Epiphany Sailingvideo
Dinghy & Outboard theft prevention while sailing and cruising
September 7, 2023 · 4 min · 745 views · Marquesas Keys, Florida
What this video covers
A dinghy and outboard motor theft-prevention system is assembled at the Marquesas, an atoll anchorage off Key West, as Epiphany begins a circumnavigation.0:05 The approach uses multiple deterrent layers, none claimed to be theft-proof, all aimed at avoiding being the easiest target.1:18 A 5/16-inch galvanized chain, 50 feet long, is zip-tied along the dinghy's gunwale for storage and deployment.1:18 One end attaches to the outboard motor via a shackle through an eye bolt in the transom; the other end locks to a cleat on Epiphany's stern with a brass combination padlock treated with WD-40.3:14 A second wrench-tightened shackle connects through the motor's thumb screws, which are already bolted through the bracket with locking nuts.3:48 Mike acknowledges any of these can be defeated with bolt cutters or a wrench but notes that time, effort, and noise are the real deterrents.4:21 The chain also serves as a backup if dock lines pull free.3:33 The practical conclusion: layered, inconvenient-to-defeat hardware discourages opportunistic theft even when it cannot prevent determined theft.
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