In many cases, theft is a crime of opportunity. This also applies to boats, boat trailers and various electronics and accessories. Have you ever seen someone walk away from their boat while the keys were still in the ignition? Behaviors like that could one day have dire consequences. Protect your boat with these tips for theft prevention.

• Install a boat alarm to ward off thieves. Most marine stores carry these devices and they’re fairly simple to install yourself with a bit of knowhow. Additionally, put a sticker on your boat’s windshield to warn thieves of the device.
• Though storing your boat on land is safer, sometimes your best option involves storing it in a marina slip. If this is the case, choose a marina that takes security precautions. These may include gates, cameras and guards. And remember to remove or hide valuables before leaving your boat.
• Another option—mostly found on larger vessels—is to install a GPS tracker in your boat. This devices not only allows you to monitor your boat’s position, but it can also be set to sound an alarm if the boat leaves a predetermined area.
• The police advise etching permanent marks on key parts of your boat, like the windshield. This lowers the boat’s value, which affects what thieves could earn from selling it.
• When launching your boat, always lock the trailer in some way. You can use a chain to attach it to a study object, or you can use a wheel lock. Either way, face the tongue toward a building to make it that much more difficult for a thief to move.

While there are plenty of ways to prevent boat theft, you can’t completely eliminate the risk. That’s where boat insurance comes in handy. A good policy can protect your finances if the worst should happen.

Get a free quote today. Call Gray Insurance Group, Inc. at 410-879-6383 for more information on Bel Air, MD boat insurance.