Boat alarms

Though the traditional image we have of pirates and robbery on the high seas has all but faded, the threat of boat crime has not disappeared. Boat owner are wise to seek out adequate protection.

There are many different types of boat alarms out on the market, each with features intended to keep your boat safe from intruders and possible damage. Boat alarms often mimic those used in homes and cars, though they are adapted to be useful against the unique conditions that boats face.

One popular form of boat alarm is a canvas sensor. These sensors sit inside or replace some of the snaps used on a traditional canvas cover and are activated when the canvas boat cover is removed. They are less practical when protecting an entire boat (as they can be easily worked around by the determined thief) but offer great protection of smaller areas, like expensive equipment stored on helm stations and cockpits.

Sirens, strobe light indicators and pressure mats are also useful boat alarms. Sirens and strobe light indicators work in much of the same way they do in similar land alarms. When triggered, they produce a large commotion, drawing attention to the theft attempt, deterring the thief from continuing further and possibly helping to catch them in the act.

Pressure mats react to changes in pressure, triggering an alarm if intrusion is suspected. The danger in these alarms is that they are easily damaged in normal wear and tear and must be carefully weatherproofed to hold up to watery conditions.

Cabin and deck motion detectors detect intrusion by picking up on motion that does not belong there. It reads movement by picking up on the presence of body heat (through an infra-red sensor) and then scanning for movement with microwave sensors, sounding the alarm if motion is detected.

Another product to consider is the Vetus Fuel Safe Anti Siphon “Spider”, a small mechanism that prevents gas siphoning by blocking access to the deck filler and the tank itself. With gas prices constantly rising, illegal fuel siphoning has become increasingly popular, and this $35.00 tool will keep your fuel where it belongs - in your tank.

Use one alarm or several in conjunction to keep your boat safe from theft under all conditions.