Preventing PWC Theft
If you own a personal watercraft, it’s likely one of your most valuable possessions. These highly-desirable marine toys have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Unfortunately, the ease-of-transport factor that owners love also makes PWCs an ideal target for thieves. The good news is that there are plenty of precautions you can take to prevent PWC theft when it’s on the water, on the trailer, and in storage. We’ve gathered some useful tips below. If you’d like to learn more about preventing PWC theft, give us a call or stop by Tracy Motorsports. We are a marine dealer proudly serving those in Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto, California.
On the Water
The most important tip you’ll receive is to never leave your personal watercraft unattended, especially in the water. If you need to leave your PWC for any reason, you should always chain it to the dock or another object that can’t be moved. You should also never leave your lanyard attached to the machine or to a lifejacket that you’re not currently wearing. Make it a point to always keep the lanyard with you. Certain models will actually have added security features, like a digitally encoded lanyard, electronic lock, or removable magnetic key. If you have any of these safety features on your PWC, we highly recommend using them.
On the Trailer
When you tow your craft, be sure to use a heavy-duty, drill-proof trailer lock. This might not be cheap, but it’ll be worth it. There are several different locks to consider to keep your personal watercraft secure on the trailer, like a coupler latch lock. This allows you to secure the coupler onto the ball when it’s attached to your tow vehicle. Other locks to consider include a receiver lock, a bow-pin lock, and an anti-theft wheel lock. If you need to leave your setup unattended, you can remove a trailer tire to prevent theft. You can also use a strong cable lock to secure the PWC to the trailer.
If you happen to be traveling with your personal watercraft and stop at a hotel, there are extra safety precautions you can take to prevent theft. First, be sure to park it in a safe location that has adequate lighting and security cameras. When you have someone else traveling with you in another vehicle, ask them to park it close behind the trailer. If permitted, you can chain it to a large object nearby. We suggest investing in a motion-sensor alarm for the tow vehicle if it doesn’t already have one. Your tow vehicle should always be locked with the craft covered.
In Storage
Use good judgment when choosing where and how to store your PWC. The ideal situation is to have your personal watercraft stored safe and sound in a secure garage, but that’s not always an option. Your PWC should be kept out of sight so if it’s not in a garage, try to position it behind a locked gate. If you don’t have either of these options available, do your best to make it inaccessible by parking your car directly in front of it. When storing it outside in the yard or driveway, install an anti-theft wheel lock for your trailer. Turn the trailer so the hitch is no longer accessible.
For extended storage periods, like during the off-season, you should remove the wheels from the trailer. Don’t forget to install that coupler lock. A locking lug nut is a great way to prevent a thief from placing a wheel on the trailer. Be sure to keep your spare tire stored well out of sight.
Additional Tips
There are many little things you can do for added security. You should always have detailed photos of your marine craft available should anything happen to it. Take photographs or video of the Hull Identification Number (HIN), the engine compartment, your PWC trailer, and any other identifying features. The key is to make it extremely difficult to steal your personal watercraft. Anything that draws attention or requires too much effort will steer thieves away. You can invest in a wheel lock for your trailer like parking enforcement officers use to prevent it from being moved.
For more information on how to keep your personal watercraft safe and secure, visit Tracy Motorsports. We are a marine dealer proudly serving those in Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto, California. We’d be happy to answer your questions or help you find the perfect PWC.