Imagine waking up one morning, heading to the dock, and discovering your boat is gone. It’s a boat owner's worst nightmare, but unfortunately, boat theft is on the rise. More boats are being stolen each year, as thieves target them for their value and accessibility. Whether it's docked or on a trailer, your boat is at risk if not properly secured. That’s why taking action is crucial. 

Using a GPS tracking device for your boat is one of the most effective securities measures and increases your chances of the boat recovering if they are stolen. 

In this article, you will learn the best tips and use of GPS tracking for boats to keep them secure.

• Why Keep Your Boat Safe from Theft? Boat theft impacts owners and insurance companies financially, with only 1 in 10 stolen boats ever recovered.
• Boat Theft Statistics: Understanding theft trends by boat size, type, and storage method can help owners reduce risks.
• Best Tips for Boat Theft Prevention: Effective security steps like high-quality locks and GPS tracking help protect your boat.
• Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario: Having essential information ready, like serial numbers and photos, helps if your boat is stolen.
• Why GPS Tracking is Essential for Boats: GPS tracking provides real-time location updates, helping with quick recovery in theft and emergency situations.
• Importance of Insurance: Boat insurance safeguards owners financially against theft, accidents, or damage from natural disasters.
• How GPS Tracking Can Lower Your Insurance Costs: Many insurers offer discounts for GPS-equipped boats, lowering premiums and boosting security.

Why Keep Boat Safe from Being Stolen?

Boat theft is a serious problem that affects boat owners and insurance companies. In 2018, an official report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau showed an 8% drop in watercraft theft compared to the previous year. However, the number of stolen boats was still high, with a total of 4,499 boats reported stolen from January 1 to December 31, 2018.

Even more concerning, only 1 out of 10 stolen boats are ever recovered. For those that are recovered, they often lose a lot of value. This means that boat theft causes financial stress for both owners and insurance companies, with insurance payouts for boat theft claims remaining high. 

Let’s take a closer look at the statistics to understand how boat theft happens and how boat owners can protect themselves.

Boat Theft Statistics

The best way to prevent boat theft is by understanding the trends and common patterns. Knowing the following boat theft statistics can help owners protect themselves from being targets.

Boats measuring 20 to 26 feet are the most common targets for theft, making up about 75% of stolen boats. Boats under 20 feet also face a high risk, accounting for roughly 25% of thefts. However, larger boats (30 feet or more) are rarely stolen, representing only about 10% of cases.

When it comes to boat types, certain types are stolen more often than others:

• Runabouts: The most stolen, accounting for 46% of thefts.
• Cruisers: The second most stolen type, at 28%.
• Personal Watercraft (PWCs): Make up 13% of thefts.
• Trawlers and Sailboats: These are the least likely to be stolen, representing only 3% of cases. This low percentage may be because these boats are slower, making it difficult for thieves to escape quickly.

The way a boat is stored also affects its risk of theft. Here’s how different storage methods compare:

• On Trailers: About 73% of stolen boats are taken while on trailers, often stolen directly from owners' yards at night. Since trailer boats have wheels, they’re easier for thieves to transport.
• In Marinas (Dock or Slip): Boats stored at marinas have a lower theft risk, with only 17% of thefts occurring here.
• On Lifts: This is the safest storage method, with only 2% of stolen boats taken from lifts.

Best Tips for Boat Theft Prevention

Keeping your boat safe from thieves is very important. Here are some simple and effective tips to help protect your boat:

• Lock Your Boat Securely: Always use high-quality locks, like coupler locks, to secure your boat. These are strong locks that make it harder for thieves to steal your boat. Using boat anti theft devices and a GPS tracking device can also help keep your boat safe.
• Dock Security: When your boat is docked, make sure it’s secured properly. Thieves can target boats at docks, so use ropes and chains to lock your boat. Adding a GPS tracking device for your boat can help you find it if it's stolen.
• Safe Storage Location: When your boat is not in use, store it in a safe and secure place. Keeping your boat in a well-guarded area makes it harder for thieves to steal it. Using a GPS tracking device helps you track your boat's location.
• Disable When Unused: When you are not using your boat, disable it. This can include turning off the engine or removing a part to make sure thieves can't start it. Installing a GPS tracker helps to track your boat in case it's moved without your permission.
• Use a Boat Lift: If you have the option, store your boat on a boat lift. This lifts the boat out of the water, making it more difficult for thieves to access and steal it. Pairing this with a GPS tracker can add another layer of security.
• Secure Boat's Trailer: If your boat is on a trailer, be sure to lock the trailer to prevent thieves from driving away with it. A GPS tracker for the boat trailer can help track both the trailer and the boat in case of theft.
• Use Security Lighting: Install security lighting around your boat or dock. Thieves avoid well-lit areas because they are easier to spot. Good lighting and anti-theft devices work together to keep your boat safe.
• Use Alarm System: A boat alarm system can scare off thieves before they manage to steal anything. Alarms that go off when someone tries to move or access your boat are a great way to protect your investment. A GPS tracking system is another good tool to monitor your boat.
• Protect Documents & Valuables: Remove any valuable items and important documents from your boat when you're not using them. This can include electronics, tools, or personal items. If you can't remove them, lock them in a secure place inside the boat. Having GPS tracking can also help in case the boat is stolen.

Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario

Sometimes, even with our best efforts, a boat can still get stolen. If that happens, being prepared can help you recover it quickly. Here are some steps you can take:

• Keep Important Numbers Handy: Write down all important numbers related to your boat, like the hull identification number (HIN), state registration number, decal number, and serial numbers for the engine, outdrive, and transom assembly. If your boat has any electronics, note down their serial numbers, too.
• Have Proof of Ownership: If your boat is found, you’ll need to show proof that it’s yours. Keep copies of receipts, invoices, and any legal papers that prove you bought the boat. This paperwork will help you prove ownership if needed.
• Take Photos of Your Boat: Photos can be a great way to show that your boat belongs to you. Take pictures of every part of the boat, inside and out. Don’t forget the engine and any unique features or designs. These photos will also be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
• Install a GPS Tracker: A GPS tracker is one of the best tools for recovering a stolen boat. Once installed, the tracker can show the exact location of your boat, no matter where it is. If it’s stolen, you can contact the authorities and find it faster, often before it’s taken too far away.

Why GPS Tracking is Essential for Boats?

If you own a boat or work in the marine industry, GPS tracking is something you should seriously consider. A GPS tracker helps you know where your boat is at all times, which is especially important if your boat gets stolen or if you run into an emergency while out at sea.

A GPS tracker for boats is a small device that uses satellite signals called Global Navigation Satellite System to show the exact location of your boat. This information can be accessed through your phone or computer, making it easy to track your boat's movements. Boat owners, marine enthusiasts, security experts, insurance companies, and boat rental agencies all benefit from using these devices.

Why Do Boats Need GPS Trackers?

• Quick Theft Recovery: Boats can be hard to trace if stolen. A GPS tracker makes it much easier to find and recover your boat quickly.
• Emergency Situations: If you're stuck in the middle of the ocean or your boat breaks down, a GPS tracker helps emergency services find you faster. This can save your life in critical situations.
• Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts or benefits if you have a GPS tracker installed. This helps you save money on boat insurance while keeping your boat safe.

Choosing GPS Tracker for Boat Safety

For boat owners, keeping a boat safe and secure is a top priority. A GPS tracker like Tracki Pro can be a great tool, whether it's protecting from theft, tracking location, or staying prepared for emergencies. 

Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best GPS tracker for your boat. When picking a GPS tracker, there are some important features to consider:

• Real-Time Tracking: This lets you see where your boat is at any moment. It’s useful if you need to keep an eye on your boat when you’re not nearby.
• Geofencing: Geofencing allows you to set a virtual boundary. If your boat moves out of this boundary, you’ll get an alert. This feature helps prevent unauthorised movements.
• Anti-Theft Alert: Anti-theft alerts notify you if there’s suspicious activity, like someone trying to move or tamper with your boat.
• Motion Alert: This feature sends an alert if your boat moves when it shouldn't. It’s especially useful if your boat is anchored or docked.
• SOS Alert: In case of an emergency, the SOS alert feature allows you to send out a distress signal.
• Waterproofing: Boats are around water, so a waterproof GPS tracker is essential. This ensures the device will keep working even if it gets wet.
• Magnetic Attachment: A strong magnetic attachment makes it easy to secure the GPS tracker to your boat. It’s also helpful if you want to keep the tracker hidden.
• Mobile App: A good GPS tracker comes with a mobile app that shows your boat’s location and sends alerts directly to your phone.

Importance of Insurance

Having insurance for your boat is essential to protect against unexpected events like accidents, theft, or natural disasters.

Owning a boat brings great joy and freedom, but it also comes with responsibilities. One important thing every boat owner should think about is boat insurance. Insurance helps protect you if something unexpected happens, like an accident, theft, or natural disaster. If your boat is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident, insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements. This is especially important since boat repairs can be very expensive. Just like with cars, having insurance adds a layer of safety, giving you peace of mind while you're out on the water.

Did you know that having a GPS tracker on your boat can save you money on insurance? Many insurance companies offer discounts to boat owners who install GPS tracking devices. Why? Because a GPS tracker makes it easier to recover your boat if it's stolen or goes off course. This reduces the risk for insurance companies, so they reward responsible boat owners with lower premiums. With a GPS tracker, your boat is safer, and you can pay less for insurance. Plus, you’ll always know where your boat is, even when you’re not with it.

Conclusion

Boat theft is a real issue, and protecting your boat is essential to keep your investment safe. While boat theft is common, simple steps can go a long way in keeping your boat secure. Using locks, safe storage, and adding GPS tracking are some of the best ways to protect your boat from thieves. A GPS tracker not only helps you recover your boat if it’s stolen but can also reduce your insurance costs. With the right precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind and know your boat is secure.