Boat Alarm System

My boat was broken into for a second time in a one year time period. My carport has security lights that light it up like daytime when someone goes near my boat and it is ten feet from my bedroom window but it did not keep this idiot with a ski mask on from trying to steal what he could from my boat. This time I was lucky he only managed to break open one compartment before I banged on the window and scared him off (I should have went out and shot his ass). I don't even keep anything valuable in the boat anymore since the first time it was broken into, but I still keep the compartments locked I guess I should leave them unlocked at least that way I won't have to keep buying new locks. Anyway does anyone know of a security alarm system for boats that will activate from someone climbing on or jarring the boat? also something that doesn't cost an arm and leg. Thanks

Randy

A big dog! Hahaha. Sorry to here about you having thief issues. I know there are alarms out there that do what your asking, just do a search on google and also talk to some boat dealers as well.

Maybe there's some kind of motion sensor alarms (like the motion sensor lights) on the market?!?

That might work, probably could rig something up with a motion sensor and some flashing lights and maybe a horn or something.

I've heard of people using Baby Monitors, car alarm systems, and even those fake flashing red LED lights (that are supposed to make it look like an alarm system is installed). Most of the "real" systems will run in the $250-500 range (like these : Bass Boat Alarm ).

If the security lights aren't enough ... adding some type of siren alarm might help.

.. cp :cool:

Well I know on the bass tournament trail there were a lot of boats that had alarms on them, I just never bothered to ask about them. But I know they exist. It has to be someone close by that can see your boat and knows what you use on it, otherwise how would they know you had anything worth stealing.

I still say put a dog bed in the bottom of the boat and get a big dog, gaurantee it will either keep them away for good or make them pee themselves! lol

Check out the Boat Nanny.

Someone recommended a car alarm, every boat alarm I have found is $300 plus some are even over $500. I thought about a dog but upkeep on dogs can be expensive and if its raised to be a family pet he might not even bark at someone much less run him off and a dog capable of keeping burglars away may not be grand-kid friendly. I'll check out the boat nanny.

Randy

Just checked out the boat nanny and good god $1150 and it is mainly for bigger boats and for fire and water damage it does have a motion sensor but is designed for the indoor cabin. I looked at the Bass Boat alarm and even though it is cheaper still around $500. I am going to check into car alarms next, there has got to be something out there less expensive. I think I can mickey mouse something under $100. all I want it to do is if someone disturbs the boat by climbing on it or breaking open the compartments just enough motion to set off a simple alarm.

Randy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fossil

That might work, probably could rig something up with a motion sensor and some flashing lights and maybe a horn or something.

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I installed a motion sensor on the front of my house and
two flood light fixtures. When ever some one comes in the driveway or walks across the front yard they light right up. I'm sure a motion sensor and lights would help.

Thats what I have now on my security lights for the carport, might could also hook up some kind of alarm or siren to the one that is over my boat.

Randy

This is what I use when I camp. Works great.
Wireless Driveway Alert & Driveway Alarm System

I bought a small security system for my business. It came with a head unit (you could mount that in your bedroom), a motion sensor, and a vibration sensor. Both set off an alarm and can be set to call your phone when activated as well. Wasn't that expensive. I don't remember exactly but I was thinking <$100 on Ebay. Sky Link is the brand Ibought. You could rig up that motion sensor outside in the port. The vibration sensor could go anywhere in the boat and it would go off if he even bumped the thing. It has sensitivity levels, mine was going off originally when a train drove down tracks 1/4 mile away. Cheap easy and effective.

I just saw something in the new Bass Pro Shop catalog.

I have a couple of these around my place. It's wireless, runs off of batteries, and is loud enough to scare the bejebees out of you if you're sneeking around. It resets itself after 1 minute. With the loud noise to run them off, there is no threat of a confrontation with someone of dubious character.
"gene"
http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Patrol-JB5...5299884&sr=8-7

I think I could make some of those systems work, I need to go to Harbor Freight I noticed they have some security systems at a fair price. Thanks

Randy

I wished they made some that cheap that runs off 110v. I'd get a couple for my outbuildings. Never been broken into...........yet though. My bulldog plays a big part in keeping that from happening though.Thumbs Up

I found this Sunforce Solar Powered Alarm System and Light, Model&#35; 86319 | Security Alarms | Northern Tool + Equipment at Northern Tools and would work other than the occasional animal that might trigger it.

