Outboard Motor Lock

[Grainraiser]

I have a new 25hp 4 stroke Mercury and I would like to secure it to my boat. I store my boat outside so security is a issue. The motor is to heavy to move inside by myself so I need to be able to lock it. I mounted the motor to the transom with bolts and I have purchased the McGard transom bolt lock which work great. What I need it some type of lock that blocks access to the clamp bolts. Most smaller outboards have tabs on them that you use to secure the outboard to the transom. My motor only has bolt heads so the standard locks will not work since the slot is too large to secure my bolt heads. I have found some units that will work but they are all made in the UK. I don't mind paying a premium for a quality lock. I know you can't stop a determined thief but I do want to make their job more difficult.

[MDCrappie]

Several companies make one like this

Dock-N-Loc SE Portable Outboard Lock – Dock-N-Lock

[Grainraiser]

Several companies make one like this

Dock-N-Loc SE Portable Outboard Lock – Dock-N-Lock

Yep alot of folks make that style. The problem is those are for small outboards with the toggle clamps. My motor just has regular bolt heads. The slots on the frame are to large for just regular bolt heads.

[CrappiePappy]

Maybe look at spare tire locks ??

When I bought my Drotto Boat Latch, I also bought one of the locks they advertise to go with it. It's basically a keyed spare tire lock. You open the lock, put the back plate on the bolt & then screw the nut on, then lock the front plate onto the rear plate. Now it's not a "heavy duty" lock, by any stretch of the imagination .... it's just a "deterrence". It's not like a crowbar or sawzall wouldn't make quick work of it, but the time spent and noise created to remove it (with lesser tools) might make it too risky to try.
Boat Latch Lock - Drotto Boat Latch accessory - Boat2Trailer Lock

You might want to contact them and see if it would fit over the bolt/nut holding your outboard on the transom, if this item is of interest to you.

And if you're really concerned about theft ... be sure and have adequate insurance to cover damage or loss, in the event of an attempted or completed theft. Might even get a small discount by having some form of "locking device" on the motor.

Short of welding the nut to the bolt, some form of locking mechanism is your best bet at deterring theft. Hope you find something that works to give you a little more piece of mind.

[MDCrappie]

Yep alot of folks make that style. The problem is those are for small outboards with the toggle clamps. My motor just has regular bolt heads. The slots on the frame are to large for just regular bolt heads.

Gotcha, I misunderstood what you were saying as I have a 25hp Merc 4s and it has the clamp with turn handle. I did have an older 2 stroke that the clamp froze up on. I had to cut it off, re-tap it for a "normal" bolt. The bolt I used had a head large enough that my clamp lock still worked. Maybe my "slot" was a lot smaller, or they used bigger bolts back then.

[Grainraiser]

Gotcha, I misunderstood what you were saying as I have a 25hp Merc 4s and it has the clamp with turn handle. I did have an older 2 stroke that the clamp froze up on. I had to cut it off, re-tap it for a "normal" bolt. The bolt I used had a head large enough that my clamp lock still worked. Maybe my "slot" was a lot smaller, or they used bigger bolts back then.

Yeah my bolt head is a simple 1/2 bolt. I have lock that goes of the bolt end and keeps you from putting a wrench or vice grips on. I appears they sell locks for the head end which is what I will likely go with.