Re: [Paddlewise] How to prevent theft?

Paddlers-
Assuming your canoe or kayak has a classic shape, one can make a lockdown arrangement with about 15-20 feet of case hardened chain and two padlocks.  Wrap one end of the chain firmly around the kayak (or canoe) about 1/3 length from the bow.  Lock in place with the first padlock.  The loop of chain should be able to slide fore but not aft.  Stretch the chain straight down the hull to a point 1/3 length from the stern and make a second loop.  Fasten the second lock.  The chain should now be unable to move either forward or backward.

With good chain and locks this arrangement is quite heavy.  It isn't suitable for cartopping unless you substitute lightweight coated chain to avoid screwing up your hull.  

Whatever chain you buy, if the guy at the hardware store cuts it with an 18" or 24" bolt cutter, any thief can do the same.  It should take a table mounted cutter, or a 36" cutter and the chain should give a sound like a pistol shot when cut if you are buying the right stuff.  I'm told by a law enforcement relative that thieves prefer the 18" cutter for its low price ($20) and concealability.  Virtually no cable or chain will resist a grinder, and now that Makita and Skil and others make battery powered grinders, a thief willing to make noise can take pretty much anything.

I don't follow my own advice.  My canoe hangs in plain sight of the street, and my kayak is with it.

jerry.


At 07:56 PM 06/17/2000 -0400, Phares Heindl wrote:
>Recently a canoe was stolen from my yard. The canoe was locked up using a
>rather thick cable. The thief cut through the cable and took the boat.
>
>I'm looking for a way to prevent this from happening and to prevent similar
>things like this from happening. I'd like to ask the list what is done to
>prevent theft in both long term storage and for short term trips ( such as
>car top, paddling stopovers etc. )
>
>Is there a cable or system that cannot be cut?
>
>Phares Heindl
>Phares M. Heindl P. A.
>Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
>Phone 407-865-5700
>Fax      407-865-5758
>Web:   www.heindllaw.com
>e-mail:   injurylaw_at_afo.net
>
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