how to lock trolling motors

[Grainraiser]

I worry about those with Panoptix. Those transducers are worth alot of cash and no way would I leave one on my boat if it is being stored outside.

[binfordw]

I wondered about the best options myself. I recently put new locking latches on 2 big compartments for rods and gear, but wasn't sure what to do with the rest of the stuff- sonar/ TM.

I planned on doing a little more travelling this year and would not want to let the boat sit without a better plan.

[Grumpa]

thanks for the replies, I too plan to take a couple fishing trips and even with insurance then you have the deductible. I have ordered a quick release bracket to bolt the TM, should help alot

[Atimm693]

A quick release bracket and a padlock is less than secure, IMO. One snip with a bolt cutter, or a couple bashes with a hammer and goodbye trolling motor.

Ditch the bracket and use security bolts to attach it directly.

The way mine is setup, you'd have to rip the bow plate off to get the TM, without an extensive set of tools.

[t00lmanii]

Doesn't boating insurances cover thief. I worry about my sonar units also.

Your insurance may be different than mine. When I talked to my insurance man about my boat insurance he informed me that TM's, FF's, etc are considered accessories and are only covered by paying for a rider added to my policy.
I would suggest reading the fine print of your policy or have a pointed discussion with your agent.

[deltarat]

Your insurance may be different than mine. When I talked to my insurance man about my boat insurance he informed me that TM's, FF's, etc are considered accessories and are only covered by paying for a rider added to my policy.
I would suggest reading the fine print of your policy or have a pointed discussion with your agent.

I need to check on that

[Alphahawk]

Those riders are pretty cheap. I’ve added 6 grand just for rods and reels.....that may or may not be in my boat.....if something happens...to include theft.

Regards


Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[wicklundrh]

The only way I would install a quick release is if I absolutely needed to be able to take the trolling motor on and off. I could steal one in in 15 seconds with two wrenches put inside of a standard lock to break it. It would take someone with a set of tools 45 minutes to an hour to lay in my boat and attempt to take the front deck off to get at the bolts. I stopped using screws a long time ago. Mine are all bolted with stainless steel bolts and jam nuts under them.

In my opinion, the number one thing you can purchase for your boat to ensure safety would be: A good quality cover! The key here is "out of sight, out of mind". You eliminate the target of opportunity if it is not out in the open for people to see. I know of guys that have walked in to a baitshop and walked out 2 minutes later and all their rods and equipment were gone whereas boats parked right next to them with a good cover on them were not touched.

During tournament years, I spend hundreds of hours in public places, motel and hotel parking lots, launches, cleaning stations, weigh in stages, etc... and I've never had anything stolen. My storage all locks but I don't even worry about locking it. You can break them with a standard screwdriver. I have 10 grand in electronics on my boat but... with a cover, you can't see what I have.

Bolt your trolling motor in place and purchase a custom made cover that goes over the entire trolling motor. The only time my cover is off my boats is when it gets to the water or when I am working on it in the barn. It is never on the road without a cover.

[wicklundrh]

As for insurance, I suggest that, if you are only carrying coverage through your homeowners policy, you seriously need to consider actually purchasing boat insurance through someone else. They specifically cover equipment, boats, and all the terminology. Although my house and cars are with State Farm, they know absolutely zero when it comes to boats. Sure, they will sell you a policy for 5 or 6 hundred bucks a year but you really are not getting all that much. My suggestion would be to contact someone that is in the industry and all the do is boats. Bob Luellan at World Wide Marine Insurance is who I recommend.

You have "agreed upon value", "replacement coverage" "underwater obstruction" and several others that standard companies know nothing about. My boat, motor, and trailer are covered for 40k. My electronics including my fish finders, RAM mounts, and trolling motor are covered for 10K. All of my equipment is covered for an additional 10K. I am even covered for my life jackets, Gore Tex gear, and other stuff. I have roadside coverage and on water towing all included. I pay $325 per year for all of the above coverage. Mine is through Progressive as is most with this type of coverage. Don't simply add it on to your homeowners policy. It isn't worth it! Having a boat towed can cost in excess of 1500 on the water. Yes, you can get extra coverage through Tow Boat US (which is great by the way) but the price is $70 bucks. I was carrying this on top of my old coverage. This is included with my Progressive coverage. After learning all that I have through Bob, I wouldn't consider going with standard coverage from a standard company with an insurance person that doesn't know or understand the needs.

[outdoorsron]

Hello : I also use a cover but also have a quick release trolling motor mount and quick release gps/fishfinder mounts. I place the trolling motor on the floor of the boat ,had a cover made for the motor to prevent damage to motor and boat. Place gps/fishfinder in an electronics case and lock it in a boat compartment that I had added extra security to. When I travel there are no humps in the cover where a trolling motor would be , out of sight out of mind. Good Luck . O - R