A boat or a personal watercraft (PWC) sitting on a trailer seems like an invitation to theft. Thwart most thieves by locking the boat or PWC and trailer inside a garage, gated area, storage shed, or secure boatyard. If that’s not possible, make that vessel less mobile or completely immovable with our precautions and tips:

• Detach the license plate from the trailer.
• Remove one trailer wheel and the tongue/hitch.
• Place a tarp or other covering over the vessel to hide what it is.
• In a driveway, position the trailer hitch away from the street and park another vehicle in front.
• Alternatively, chain and lock the boat/PWC and the trailer to a tree or secured fence post.
• Focus a motion-detecting light on the vessel and trailer.

• Install a motion-detecting camera connected to both a system that sounds an alarm in the street and an app that notifies you immediately.

In addition:

• Permanently mark or engrave identifying info on the vessel, trailer, and contents.
• Take photos of the boat or PWC and trailer from all angles.
• Have a list of electronics and equipment aboard.
• If homeowner’s or renter’s insurance doesn’t cover your vessel and trailer, an off-season policy is a wise investment.