Security is a paramount issue for anyone – whether business or personal. Although the government plays a role, the large chuck rests on the individual. Protecting your kayak is very important, especially if you don’t want to buy a kayak every week. While you can quickly deflate and pack your inflatable kayak, the same cannot be said for hard shell kayaks.
Hardshell kayaks aren’t that easy to steal because they are heavy and require some form of transportation. Therefore, it is hard to steal a kayak unless no security measures are established. Most kayak theft happens to those who refuse the idea of locking kayak to roof rack. Leaving your kayak unlocked and unattended over time makes it prey to criminals.
How would you know if someone hurriedly loading a kayak is the owner? What if the individual is an unlawful thief that is taking advantage of you being unserious about your kayak security? Regrettably, several law enforcement agencies have reported over a thousand cases of kayak theft within a few months. What are you doing to avoid becoming the next victim? What is the best way to keep your kayak from theft?
This write-up will expand on how to keep your kayak from being stolen. You will learn valuable tips to protect your kayak. If you have been having issues with kayak theft, it’s your last bus stop because you will find an advanced way to keep your kayak safe. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Is it necessary to protect your kayak against theft?
If the little item in your kayak can be stolen, what do you think of having an expensive unsecured kayak? Therefore, the tendency of seeing an expensive kayak stolen is dreadful. While many seek the best kayak or boat, no attention is given to its security. Unfortunately, once there is no protection from external bodies, you can become a victim of kayak theft.
In most cases, kayak theft deals more with impulsive action and immediate need. Therefore, any kayak you left at the store or at the front of your home is a likely target. So, ensure you protect the boat or kayak with everything available at your disposal. You can buy different security gadgets for the protection of lives and property.
Tips to Keep your Kayak from Being Stolen
If you have concerns about keeping your kayak from being stolen, it means you are looking for a solution to protect your boat or kayak. While these tips might look simple, implementing them the right way can keep your kayak from being stolen. Let’s unveil these tips that will protect your kayak forever if you are ready.
Start by locking kayak to roof rack
The first step to keeping your kayak safe is by locking it in the roof rack after your trip. It doesn’t matter the place you keep them. Lock them up to something. However, if you have several kayaks, you can lock them together to avoid any theft because it will be awkward to carry them that way.
What if it is a single kayak? You can lock it to a dock stanchion, fence post, deck support, or a tree. Ensure the anchor point isn’t easy for anyone to move when doing this. It is never enough to use a cable to thread through your kayak as a way to secure it.
Nevertheless, if you are moving your kayak from one place to another, start with locking the kayak to the roof rack, especially for a long trip. In addition, you can purchase locking security straps. Most of these newer straps come with cables that make it harder for criminals to break and steal your kayak. Simply locking your kayak to the roof rack can discourage a thief from advancing toward that position. They will disembark on their journey.
Peradventure, you keep your kayak at home; the best option is to get it hidden from any passerby. You can keep it in your garage or under your deck. Although this advice won’t be as effective as locking the kayak to a permanent point, it can help stop intruders as they won’t realize you have a kayak at home.
It’s common to see kayak theft at lakefront properties. While some began without any premeditated plan, the beautiful kayak outside can send a different message. It becomes more accessible for them to operate freely when you don’t lock them.
If you buy a folding or an inflatable kayak, it does no good to keep it outside or strap it on your car. Ensure you deflate the kayak and store it inside your car. The goal is to keep it out from the sight of anyone passing around your car.
Build a lockable storage shed
You can build a lockable storage shed if your home doesn’t have a good place to keep your kayak away from outsiders. Nowadays, there are several designs that can suit any building as long as you have the money to spend.
You can take advantage of pre-fabricated storage sheds that come cheap. This is a better option when you have limited funds to spend on storage sheds. It doesn’t matter whether you buy pre-fabricated kayak storage or build one; the main priority is to create a way to keep your kayak safe. Whatever the option might be, it can help keep your kayak from being stolen.
Keep your Hull Identification Number safe
Sometimes, it’s hard no matter how you try to keep your kayak safe. Irrespective of all the investment, you might still lose your kayak to theft. Therefore, before such a thing happens, it’s essential to record your hull identification number. Each reputable manufacturer has this number printed on your kayak hull. It’s a 12-digit number that can come in handy when your kayak gets stolen.
Although you might want to do everything necessary to avoid seeing your kayak being stolen, keeping your hull identification number safe can be the only piece of evidence law enforcement officials might need to prove the rightful owner. Furthermore, ensure you register your hull identification number to include your name, contact number, address, and any relevant information. This will help speed the recovery process when you lose your kayak.
Purchase insurance for your Kayak
Nowadays, many homeowner’s insurance policies that cost over $1000 can include personal items like kayaks. Although it might not replace your kayak completely when stolen, at least you have a minimum compensation level than losing everything. It will get you back to your feet as soon as possible to get your kayaking adventure continued.
Double lock your kayak
Another vital way to safeguard your kayak is to double lock it. If you feel unsafe using a single locking strap, you can get another lock for the kayak. At least, you make it hard for your kayak to be an easy target.
However, not everyone feels comfortable with this method. But if it suits you, it is preferable to use the lock with different mechanisms. If the first lock comes with a key to open, you might want to swap the second option to the combination. This makes it harder for your kayak to be stolen. In addition, the second lock should be thicker than the first as it will make intruders think twice before trying anything funny.
Consider renting a kayak instead of buying
If your location is prone to criminal activities and double locking your kayak doesn’t solve the issue, it is time to act wisely. Instead of buying, you can decide to rent the kayak. With this, you leave the safety and security of the kayak to the rental company. You don’t have to stop kayaking because of kayak theft.
