Preventing PWC Theft

If you own a PWC, you probably regard it as one of your valuable possessions and for good reason! These adrenaline-pumping marine toys have become very popular in recent years. They’re rather easy to transport, which is great for owners but also for thieves. However, there are some things you can do to make sure your PWC stays safe from theft on the water, in the trailer and even in storage.

Read on to get some PWC theft prevention tips compiled by your friends at America’s Motor Sports Nashville. If you’re looking for PWCs for sale, get in touch with our sales department for further assistance. We’re proud to be the PWC dealer for all our patrons from Hendersen and Nashville, TN. 

On the Water

One of the preventive tips you can follow is to not leave your PWC alone, especially when it’s on the water. If for any reason you have to leave it unattended, always remember to chain it to the dock or some other object that can’t be moved. You should also never leave your lanyard attached to the machine or to a lifejacket that you’re not currently wearing. Always remember to keep your lanyard with you when you’re away from your craft. 

Another way to keep your PWC safe on the water is to invest in a model with added security features, such as a digitally encoded lanyard, electronic lock or removable magnetic key. It’s not enough to have these features on your model, you should also remember to use them whenever needed. 

On the Trailer

A heavy-duty, drill-proof trailer lock is the first step to keeping your PWC safe on a trailer. These aren’t cheap but are worth the money, and there are several different types to choose from. One is a coupler latch lock, which allows you to secure the coupler onto the ball when it’s attached to your tow vehicle. Other locks to consider include a receiver lock, a bow-pin lock, and an anti-theft wheel lock.

If you need to leave your setup unattended, you can remove a trailer tire to prevent theft. You can also use a strong cable lock to secure the PWC to the trailer. Your tow vehicle should always be locked with the craft covered. If you’re taking your personal watercraft across a bigger distance and need to stop overnight at a hotel, you have to take some extra security precautions to prevent thieves from taking off with it. 

For overnight stays, be sure you pick a safe location to park with good lighting and security cameras. If you’ve got others traveling with you in another vehicle, ask them to park their vehicle close behind your trailer. If permitted, you can chain it to a large object nearby. We suggest investing in a motion-sensor alarm for the tow vehicle if it doesn’t already have one. 

In Storage

When it’s time to store your PWC, choose a good location. The ideal place to store it is in a safe and sound garage, but that’s not an option for everyone. The best way to dodge thieves is to keep your PWC away from their eyes. So if you don’t have a garage, position your craft behind something that blocks it from view, like your car, truck or even some shrubbery on your lawn. 

If you’re going to be leaving your PWC in your yard or driveway, invest in an anti-theft wheel lock for the trailer, then turn the trailer so the hitch is inaccessible. For extended storage periods, like during the off-season, you should remove the wheels from the trailer. Don’t forget to install that coupler lock. A locking lug nut is a great way to prevent a thief from placing a wheel on the trailer. Be sure to keep your spare tire stored well out of sight.

Additional Tips

You can increase the security of your PWC in other ways. Always have detailed photos of your vehicle in case it does disappear.  Take photographs or video of the Hull Identification Number (HIN), the engine compartment, your PWC trailer, and any other identifying features. If your PWC has any identifying features, it can keep thieves away. Anything that draws attention or requires too much effort will steer thieves away. You can invest in a wheel lock for your trailer like parking enforcement officers use to prevent it from being moved.

We hope these tips help you keep your marine craft safe! If you need more information or want to check out PWCs for sale, contact America’s Motor Sports Nashville and one of our expert staff will gladly assist you. We’re proud to serve all our friends from Hendersen and Nashville, TN!