Randy

What cha gonna do when someone ain't there to hear the alarm? I hear alarms go off in parking lots all the time. No one cares. Cops don't show up. Doubt if they come rescue your boat either. Boat Nanny.

There is almost always someone here at night that would hear it and if on the rare occasion there is not then that's a chance I will take. It is better than nothing and I can't see paying $400 - $500 for a bass boat alarm and I sure am not paying $1150 for a Boat Nanny that's not even designed for my need. Other than that there is not much available.

Randy

Check it out at www.thetacklesmith.com

Not bad, the one for $250 would do what I want.

Randy

Yes it works great and on sale for $199.99.

It's great to be out on the road in your hotel. Helps ease my mind.

I went to one of the local boat dealer/repair shops that belongs to friends of ours to get a new lock that the thief broke off and they told me about an alarm system they are starting to sell. It is only $139 and all you have to do is touch the boat and it will go off, it doesn't have to be bumped or jarred. I am not sure how the sensor works but he showed me a boat it was installed in and I like it. I forgot the name of the company but I will find out later and post it.

Randy

That is a good price & I bet it is a T H Alarm.

You are limited to a shock sensor only.
So if you have high winds and or thunder your alarm will be going off all night.
If you were to leave your boat in the water tied up to the dock and the waves bump the boat you alarm will go off.
I built this same alarm over 3 years ago & then made my changes.

The shock sensor is adjustable & can be turned off & you can still have your boxes armed. I can be inside and turn the shock sensor off by the remote instead of running out into the storm.

I can travel down the road with my shock sensor off but boxes are still armed. This way if I make a quick stop & run into a store, the boat boxes are still armed.

Just my .02

I don't believe it is a shock sensor because you actually have to cause motion to the boat for that to work, with this one all you have to do it put your hand on the boat (no motion of the boat) and it goes off. plus it has a fob to arm and dis-arm the alarm, I lock my truck with the key fob when I stop somewhere even if its just for a second so I can do the same for the boat with the alarm fob. I also believe it has the option of adding the locker sensors. Thanks

Louisville Slugger makes a nice one for $39.99

What it sounds like what you need is a Vibratory switch or switches. These are also called Mercury Switches by Bomb Techs. When installed on the boat, they would "alarm" when ever the boat moved; such as someone climbing on the trailer, or pushing down on the bow or stern. Theses types of switches can be purchased at Radio Shack and set up to "alarm" by setting off a siren or lighting some lights. What the switches do is to interupt the electrical current from a power source to the "penalty" (the light or siren or whatever). When the switch is activatated, it closes the circuit and allows electricity to reach the "penalty". Whole boat can be covered for about $35 not counting whaever you use as the "penalty". You can also add anti lift switches on the hatches for another $10 to $20 depending on number of hatches you want to protect.

There is also an item called a prox-watch that sets up a field around the object being protected and "alarms: when the field is compromised. But these things have a high false alarm rate and can be set off by wind, leaves, animals, etc.

I have a bat to use if needed, I also have an alarm system coming that I think will cover what I want. I was hoping not to have to rig something up but also didn't want to pay an arm and leg for a system this one is priced good and will do what I want. thanks

Randy

Nice Stout electric fence charger!

Boatnanny.

wouldnt a dog work

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Originally Posted by kosmo

wouldnt a dog work

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Not if it belongs to the kibbles and bits union.

Thought of that also but not very grand-kid friendly if accidentally left on during the day.

Randy

saw this in family handyman magazine, an alarm for PU truck tool boxes, might work for you, TG-5000 at toolguarddotcom. another suggestion is the old fashion pad lock and hasp, its ugly but functional.

Not bad but kind of expensive, thanks for the info.

Randy