When most boaters think about theft, they picture someone taking off with their entire yacht or fishing boat. But in reality, thieves often go for something smaller, easier, and just as costly to replace: the dinghy. Whether you use it as a tender for your larger boat or as a convenient runabout, dinghies are one of the most overlooked theft risks in the boating world.
🛶 Why Dinghies Are a Prime Target
1. Small and Portable
Unlike a 30-foot sailboat, dinghies can be lifted, towed, or even loaded into another vessel quickly.
2. High Value, Quick Resale
Inflatables, rigid dinghies, and outboards hold significant resale value. Thieves know they can flip them fast in secondary markets.
3. Often Left Unattended
Many owners leave dinghies tied to docks, moorings, or beaches with little more than a rope or simple padlock.
4. Overlooked in Security Plans
Owners secure their main vessel but forget the tender. Thieves notice this gap and take advantage.
💸 The Hidden Costs of Dinghy Theft
A stolen dinghy isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a ripple effect of expenses: -
Replacement Costs : Quality dinghies and outboards can run into the thousands.
Access Issues : Without a tender, getting to your main boat on a mooring becomes a hassle.
Downtime : Lost weekends, canceled trips, or delays in charters.
Insurance Gaps : Many policies treat tenders separately, meaning your coverage may not apply.
✅ How to Protect Your Dinghy
1. Use Heavy-Duty Locks - Secure both the dinghy and outboard with marine-grade locks.
2. Lift It When Possible - Store dinghies on davits, decks, or trailers instead of leaving them in the water.
3. Mark Your Dinghy and Outboard - Engrave or stencil identifying info to deter resale.
4. Secure at Marinas - Choose marinas with lighting, cameras, and active staff presence.
5. Add GPS Tracking - A discreet tracker hidden inside the dinghy or attached to the outboard provides alerts if it moves and enables quick recovery.
📈 Real-World Example
A cruiser in the Bahamas reported their inflatable dinghy stolen overnight from a marina dock. The dinghy was uninsured and worth over $5,000, leaving them stranded. Months later, after installing a GPS tracker on their new dinghy, another theft attempt occurred. Within 30 minutes of receiving an alert, they and local authorities recovered the dinghy just miles away.
The difference? Visibility.
🔑 Key Takeaway
Dinghies may be small, but their theft can create big problems. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking your tender in your security plan. With layered protection—and especially GPS tracking—you can keep your dinghy where it belongs: ready to take you back to your boat, not someone else’s.
Protect Your Dinghy Before It’s Too Late
Visit www.buyalertrax.com to learn how GPS tracking keeps your dinghy, outboard, and boating lifestyle secure.
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