them, such as unlocked gates, unguarded premises and, of course, an unmanned boat. Aim to keep your boat’s location as obscure as possible in an attempt to keep thieves at bay.

• What’s the most likely time for a thief to strike? — Late at night or early in the morning are the times when a thief might attack your outboard motor security. For this reason, your grounds should be well-lit and preferably monitored by some kind of surveillance system, such as a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). When a CCTV system is connected to an alarm system, the relevant authorities will be alerted, and action can be taken. One excellent option for your pontoon is the AquaAlarm wireless boat alarm system (check price on Amazon).

• Why do thieves steal outboard motors? — Not only is a pontoon outboard motor a very valuable piece of equipment but it’s also very hard to trace. What’s more, it can be detached in a few minutes, making the outboard motor a tempting option for a quick getaway. If you own a motor that churns out a lot of horsepower, you can bet that your motor will be sought after in the world of boat thieves. However, the higher the horsepower the heavier the motor, which means that a thief would require a great deal of skill to pull off the task.

• Where is this happening? According to statistics gathered by the BoatUS Marine Insurance Claims Files, Florida sees the highest number of boat thefts, with 47% of claims being made in the Sunshine State. This may just be due to the sheer number of boats around or the fact that many locals know the value of an outboard motor. Either way, if you’re in Florida or another year-round boating locale, outboard motor security isn’t something to skimp on.

Outboard Motor Security Solutions to Deter Thieves

The level of outboard motor security you maintain for your pontoon depends on what you’re willing to do in order to protect your vessel.

A broad spectrum of security devices can be purchased, from the low-cost options to the more expensive, high-tech systems.

Although you can expect to make an initial investment, you can’t really put a price on boat security.

I’ve got a few solutions to combat motor theft:

• Steering Lock — A steering lock, like the TH Marin Steer Stop Hydraulic Steering Lock, can be fixed onto your outboard motor’s hydraulic steering cylinder rods with ease.

Aside from protecting your pontoon’s outboard motor, it will also protect the boat steering system.

• Outboard Lock with Transom Bolts — A tamper-resistant lock is a necessity for anyone who wants to increase their pontoon outboard motor security. 

When bolted through the transom, a bolt lock will act as a deterrent against thieves. Strong metal, such as stainless steel, will be resistant to corrosion and tampering.

For added security, combine the outboard lock with a clamp lock. Unauthorized removal can be prevented with the Marinetech 75-8000 Marine Outboard Motor Lock.

• Security Identification System — One of the most advanced types of technology for outboard motors is an electronic security identification system. As the owner of an outboard motor, you can create a unique identity that the police can establish. 

Unlike typical tagging systems, the Datatag Pro Stealth Security ID System is equipped with scanners. It enables you to give the motor a special fingerprint which can’t be interfered with by a criminal. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Outboard Motor Theft

In addition to taking a proactive approach to improving outboard motor security, you should also think about minimizing the overall risks of a theft occurring in the first place.

Preventative measures can make the world of difference and make your boat less of a target for pesky pontoon criminals.

Consider doing at least one (if not all) of the following things to reduce risks and ease your mind when the boat is ashore:

• Start a “Marina Watch” organization — A strategic approach to reducing the risks of outboard motor theft is to organize a “Marina Watch” organization involving members of your community. By connecting with members of your local community, safety can be improved, and new measures put into place for the prevention of boat-related crimes.

• Install security cameras — In most cases, intruders will avoid areas that are monitored by cameras. As previously mentioned, a boat CCTV system won’t set you back a lot and, when installed properly, you can keep track of what’s happening around your property by setting it up to deliver real-time images to an internet-enabled device.

• Install proper lighting — When a thief feels as though they’re at risk of being caught, they’re less likely to commit the crime. Ensure the area around your boat is illuminated at all hours and the chances of a theft occurring in the off-season will reduce.

• Mark the engine — Making visual markings on your outboard motor, such as a zip code or club marks, is a wise anti-theft tip. You’ll likely get an insurance discount if you do this, should the worst happen. Furthermore, it will give your pontoon a unique identity that can be added to an international database.

Back Up Your Outboard Motor Security with Insurance

In the unfortunate event of your outboard motor being stolen, you can soften the blow by taking out boat insurance coverage.

I can’t stress the importance of getting insurance for your pontoon boat enough, not only during the busy boating season but also during the off-season.

With the right kind of coverage in place, an insurance company can cover the costs (how much depends on the plan you select), should you find yourself in a spot of bother.

But which plans cover theft, you ask? Well, only the comprehensive boat insurance plans will protect you in the worst-case scenario, whereas more basic plans will only cover personal injury, underwater machinery damage.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions of any such plan thoroughly and be prepared to pay for add-ons if you want extra coverage for valuables, such as fishing equipment.

Don’t let yourself become the one out of 100 boat owners who fall victim to boat theft.

Think about stowing your craft in a manned location or in an area that’s in clear view of your property and whereabouts.

With an abundance of outboard motor security options being introduced to the market all of the time, there really is no reason why your motor should be stolen during the off-season—or any season, for that matter!

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Small Efforts Make Big Difference in Recreational Boating Safety

By: National Safety Council 

There are over 11 million registered boats in the United States. Most boating experiences are positive – the stuff memories are made of. But the most joyful times quickly can turn deadly if boaters are not vigilant about safety – at all times. 

One of three things usually happens when a good day on the water turns tragic, according to the U.S. Coast Guard:

• A passenger falls overboard
• A boat capsizes
• A boat collides with another boat or object

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,291 boating incidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and about $46 million of damage to property. 

