The saying goes, “locks keep honest people honest.” Meaning of course, that anybody who wants to bypass a lock will do so. As I look at our new hatch boards, the next order of business is to install the locking mechanism and I am considering simply not doing so. That is, I may leave the hatch boards unlockable. I realize that there are many many ways to get below, the simplest of which is clipping the wee padlock on the main hatch. What do folks think about leaving their boats unlocked? We are on a mooring, which provides more security than being in a slip.
We are fortunate enough to live in an area where breaking into boats is rare. Beyond rare… my “lock” is the rope tails placed over the companionway top. So some nefarious individual would have to remove the ropes before entering the cabin. So far, so good and one less lock and key for me.
RonB.
I on;y lock my boat when I am going home.
I recommend keeping boats near fancier, more expensive ones (or, as I prefer to call them, "decoys’).
Seriously, it kinda depends on the neighborhood. Boat thieves often approach by dinghy, so moorings aren’t particularly safer than slips. IMHO.
Bob
Serenity has never had a lock. I’m currently on a US Navy base, and in a slip right in front of the marina office, with at least two nosy livaboards on the same dock that look out for other boats.
I’ve considered mounting a lock, and have purchased two, but my hatch board is literally a piece of lexan (or some other clear plastic) without the wood trim at the top. I’m not entirely sure how I would mount a lock with my current layout.
Brian N
SV Serenity
Nonsuch Nereus #003
Pax River MD
When I charter I lock my dinghy at the dingy dock just so I’m sure I’m taking the right dinghy when I go to leave. Those things all look alike. I leave my boat unlocked. I never have to worry about forgetting the key or combination, if my dock neighbor hears an alarm they can check it out, and if crew arrives before me they can settle in without me rushing.