The Outboard Motor Lock Guide: What Really Matters?

 Owning a boat is probably one of the most exhilarating experiences anyone will ever enjoy – the openness of the ocean, the freedom of movement, and the fishing adventures which become memories for life. However, there is a quiet danger that many boat owners only realize when it’s too late: outboard motor thefts. Thefts happen swiftly, they are expensive and, more often than not, are completely preventable. 

Before another summer goes by without proper safety equipment on board, read the following information on everything that you need to know about how to select a good outboard motor lock.

Why Do Outboard Motors Get Stolen So Easily?

Unfortunately, most outboard motors prove to be incredibly easy targets for seasoned thieves. With boat docks, marina parking areas, and even driveway access allowing such a secure environment for a theft to occur quickly and stealthily, there is little chance of prevention. In addition, outboard motors prove to be quite valuable assets that are relatively simple to sell and can usually be detached from the boat's transom within two minutes with hand tools. Not having any kind of dedicated and purposefully engineered lock leaves the outboard motor completely exposed each year without any sort of security.

What Makes A Secure Locking Outboard Motor Lock?

Not all boat locks on the market are designed with real security in mind. In order to select a proper locking solution to protect an outboard motor, there are some non-negotiable criteria to consider first:

• Material Quality: For maximum strength and lightness, aluminum billet grade 6061 is ideal because it does not corrode in a marine environment.

• Thickness: At 3/8-inch housing walls or more, the locking mechanism becomes highly resistant to being pried open or cut with bolt cutters.

• Anodizing: Since boating takes place outdoors year-round, a lock should have a layer of anodizing to resist corrosion for many seasons.

• Picking Resistance: A lock mechanism that can be picked in less than a minute using regular tools cannot be trusted to offer any protection.

• Compatibility: A universal lock will inevitably be less secure because of its design. Instead, a customized one for your motor make and model is recommended.

Is A Trolling Motor Nonpickable Lock Even Real?

It is a question that many serious boaters come to ask themselves, and the answer is yes, but only if it is done right from the start. The secret of the trolling motor nonpickable lock is to create a lock that is invulnerable to picking as well as drilling or raking by doing away with the typical pin-tumbler system found in most locks. This lock stops the intruder in his tracks not just because it buys him time; it stops him from getting at the trolling motor at all by having a body that can withstand even attempts to remove it.

What Should You Know Before Buying?

Before buying any outboard motor lock, consider the following important points:

• Does the lock lock onto the real mounting brackets, or merely around the motor itself?

• Is it made of real aerospace-grade aluminum or some cheap imposter material?

• Is it pick-resistant or has some form of nonpickable mechanism?

• Is it specific to your type of motor or universal?

• Does it have a patent on its design by a reliable manufacturer?

If you are unsure about anything mentioned above, you are advised to keep shopping because the cost of replacing a stolen motor will cost you far more than what you are willing to spend for this peace of mind.

Is TylerBay Lock The Answer To Your Security Needs?

And when it comes to acquiring a lock that is designed with all the aforementioned features, TylerBay Lock will undoubtedly be what you are looking for. TylerBay Lock is the ideal solution when you need to secure your outboard motor. You can install it easily in a matter of minutes, and the best thing about it is that it works with any type of motor.

Check out TylerBay Lock right away and protect your motor once and for all.