Scotty Anti Theft Locks

[SerengetiGuide]

Hey just wondering if you guys recommend the new ones where you have to use your own padlocks or the old ones that are built in? And would you need two for each downrigger regardless of type using? Thanks

 

[Fish Whisperer]

You need 3 padlocks for each downrigger, you can get them keyed alike. I store them in a bag with wd40 as they rust in the salt water quickly. Anybody with bolt cutters can steal them in about a minute, it just keeps the honest guy honest and added protection at the dock.

 

[Dogbreath]

An ordinary padlock is so easy to open it's stupid-if you want to get really upset look @ some Youtube vids of people doing just that.

 

[gungadin]

I prefer the older style. To combat the corrosion problem, l discard the supplied covers and use shortened table leg rubber caps.
I use both styles and replace the other three hold downs with allen head bolts, with the allen heads filled with epoxy.

 

[Califbill]

My TracRac truck rack has knobs with a key in the center. If locked they just turn free. Wonder if you could get similar with the same threads as the Scotty?
http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=TRLOCK
Is a link to the knob.

 

[kaelc]

I'm using three a side. Keep in mind the locks can bash against your boat and mess up the paint. Fortunately there has been a little hali slime and a couple springs covering up the paint loss..

You'll need to lube the locks often

 

[wet spot]

The Scotty locks work ok but I have 2 issues with them. The maximum size shackle on your lock is 6.5mm (7.0 won't fit). That is not a very large diameter so you will need to buy good quality locks with a boron or some kind of other alloy shackle - gets expensive when you are buying six and want them all keyed the same. I have the Scotty side-mount downrigger mounts...the new locks don't fit the sidemounts and Scotty no longer makes the old side-mount locks so I am up the creek as there is no way, other than jury-rigging, to secure them

 

[Stosh]

Get a Seadog hinged jaw slide #270167. You must use the hinged jaw slide because it comes apart and can be installed without taking the pulley off. Attach it to the 1" extended portion of your rigger boom. Swivel the riggers inboard fully extended facing each other. Enlarge the hole in the jaw slide to accommodate a decent padlock. My boat is 101" wide, so I can cross them and move the jaw slides together so one long padlock can lock both riggers together. Still comes down to a lock. I also have a portable motion sensor alarm with a visible led attached to the boat in full view for anyone to see.
Rather than using padlocks with the new Scotty lock plates, try a nut and bolt, wreck the threads. Then at the end of the season cut them off. Way cheaper than padlocks.
Stosh

 

[kaelc]

Stosh, which portable motion sensor alarm with a visible led do you use?

Thanks!

 

[Stosh]

Not sure of the alarm brand, I'll check later. I bought it at Staples years ago, made for laptops. I'm sure there are others available on line. Mine runs on a 9volt battery and lasts a couple of years.
Stosh

 

[Corey_lax]

I'd rather just bring them in every night.... A guy with a cordless sawzall can destroy a boat in 30 seconds and walk off with whatever locking system you have.

 

[Stosh]

The motion sensor alarm I have is a Fellows Kryptonite. If you can't take the riggers/equipment off each night, you must do the best you can to insure that everything is there in the morning. I learned the hard way. My 9.9 Ex-long Honda outboard was taken off the boat (bolted on) after only being in my driveway for 2 days. The riggers were locked on and they tried to pry a lock off. I know have a SS lock on my outboard - WELDED ON, covering the bolts holding it on. Mcguard locks on one mounting bolt below the lock and a Mcguard locking bolt on my SS prop on the big motor. Cameras in the driveway as well. Double locks on the trailer. Even my spare is now locked on. When the thieves are out shopping, you need to make it difficult for them.
Stosh

 

[gungadin]

I camp in an area with a wharf about 100 meters away that is open to the public, with no security whatsoever. Every year someone gets something stolen, often a downrigger, and usually at night. Now l know that nothing will stop a determined thief, but deciding to make mine the hardest to get off was a no brainer. There are already Scotty locks on them along with button head bolts, with the heads filled with epoxy. To this end l have installed an alarm system that sounds a 110 decible siren if the booms are lifted more then about 35º from their down position. Hatches are wired the same way.

To deter someone with a portable saws all, l installed bolts in the swivel that have an outside hollow tube that will rotate on the bolt and prevent the bolts being cut through. We will see how it goes but next winter, l will put an upgraded version on, but l will need two more swivels.

 

[Stosh]

It's too bad we have go to these extremes. It's the world we live in. Be happy we can still go fishing. AND, it's still a great place to live! Just have to look after yourself!
Stosh

 

[Corey_lax]

To deter someone with a portable saws all, l installed bolts in the swivel that have an outside hollow tube that will rotate on the bolt and prevent the bolts being cut through. We will see how it goes but next winter, l will put an upgraded version on, but l will need two more swivels.

The sawzall thing I was referring to was more directed at a fiberglass boat. I'd think you could just rip the boat to pieces really quick with one of those. So you aren't losing just your downriggers, but now you have to rebuild your boat. I'd just make the extra trip and bring them inside for the night but understand that isn't practical sometimes depending where you are staying