Security for the liveaboard boater.
This month we are going to look at security for the liveaboard boater for both yourself and your vessel.We get many questions about security so we aim to answer some of them here so you can be more at ease if you are contemplating a liveaboard lifestyle.
Where you moor your boat will have the biggest impact on security. Many marinas have good security for customers with measures such as CCTV security cameras, access controlled entrance gates and maybe even a security guard. Boatyards may have less than this and if they have residential boats may rely on other residents keeping an eye on things. If you are moored on a river bank or canal tow path you will have much less security.
There are things you can do to make your boat more secure and we will list some here.
1. Cabin doors should be fitted with a good mortise lock. Try to avoid using a padlock as these can be cut easily without making much noise. To break a good mortise lock is more difficult and normally requires the door itself to be broken making a lot more noise and attracting more attention that a thieve does not want.
2. If you have belongings that have to be stored outside the boat such as a bicycle or outboard motor ensure you lock it to a strong point on your boat. If it is not locked you make it easy for an opportunist to take your valuables.
3. If you are away from your boat close the curtains to hide any valuables such as TVs and computer equipment. If it’s on display to passers by temptation is there. Take the temptation away by keeping things hidden when possible.
4. You could fit an alarm to your boat. You could look at car alarms that could be adapted or go for a system specifically for a boat. These systems will normally run from your onboard 12 volt batteries
5. If you are going to be away from your boat for some time such as a 2 week holiday make sure you tell other boater and your moorings operator so they can keep a better eye on your boat.
One thing that you will find within most residential communities is that all liveaboards will look out for each other when it comes to security. Many visitors to my boat have often been challenged by other residents because they where not recognized at the boatyard so we all keep an eye open for each other.
In general, security for a liveaboard boater is something you are always aware of but do not let it affect our wonderful lifestyle. Take measures to reduce the risk and you will be fine.
If you would like to fit an alarm to your boat you can find a suitable one at www.harbourcall.co.uk
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© 2005. Living On Boats.
www.livingonboats.co.uk
Martin Chinery has lived on boats for over 7 years. He writes articles for and runs the Living On Boats website.
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'Bargain Basement'
I often look around for boats that are for sale at a reasonable price and could make a suitable liveaboard boat. It is surprising what you can find so I thought I would feature one vessel in each edition of the newsletter to show what can be found. I'll call this 'Bargain Basement' and see what little jems we can come up with.
This months 'Bargain Basement'
British Powerboat Company 63ft MGB 45 S3 the famous "Whaleback" design and believed to be the last of the Naval type existing, She served in the Polish Navy with the 3rd MGB flotilla at Ramsgate and comes with complete war service history.She has been converted as a comfortable liveaboard vessel by previous owners who lived aboard for 30 years! She offers spacious accommodation in keeping with the vessels age and character comprising large saloon, bathroom with full size bath and basin, seperate WC with macerator, good sized galley with cooker, microwave and fridge, hallway, utility area with large freezer, washing machine and tumble drier, full oil fired central heating with 10 radiators,additional immersion heating, large engine room with 2xPerkins S6M diesels, 6.5kva Lister/Petter generator,New batteries, double cabin with storage and additional pilot single birth, large wheelhouse with Sailor short wave and VHF radio, large deck area, a trully historic and unique vessel, situated Port Werburgh residential moorings on the River Medway, parking, cctv and marina views and excellent security, ready to move aboard, she is being used and is being sold as a static liveaboard but if desired and with further work could return to sea.£55,000
If you are looking for a large vessel with a bit of history then this could be for you. Plenty of space aboard the is Naval Motor Gun Boat (MGB). Many of the remaining MGB's have had their engines removed although this one has it's engines intact. Motoring down the river in this classic historical boat could be great fun. At £55,000 this is cheaper than a Grade 1 Listed House!
