You want to protect your yacht, especially when you might not use it for a certain time and wish to avoid issues. When you think about theft hazards, you probably do not think about your yacht, but yacht insurance carriers address theft cases regularly. As a yacht owner, you should take the steps necessary to secure your investment. That means understanding what makes a yacht susceptible to theft.
Ways to Protect Your Yacht From Theft
We look at the top ten ways for you to protect your yacht.
Invest in Comprehensive Security Monitoring to Reduce Your Yacht Insurance Cost
Most insurance carriers offer a security system discount, which can also apply to yachts. Install video surveillance and security alarms with motion sensors and an active monitoring service.
Choose Your Marina Carefully
Opt for a marina with adequate lighting at all times and consider somewhere with on-site security monitoring the slips.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Never leave valuables in plain sight on your yacht, and only leave valuables on the yacht when you are present. If you leave, take them with you. In addition, make sure you list any valuables on your yacht coverage policy. Coverage riders may be necessary for high-value items.
Lock Your Storage Spaces
Cabinets, drawers, and storage areas should all have locks. Keep these spaces locked at all times to deter theft. When you include locks like this, it helps deter thieves who are looking for an easy score.
Secure Your Tender and Personal Watercraft
Tenders and other watercraft are prime targets for thieves because they are usually easy to access. To improve your yacht thief protection, invest in additional locking mechanisms and security chains for these items to make them harder to steal.
Keep the Keys With You
Never leave your yacht and leave the engine keys on it. It is a common mistake and can cost you because it creates an easy opportunity for crime. If you have wondered how your yacht can be at risk for theft, this is a leading cause.
Separate the Vessel and Engine Keys
Many people put their keys on one keyring to keep them all together. Unfortunately, when you lose your keys, you lose the keys to everything that way. Keep your keys to the vessel and your yacht’s engine keys separate so that the would-be thieves cannot steal them even if someone finds a key.
Create Thorough Records
Document the serial numbers of every component on your yacht, including televisions, navigation systems, and engine components. Keep that list away from the craft so you can recover any stolen components sold individually or identify the craft through those numbers.
Stand Out in the Crowd
Reducing watercraft liability is easier when your yacht is vibrant, unique, and easily identifiable. Paint it in non-traditional colors to make it harder to steal.
Recognize the Benefits of Yacht Insurance
All the preventative measures listed here will reduce your risk of theft. Even the best efforts cannot prevent it altogether. Make sure your craft has adequate protection with comprehensive yacht insurance so that you can recoup your investment if anything does happen.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
