How to keep your boat safe and secure

Ahoy, boat owners! Owning a boat is a valuable investment. Unfortunately, theft and tampering are risks all boat owners are exposed to. Across Canada, thousands of boats are stolen each year, with hotspots in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Whether it’s from your home, while you’re in transit or from your marina, this guide walks you through practical tips to protect your vessel. Key takeaways:

• Employ multiple layers of security: Add a coupler lock, a wheel lock and a chain.

• Remove your keys, phone and other electronics. Store them in a secure location.

• Keep hull insurance number (HIN), serial numbers and receipts to support a potential insurance claim.

• Ensure you have a customized insurance plan for your boat and trailer.

Trailer and towing security (home and travel)

Many boats are stolen while they’re still on the trailer, so if you have to store your boat this way, here are some things you can do:

• Anchor your trailer: Chain the trailer to a sturdy object like a tree by running it through your trailer frame and around the object.

• Locks that matter: Install a coupler lock, receiver lock and hitch pin lock to deter thefts.

• Wheel security measures: Use a wheel boot or removable lug-nut lock. Lock any spare tires as well, if you have them stored on your trailer.

• Parking strategies: Back your trailer into your garage or side yard with the trailer tongue facing the wall or fence. Chock your wheels and position your trailer so it’s difficult for a vehicle to attach to it.

• Travel checks: Ensure your safety chains are crossed, the coupler is fully seated, lights and brakes are tested and tie-downs are secured using a three-point secured.

• Documents: Record your trailer VIN, HIN and license plate information, and keep a copy in your glove box.

• Visibility deterrents: Install motion-activated cameras, driveway lighting or a GPS monitor/other anti-theft devices.

Do not: Leave keys in the ignition or at the helm. Never leave your hitch unlocked, even briefly.

Insurance tip: Ask a BrokerLink advisor about trailer insurance during transit and storage to protect against theft and damage.

Home/yard storage

When you’re storing your boat at home, take the following steps:

• Secure hard points: Ground your anchor or install concrete eye bolts. Run a metal chain through your trailer frame.

• Cover: Use an opaque, tightly secured cover. Remove your ladders, steps or ramps that could provide easy access.

• Security measures: Minimize street visibility. Consider installing cameras and motion-activated lighting.

• Separate your assets: Remove outboard motors, propellers and portable fuel tanks. Store them indoors with receipts and serial numbers.

Marina security essentials

Choosing the right marina is crucial if you don’t have space on your property. Here are some factors you’ll want to confirm with your marina to ensure your watercraft is properly secured:

At your boat slip:

• Double-lock your dock boxes and cable-lock your dinghies to the dock or your boat.

• Equip outboard motors with a high-quality lock that can’t be easily removed.

• Keep your kill-switch fob out of sight so the engine cannot be started without it.

• Take removable fuel tanks home and store them indoors.

Let's take a closer look at how you can prevent theft and secure your boat:

Boat theft deterrents: on-board and smart tech

When it comes to preventing boat theft, layered security measures can be highly effective:

• Alarm systems: Magnetic hatch contacts, motion sensors, siren/strobe alarms and water-resistant control boxes are all essential for recreational boaters.

• Tracking devices: Hidden GPS trackers, AirTags or Tiles devices (where legally permissible) that can track your boat and personal belongings.

• Electronics: Install quick-release brackets for multi-functional displays (MFDs), VHF radios and fish finders so you can remove them from your boat when you’re not out on a boating adventure.

• Mechanical immobilizers: Hidden battery cut-off switches, fuel shut-off valves and steering locks for outboards are also great to prevent boat theft.

• Marking and records: Use a UV pen or micro-dot etching on your hull, engines and high-value gear, so you can identify your items during recovery.

• Insurance tip: Ask your broker about scheduled coverage for high-value electronics and boat accessories.

Documentation and recovery preparation

The aftermath of a stolen boat can be stress-inducing, which is why keeping thorough records can significantly increase your chances of getting your personal watercraft back if a theft occurs:

• Engine serial number, trailer VIN and hull serial number (HIN)

• Photos of your hull, license plate and boat engine

• Electronics: Model, serial number and purchase receipts

• Dinghy/outboard: Serial numbers and photos

• Store a digital copy on a cloud platform and a printed version in a waterproof container

If a boat theft occurs, here’s what you need to do:

1. Contact the police immediately. Provide your HIN, serial numbers and photos and get a file number.

2. Alert your marina (if applicable), insurance company or broker.

3. Monitor online marketplaces like Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.

4. Review your security measures.

5. Check the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) online to see if your stolen boat has been reported.

Severe-weather security

Beyond worrying about thieves, sometimes, the weather can be culpable for you losing your boat. Here's what you should know:

Before a storm hits:

• Remove your canvases, sails and any loose gear.

• Use extra lines to secure your boat to both sides of the dock.

• Check that your bilge pump works properly and that your batteries are fully charged.

At home:

• Position your trailer nose-downward to drain accumulated water.

• Cover your boat with a breathable, heavy-duty tarp.

• Trim nearby trees and remove loose branches. High winds can blow debris into your boat, causing damage.

After the storm:

• Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes.

• Temporarily protect damaged areas with tarps or boards to prevent further damage.

• Notify your broker and begin the claims process.

Insurance and coverage gaps

Canadian boaters should review their boat insurance plan and confirm they have the following policies:

• Theft coverage: For your boat, outboards, trailer, gear and equipment.

• Personal effects: To protect your lifejackets and other high-value gear from damage or theft.

• Trailer and towing: Ask whether your boat or boat policy extends to your trailer, or whether an endorsement is needed.

• Discounts: Ask your broker about discounts for alarms and seasonal lay-up coverage.

Contact BrokerLink

Protect your vessel with a customized insurance plan that fits your needs and boating risks. Contact BrokerLink by phone or email today. You can also get a free boat insurance quote right now using our online quote tool.

Call Us 1-866-724-2372

FAQs on keeping your boat safe and secure

What should I do if my boat gets stolen?

If your boat is stolen, it’s important to get the proper authorities involved right away. We know this can be a challenging experience, so our BrokerLink advisors will be able to walk you through the process and everything that needs to get done.

Are there security guards in a marina?

It depends what marina you choose to store your boat on. Some have full-time staff while others may only have employees around during peak season. We encourage you to learn about your marina to help prevent theft.

Can wild animals cause damage to my docked boat?

While it may be rare, we’ll never say never. There are so many unexpected events that can happen, so it’s important to be aware of what your insurance coverage looks like. Your BrokerLink advisor will be able to walk you through your policy and make expert suggestions based on your unique situation.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.