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Mfuller
121 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Jun 2017 : 09:33:03
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Hey Guys,
Anyone here use an outboard safety strap? I've not long ago purchased a new engine and wondering if it's worth putting one on. The transoms on Normans don't seem to be massively sturdy things and although I regularly check the clamps, it still worries me they'll come loose.
Anyone else use them? Where/how did you secure them?
Thanks |
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Mad Harold
United Kingdom
228 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2017 : 10:07:45
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Yes,a safety strap/chain is a good idea.My outboard screws have never come loose,but I have hit submerged objects a couple of times,one horror in particular knocked the outboard about 30 degrees out of plumb.My outboard is the locked down type,but I am working on a fix.
Your engine should have a lug/bracket somewhere near the transom mount for fitting a safety strap.I have used an exhaust clamp to secure the other end,two holes drilled through the outboard well,about halfway up,and a thick [10/12mm] pad of ply on the inside and large washers.The outside will need nuts and washers too.I have used a stout chain looped through the exhaust clamp and secured to the outboard with a screwclamp,as my outboard has a security lock on the mounting screws.If yours doesn't have a lock,then secure it to the outboard with a padlock.
Hope this is of help. |
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cliveshep
Thailand
1324 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2017 : 15:56:09
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Really good idea but a simple alternative is to shackle or padlock the clamps handles together so they cannot unscrew which is what I have done in the past. I've had outboard motor clamps undo themselves under vibrations from hard running out at sea for an hour or so once.
I didn't lose the motor as it jammed on one clamp, only noticed when attempting to manoeuvre in Littlehampton Harbour when I came in as the engine wasn't very responsive to steer or reverse - that was why!
My fault - I'd not locked the clamps together.
They also do a tubular anti-theft device that slides over both clamp handles and is locked in place.
Finally living the dream!
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Mfuller
121 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2017 : 11:34:51
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Thanks all. I think I'll get a lock AND a strap. My Tohatsu seems to have secure rings for straps so I'll use them too.
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IanM
United Kingdom
2238 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2017 : 15:09:54
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Also consider drilling through the transom and bolting the outboard on. The clamps and anti-theft things can often be circumvented with a simple pry bar/crowbar. The engine comes away with the clamps and locks still attached.
If you really want to go to town you could use security bolts that need a special socket/spanner but, frankly, if the thieving gits are prepared to mess about undoing bolts they are probably prepared to cut their way past any sort of security. |
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trevork
3949 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2017 : 17:54:45
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| The Police encourage folk to use an engine cover provided by the local police in Norfolk and take your branded cover home. They say they have never had a recrded theft of an outboard using one of these. I don't know if similar schemes exist in other areas but it would seem sensible. They are not free as I understand it but I've no idea just how much they are. |
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IanM
United Kingdom
2238 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2017 : 23:22:10
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I'm going back about 12 years but we bought a replacement cowling for our Honda 9.9 off ebay for about £15. Ours had seen a few too many impacts and was scratched and cracked. It was not intended as an anti-theft measure but it came in plain white and we opted not to buy the outrageously priced official Honda decal set so we inadvertently ended up with an outboard that is not as attractive to thieving gits. If you have a brand new shiny outboard you should maybe consider personalising it, either with markings or a distinctive paint job. It's hard to sell a pink stripy outboard on ebay....  |
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Mfuller
121 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2017 : 14:34:50
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| I'll just clarify.. my reason for the safety strap is more in case the engine becomes slightly loose and I strike something, knocking it off. Not too worried about theft as it's parked outside my house (I live next to a river) and they'd need to get past some rather large dogs to get to the boat.. besides, only 3 other boats on the whole river :D |
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Revolvor
United Kingdom
75 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2017 : 10:25:02
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Going off topic, but I have one of the "Theft Reduction Covers" on my boat on the Thames. I fitted it after a spate of Outboard thefts. It certainly does make the engine less attractive to thieves, and an added bonus is that at a glance you cannot see make or size of outboard. It cost me £32.
http://www.nc-marinecovers.co.uk/pages/oetrc/design/simple-concept/
Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads! |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2017 : 15:31:39
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I suppose you could leave your cover underneath the theft reduction jobbie as long as it doesn't show as the thieving scroats will walk past it anyway to find another one.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
 Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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Topic |
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Outboard Safety Strap
