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thieves are not my favorite people…
So last week I was out look at some of the boat ramps that were suggested. And on Thursday I went out to hurricane creek (no boat just looking and a little bit of exploring and bank fishing). While I was walking around apparently someone thought they needed my tow ball more than I did. As I was walking back to my truck I noticed it was gone. Needless to say I was glad I didn’t bring my boat. The cop told me that he has seen where boats or just trailers were locked down but all it takes is to remove the nut on the ball and they can just transfer it over to another receiver. I have insurance and stuff but the thought of going out on the lake and coming back to find my trailer gone is not a good feeling. So I went home did some research and found the ONLY lock for a standard tow ball. Granted there are some full set ups where the ball is locked in and then some but the idea that they are made of aluminum isn’t very reassuring. I still look back and think about why would they snatch just the ball off my receiver. Granted everything was locked down except the ball but still, there was nothing special about it at all. It even makes me nervous when someone says “Nice Boat” because two years ago I got that same compliment and while I was parking my truck the same person was on my boat grabbing gear. Sadly I guess he figured I didn’t carry… But when I ran back to the dock pulling my 45 he took off rather quick. I know I don’t post here much as I am always lurking for fishing reports; however, here is some information. The lock that’s available is http://www.rjlocks.com if anyone has info on another I am sure it would help others. I have become more and more security conscious as my experiences lead me and unfortunately I did not think that this would be an issue in my home town. I didn’t think it would be an issue while my truck sports disabled veteran tags. I guess anyone is a target and nothing is off limits like a simple tow ball that costs 10 bucks at walmart. It has gotten to the point that I have to carry a box of keys just to USE my boat. The bad thing is they left my spare receiver alone in the back of my truck. Sad world when you have to GPS your truck, trailer, and boat just because someone thinks they deserve it more than you even though you are the one that worked hard for it. You guys stay safe, tight lines always.. and by all means if you see someone toying around a trailer or truck that looks suspicious please say something. I know I would do it for my fellow fishermen. All of us who do this as a lifestyle.. we need to watch out for each other. Take care.
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6 Replies
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It’s a pretty sad state of affairs when this is what fishing comes to. Trying to enjoy time on the water, away from the stresses of life, and you to worry about some low life POS stealing something from you while you are out. I keep my trailer latch locked, but I guess if they want it back enough…nothing is ever enough.
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I completely agree with you. It’s sad that we already spend a good penny for the boat as it is then we have to add a few hundred to a thousand just to protect it. When I lived in California I had a boat stolen. In perspective it was my fault or at least that’s what the police made it seem like. “You should have locked it” well it was in my garage, “You should have put an alarm on it” Holy cow those cost 200 or more, “you should have put locks on the boat and trailer” holy cow how much do I have to go through just to have a boat?! So apparently having a trusting nature is the cause of theft. So I filed a claim with my insurance and funny enough after my boat was replaced they found my old one. Almost completely destroyed and all the electronics removed and my gear gone along with the motor. It wasn’t the boat that I put my blood what and tears into anymore. It was a skeeter too. So this time I got a tracker. Not so expensive but a good boat none the less and even though I have purchased enough security for it apparently it would have been all for nothing because of the tow ball. The irony is enough to break a true hardworking fisherman’s heart. To top it off this kind of stuff only slows them down and never completely stops a thief; however, according to my insurance if I do all of this then should the boat ever be stolen I would get a current version with all of the stuff I installed. Makes a person wonder if this is either a marketing ploy or truly some crafty people. Had a friend in memphis whom had his john boat with a small HP mercury motor and trolling motor (Nothing special at all) stolen from his back yard while he was at work. You’d think his neighbors would have noticed someone odd running off with his boat.
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I hate to hear that. I had a tail light grommet stolen off my trailer. They left the light and just took the mounting grommet. Definitely some low life folks roaming around. I agree we all need to keep our eyes open around the ramps and report any suspicious activity.
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I am going to post something tomorrow on this subject I think it will be very informative. I was in the navy and was in charge of equipment security so I have a few ideas and such…
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Great post and comments! I accidently bought the hitch with the ball welded on and thought “shoot, I didn’t mean to buy that “, but then I was glad I did so nobody could unsrew it. I did get a lock for the hitch though.
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I don’t blame you.. a welded ball is a great idea too. It really surprised me that anyone had not thought of a lock like that before… but it made sense. all those locks and security doesn’t do anything if the ball is accessible.
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