Perils of Falling in Frigid Water

Hypothermia can set in if a person is exposed to water less than 70 degrees for too long. The body cools 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air, according to the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association. In June 2015, a Utah doctor, his two daughters and one of their friends died in the frigid waters of Bear Lake, about 120 miles north of Salt Lake City, after their boat capsized. Lance Capener reportedly swam to shore with his wife, Kathryn, only to perish when he went back for the girls. Two other teenage girls survived by massaging cramps out of each other's arms and legs and praying while waiting for help to arrive. All were wearing life jackets, but their body temperatures plummeted in the 53-degree water and 70-mph winds.

Just Wear It

Life jackets are the lifeblood of safe boating. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning, and 84.5% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. The good news is, comfortable – and stylish – Coast Guard-approved life jackets are widely available. The Wear It campaign promotes boating safety by encouraging boaters to wear life jackets all the time. Before setting sail, review a pre-departure checklist to ensure you have everything you need in your boat, including a tool box and first-aid kit. Once on the water, use common sense. In a split second, a situation can arise or the weather can turn. If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temperature drop or wind speed increasing, the best advice is to play it safe. Get off the water.

Get Educated, Reduce Risks

The National Safe Boating Council promotes safer recreational boating through education, outreach and training. In 2017, Coast Guard data indicates 81% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction. By comparison, 14% of deaths occurred where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate. To further reduce risk, the Coast Guard offers these tips:

• Don't drink: Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination
• Take a safety course
• Get a free vessel safety check; contact a local volunteer here
• Know about carbon monoxide; this odorless, colorless poisonous gas is emitted by all combustion engines and onboard motor generators

The extra effort that goes into taking these kinds of precautions will help create fun-filled adventures for you and your family on the water.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

Family-Owned & Operated Self Creek Lodge & Marina...

By: Self Creek

Pic By: Southern Fishing Boats

...on Lake Greeson is proud of its heritage of offering the most dedicated staff at one of the finest of Arkansas lake resorts. If you’re looking for a vacation in Arkansas, our Lodge & Resort is your answer.

Everything is in place for Self Creek Lodge and Marina to offer our guests a wonderful family vacation in Arkansas at Lake Greeson. We offer year-round events and activities to make your lakeside vacation memorable, fun, and carefree. Our marinastore offers over 2,400 square feet of display and retail area – there’s even a cozy dining area where guests can look out onto the lake and enjoy a plump juicy hot dog fresh off the grill, a delicious pizza, or other great lake snacks. Fishing supplies, lake necessities, sportswear, marine and boating supplies are offered as well as fuel, bait and ice. Friendly and helpful staff greet guests at the fueling tee or behind the spacious oak counter. Outside, a cool, shady patio beckons with comfortable, lake-side seating – the perfect perch for enjoying ice cream!

The resort offers a wide range of covered and uncovered slips for boat storage of every size in a clean, well-maintained marina basin. A full rental fleet includes late model party barges and ski boats.

From across the water, cozy, Arkansas lakeside cabins offer lakers a peek at casual, rustic luxury. The cabins feature spacious rooms, a stone fireplace, fully equipped kitchen and beautiful furnishings in an eclectic blend of antiques and comfortable, contemporary pieces. From the beautiful area rugs and unique accessories and artwork in each unit to the bubbling hot tubs on the back decks, these Arkansas lakeside cabins have been designed to offer every comfort and delight for visitors to the lake.

Jim and the Self Creek staff are eager to welcome you to their home on Lake Greeson! Jim, Lori and family live on the grounds to offer visitors the kind of warm, personal service that makes Self Creek one of the most popular of all Arkansas lake resorts, and one of  the top choices by families across the South.

Self Creek Lodge and Marina is part of the Tri-Pennant Family of Resorts, spanning two other Arkansas wilderness lakes and offering more of the premier luxury that you’re used to at Self Creek. Visit Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina on nearby DeGray Lake, and don’t miss Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa on nearby Lake Ouachita. All three resorts within the Tri-Pennant Family offer the same excellent customer service and memorable destination vacation experience that you deserve in a vacation. The families of the Tri-Pennant Families love to serve yours – and treat you like their own.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

Do These 4 Things Now To Help Ensure a Summer of Safe Boating

By: Pdbmagazine.com

Boatyards, marinas and clubs are waking up after a long winter’s nap, and boaters have begun preparing their vessels for the season. While the boat needs to be looked at and readied for a summer of fun, so does your safety. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that doing these four free or low-cost things now will help ensure a summer of safe boating.

1. Get a free Vessel Safety Check: Where else can you ask a professional to go over your boat to ensure it’s safe and has all the required safety equipment? And if the boat is not up to snuff, you won’t be penalized in any way and will instead get some welcome, friendly advice on how to improve. That’s what a Vessel Safety Check does, so schedule a Vessel Safety Check now. Offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons, Vessel Safety Checks are completely free, and you may be surprised by what they find.

2. Register your DSC-VHF Radio to get your MMSI number: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios can greatly reduce rescuer response times – but only if you have taken the time to register the radio and request your vessels’ unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. If it’s not registered, or still registered to the prior boat owner, you’re not helping yourself and could likely waste valuable response time in an emergency. BoatUS offers DSC VHF radio registration to the public for $25 or free to BoatUS members. 

3. Inspect and prep your life jackets: Inflatable life jackets need to be opened up every season to ensure they are in good shape. Regular (noninflatable) life jackets need to be brought out of hiding, inspected, and placed in locations aboard the boat that make it very easy for passengers to access. Life jackets are no good (and not legal) if they are buried at the bottom of a storage compartment and not “readily available.”

4. Take a free boating safety course: The numbers don’t lie. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 81 percent of boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Recognize the upshot of these statistics and get instruction now at BoatUS.org/Free. The free online BoatUS Foundation state boating safety course easily fits into busy schedules, allowing course takers to stop at any time and pick up again later where they left off. It could also earn your state’s boating safety certification. BoatUS membership is not required.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.