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mikeb
90 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Aug 2012 : 13:46:48
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I might be being paranoid, but where my boat is moored has a bit of a reputation for trouble. Besides kids fiddling with the boats, a few people have stopped to chat and told me that it's a hotspot for outboard thefts.
I've just ordered gps/gsm tracker device which I intend to install on my boat. If it moves without me disarming it, it starts sending text messages with it's location. It has alarm inputs that I should be able to wire up to the outboard, so if anyone tries to remove it (even without moving the boat), it should alert me. It will be interesting to see how it performs, and I'll try and keep people updated without compromising the security of my vessel! |
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ken cattell
United Kingdom
192 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 00:03:03
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| Sounds an interesting gadget. have you anymore details re supplier/website/contact info. |
Edited by - ken cattell on 17 Aug 2012 00:05:02 |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 00:39:53
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| There's dozens of them on fleabay. Lots of chinese companies cloning each other's designs, so getting a good one could be a bit hit or miss! |
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Sonny
United Kingdom
191 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 13:06:44
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I Have just run the advert past one of our comms experts at work and he said that there is no reason why one of these should not work on inland waterways but out at sea is a different problem altogether.
I shall be ordering one as soon as I get this months pay check so will help with the info.
the one I am looking at is about £40 from China plus you need a sim card with £10 of pay as you go on it to work.  |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 15:20:24
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It needs mobile phone signal to work so it won't work out in the ocean, but there is usually signal for a few miles off the coast, especially on GSM900 (o2 and vodafone), as there are no obstructions to block the signal. If anyone steals a Norman and immediately heads straight out to sea they must be very brave!
Also the one I've bought has a few advantages over the cheaper versions:
1) it has memory to record its track, so if it does go out of signal, you can still see it's route if it ever comes back.
2) It has a couple of digital inputs and outputs that I can wire up to the outboard, cabin door switch, and even run a siren and immobiliser. If I can also trigger it somehow by removing the tonneau cover it should gives a few minutes warning, rather waiting for the GPS movement alarm.
3) It has a keyfob remote to arm and disarm it as well.
I think the cost was about £55. |
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ken cattell
United Kingdom
192 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 18:22:38
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| So which one did you order from e-bay Mike? A recommendation is better than a dozen flash adverts! |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2012 : 21:55:52
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| Model is TK103B, I think it is the one made by a company called Thinpax, but not 100% sure as there seems to be lots of chinese companies all copying each others products. The one I bought is allegedly supplied from within the UK. |
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IanM
United Kingdom
2238 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2012 : 08:37:59
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On a practical level, they are unlikely to nick the boat, just the outboard. So the scenario is that one day you get a text saying "the outboard has been removed". Unless you are within a minute or two of the boat that message does not really help.
Best defence against outboard thieves is make it undesirable and hard to remove. The former is as easy as spraying the cowling to cover the make and model and also make it less saleable. The latter is a case of bolting it through the transom, with security bolts if you prefer, and also padlocking the clamp levers together. These measures may be a condition for your insurance in any case. Our insurance specified that it should be locked onto the boat and also that we had to record its serial number.
Oh, and try to moor near a more desirable and shinier boat!
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2012 : 10:03:58
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| I agree with most of that, and to put it in perspective I do live about a mile from my boat, but it is moored in a secluded spot. In addition, my outboard is 60hp - it weighs 250+ lbs, so removing it isn't a case of unbolting and lifting away by hand. They would either need to move the boat (tow) to an easier location, or crane it to another boat. Either of which should give me enough time to round up a big maglite and a couple of mates. |
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Sonny
United Kingdom
191 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 13:40:27
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just a thought, if the outboard is an easier target why not put the tracker inside the engine cowl.
that way if the outboard goes you can track it and if they nick the boat the tracker goes with it. |
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tigtog
United Kingdom
421 Posts |
Posted - 20 Aug 2012 : 19:39:48
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| make sure as has been said that you cover what your insurance companies require,theres been a few locally over the years that have had the transom cut out with a chainsaw or similar to get the outboard off |
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mikeb
90 Posts |
Posted - 21 Aug 2012 : 14:21:11
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I do need an outboard lock security device of some sort. But I don't know what will fit my outboard - it doesn't have the thumb screws like smaller ones, it's all just regular bolts. And most of the locks I've seen are designed to cover the thumb screws?
Any suggestions? |
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gps tracker security