For beginners, it’s safer to rent as you learn the foundation before thinking about the safety of a kayak. Get yourself the experience you need before worrying about the essentials of owning a kayak. There is nothing to be shy about renting a kayak for that journey. After all, investing in a new kayak is expensive but more painful when it gets stolen.
Avoid buying stolen Kayaks
A good way to dissuade criminals from stealing kayaks is never to buy a stolen kayak. One thing about stolen items is that they depend on supply and demand. The tips mentioned above should do well to protect your kayak from being stolen. However, you don’t have to encourage it by buying a stolen kayak.
Peradventure, you have always longed to have a kayak, and someone offered you an offer that is too good to be true; it is better to think twice. When someone decides to sell a kayak in good condition below its market value, that should signal something to you. The best way to know is to request the hull identification number. Once there is no HIN, it is a big warning sign. Each kayak has its unique serial number, and once that number has been removed from the kayak, the tendency is high that it was stolen. Be alert to inform the relevant authorities.
How to choose a good lock for your kayak
While you try to keep your kayak from being stolen, the king of lock you choose is critical. It’s understandable the challenges you might face when choosing the right lock to fit your kayak. How do you decide on the perfect lock to keep your kayak safe with over a thousand options at your disposal? Here are a few things you can consider when purchasing a cable lock.
Cable material
This is an important factor to check. When buying a lock for your kayak, ensure it is lightweight and durable. It is preferable to lock with a plastic cable since it can withstand any weather situation.
Lock complexity
Instead of buying a simple lock system, you can buy a complicated lock. With this, it can be challenging for thieves to open. Don’t just shop for any lock; look for one with a complex locking system.
Cable Length
This might vary depending on where you want to lock the kayak. However, look for a lock with cable length that fits your kayak.
How to keep your inflatable Kayak safe
When you own an inflatable kayak, it brings a sense of convenience, whether it is for leisurely cruises or fishing. However, keeping it safe from criminals shouldn’t be taken lightly considering the amount you bought it. You can’t just dry your inflatable kayak like a hard shell kayak and look it up. Regrettably, when thieves take your inflatable boat, they don’t keep it but sell the trolling motor.
If you have issues wondering how to keep your inflatable kayak from being stolen, the following tips can come in handy.
Hoist it
A simple way to reduce your inflatable kayak from being stolen is to make it harder for the thief. Here, you need to use a cord to secure the kayak, making it time-consuming and difficult for anyone to steal it.
Get an alarm system
If you calculate your kayak cost to when stolen and think it is worth investing in a good security gadget, you need to buy a motion-detecting alarm system. This will trigger whenever someone gets close to it and notify people around the vicinity. It is a way of complicating the process a thief wants to use to get your precious kayak.
Hardly will any thief near your kayak because the fear of getting caught will dissuade them from approaching the kayak.
Disfigure the appearance
This is an old trick that tends to work sometimes. You can disfigure your inflatable kayak to make it look old. While it might hurt your kayak, the appearance of an old inflatable boat won’t appease to a thief.
You can paint the kayak to make it look worn and old. Alternatively, you can use sandpaper to make the appearance look dull. Another option available is to add some self-inflicted scratches to make it look like an accumulated scratch.
What to consider when locking kayak outside
It’s not enough thinking about locking your kayak. You have to consider outside factors since they can affect the kayak lifespan. While looking to secure it from thieves, you should endeavor to place it in a place where moisture and sunlight won’t affect it. Here are a few things to consider.
Sun exposure
Ultraviolet rays harm a kayak during exposure. Because of the material used in manufacturing it, it degrades it. Therefore, it is preferable to look for a place with either no sun exposure or less exposure.
Moisture exposure
Besides sun exposure, your kayak might also be affected by moisture from bad weather like snow and rain. It also degrades the material when left for a long period. It is advisable to keep your kayak in a place where moisture can’t reach.
Excessive Heat
Another thing to consider when locking your kayak outside is heat, as it can deform the material. Therefore, look for a location where there is minimal exposure to heat.
What to do when your kayak is stolen?
What if the inevitable happens and your precious kayak isn’t where you left it? You lived in the safest area in town. After a long kayaking trip, you packed and locked the kayak as you usually do. However, you woke up in the money to discover your precious kayak is nowhere to be found. What will you do?
The first option available is to remain calm and report to the relevant authorities about your missing kayak. Ensure you have your hull identification number intact to help streamline the search. You can take a step further by posting pictures of your kayak on your local community board, Facebook, or NexDoor. Contact friends that know about your kayak and inform them of what has happened.
Furthermore, you can enlist it as a stolen item on websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to dissuade potential buyers. You can catch the thief if they are unwise to sell it to a prospective buyer within your area.
It is not guaranteed that all of these efforts will be fruitful because smart thieves can quickly relocate stolen kayaks. You might be lucky to identify your kayak when paddled around. Nevertheless, you have to proceed with caution when you think you saw your kayak with someone else.
At times, the person might have purchased it without knowing it is stolen property. In this situation, you have to tread with caution and report to relevant local authorities to handle the case as it deems fit to them.
Wrapping Up
There are several ways to keep your kayak from being stolen. It is not rocket science to protect your kayak from theft. Interestingly, you simply have to outsmart these criminals and keep your kayak in a good place.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t always stop criminals from stealing your kayak after locking it up. However, you don’t have to make it easier. Give them a fight by following all the tips mentioned in this article. We hope this write-up has helped you learn how to keep your kayak safe.