Dont take this wrong way if you have had the misfortune of having something stolen, I feel bad for you and in my opinion thieves are the worst kind of people.

I read over these stories of thefts of boats. And the more I think about it you know you cant just walk away with a boat or a truck or whatever. If its on a trailer somebody has to cut locks on the tongue assuming there were locks and then hook up. And if the boat is at dock the keys need to be in it.

Now sure sure you have those people who can pick locks, hotwire etc. But really most thieves that steal things look for the easy kill, ie no locks keys in the ignition etc.

MY family and I (knock on wood) have never had anything like this stolen, but that the same time we have done things so its not easy for theives, we dont leave keys in the boat, the tongue is always locked, etc etc. Granted i dont live in a high crime area. But sometimes people wonder why they get ripped off, and I have walked past many a boats with keys in them and everything with the owners nowhere to be found.

Not a rant just an observation, and you if you make things easy for criminals your more likely to be a victim

The insurance companies must get frustrated with paying out claims when it is discovered that boats and trucks were left unattended at the side of the road with keys in the ignition or boats left at the dock with keys hanging in plain site.

Yeah I bet they do. And thing is ive read it before something like 80% of thefts are reasons like this. Of course you can stop the guy who breaks into the boat at night and rips off your GPS. Locks, putting items in well light areas and actually checking on it, goes a long way. When I have something sitting out my 10 Camaro or boat you know and somebody does more than a walk by go ask them whats up, they might be innocent they might not.

You'd be surprised at how many ignition switches 1 key will fit.
Just last week I tested my keys on a buddies boat, and he in return. Keys worked on both. Same thing with 2 others in our group on the dock...and this just all within 10 slips of each other. Do the math. Then to add at how accessible the wiring is under the dash on most.

Boats can be started in less than 1min with no key. An auto a lil longer due to column. Trailer locks? forget it! Where there is a plan there is a way...

Some things are random, but most are not. I had a boat on a trailer stolen in 2004 at LOTO. It was outside with a lock on the tongue of the trailer and a chain through one set of wheels on a dual axle trailer. It was in a nice industrial area of the lake. The police statiion was near one entrance to the area (there were 3). I agree that there are obvious ways to protect your stuff, but bottom line...If they want it, they can get it.

locks and keys only keep honest people honest.

Exactly!!

A couple years ago a friend of mine had a new 35 Fountian on the trailer hooked to his new Harley F350 Ford taken from a marina parking lot after he walked into the ship's store for about 5 min's, came out and it was all gone.
Police were called within 3mins and had helio's out.
Truck was locked and keys in his pocket, they were never seen again..........

My point is there are Azzholes out there with a plan and know what they want and how to do it.
As said before locks are to keep honest thieves honest.

Home depot the other day, a nice looking f-350 sitting there idling. I assumed remote start, but I looked in as I walked past. Key was in the ignition and doors locked.

He would probably be the guy raising all kinds of hell when his truck does get stolen.