Outboard Warden - protect your engine
Chris Hogan, 3rd May 2016, Boat
Every outboard owner knows that thefts occur all too often, but there has been a surge in thefts lately, particularly more powerful models. Fortunately Boat Warden, provider of early warning alarm and security systems has launched a new product that specifically protects outboards.
Practical Boat Owner ran an article back in December quoting Sergeant Damon Kennard of Hampshire Constabulary's Marine Unit as saying: "We've had a bit of a spike and what's unusual is that 350 horsepower big outboards are being stolen, predominantly from the back of RIBs. At this time of year they're all taken from trailers or drystacks."
"It's early days but we think it's probably organised criminal gangs, these are not just opportunistic thefts. One weighed nearly 400kg, you can't just turn up on your own to steal things like that," he added.
Recovery too
One of the other things that the police have noticed is that outboards now seem to be taken out of the country.
Sergeant Damon said that people are coming and moving through a region, looking for high value outboards and that the force's recovery rate is unusually low.
"We go to all the car boots and jumbles, we monitor eBay.... it's unusual, normally one or two would turn up," he said, "Speaking to our contacts in the marine insurance industry the consensus is that they're all going overseas."
In fact the only large outboard they'd managed to recover had been found in Germany.
Outboard Warden
So it's timely to talk about Outboard Warden, launched at the London Boat Show in February by engineer, inventor and founder of Boat Warden, Kevin Hennessey.
He's been perfecting this system for a number of years - it constantly monitors the engine with a patented proximity process that Boat Warden says is more sensitive than the more common geo-fence method.
Double protection
The system has two units and as soon as they are separated the alarms are triggered. The units are powered by rechargeable batteries and the system will alert you when they are running low.There are comprehensive anti-tamper measures too.
Tracking is via GPRS and GSM allowing you to see exactly what's happening if your outboard is targeted. Apps are available for Apple and Android phones and tablets allowing you to control the alarm and tracking system from anywhere there's a signal.
To find out more got to the Outboard Warden website.
Outboard Warden
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