Coupling anti-theft device no longer acceptable?

[stevej]

Just rang and spoke to a Paul as they tried to call back while at work

he said in the garage locked up a hitch helmet and wheel clamp would suffice
same as at the boat ramp

I informed him that’s not the message received from clubmarine and could I have that in writing
his advice down load club marine app as it allows you take photos and add them to your policy for proof of correct storage

[NAGG]

one of the things that worries me about any hitch type lock is that you can unbolt the hitch & replace it with another & simply tow the trailer away ....... That's the trouble with a determined thief This is the reason why the insurers have written off the hitch lock .......

chris

[Ducksnutz]

Just rang and spoke to a Paul as they tried to call back while at work

he said in the garage locked up a hitch helmet and wheel clamp would suffice
same as at the boat ramp

I informed him that’s not the message received from clubmarine and could I have that in writing
his advice down load club marine app as it allows you take photos and add them to your policy for proof of correct storage

So a wheel clamp as well as the Helmet Hitch at the ramp Steve? I walked my local ramp this morning as I do most mornings and did not see a single wheel clamp. Only coupling locks.
I wonder how many boaties know they need this for insurance? I’m going to sign on with RACQ once I have confirmation that all that is required at the ramp is one ant-theft device and the Helmet Hitch is suffice..

[stevej]

cant take my hitch off as it has a locked pin through the neck

and to ducks yes a clamp while at the ramp is what they implied

[scottar]

There is simply no stopping a determined thief anyway. Modern tools have have made it impossible to do anything more than provide a visual deterrent for the honest ones. That said, I really doubt most hitch locks or wheel clamps would offer any real stopping power against a strong bloke with a crowbar or a decent punch and club hammer. Many ways to "skin the proverbial cat" have been implemented to steal boats and trailers. Pull the hitch pin and take the hitch, battery rebar cutters for chains, battery impact gun used to unbolt the coupling from the trailer and tow on the safety chains etc etc etc. Determined crims are the ultimate bush mechanics - they will find a way. About all you can do is to try and make your trailer harder to get at than the one parked next to it. As for the insurance companies - I see them like casinos............the house always wins in the end.

[NAGG]

So a wheel clamp as well as the Helmet Hitch at the ramp Steve? I walked my local ramp this morning as I do most mornings and did not see a single wheel clamp. Only coupling locks.
I wonder how many boaties know they need this for insurance? I’m going to sign on with RACQ once I have confirmation that all that is required at the ramp is one ant-theft device and the Helmet Hitch is suffice..

I have never seen a wheel clamp used at a boat ramp .... ever - 40 years around boats

Chris

[scottar]

I have never seen a wheel clamp used at a boat ramp .... ever - 40 years around boats

Chris

I use one for over night trips but not for day trips.

[Ducksnutz]

I have never seen a wheel clamp used at a boat ramp .... ever - 40 years around boats

Chris

I have seen a few up at 1770 Chris. I imagine like Scott uses his, it’s for over nighters and extended stays. I’ve fish up that way many times including overnight without the feeling of the trailer being vulnerable or even heard of a trailer being nicked. Maybe I’m naive and the theft of trailers/boats has exploded to the point insurance companies feel the need to tighten the criteria etc.

[Dezzer]

[QUOTE=ozscott;1688082]RACQ is good if you are in QLD. Cheers

S]

Yep, put the car(s) and boat together very competitive price as well.

[TheGurn]

I think all this resulted from this article stating your policy might not cover you with a locking hitch only. I bet they've had quite a few queries.

https://www.clubmarine.com.au/newsle...not-stop-theft

[ozscott]

Hi Guys

Reading this thread prompted me to re-read my policy document and review the standard trailer storage conditions. Relevant extract from the PDS is attached. I subsequently rang my insurer, Nautilus Marine, who I have been with for the past 12 years. I was assured by their customer service team that I would be covered for replacement trailer cost (up to sum insured less excess) if the Kovix locking system was attached to the tow ball whilst boat is out on the water. This security system is supposedly marine grade stainless steel with an audible tamper alarm. However, I will forward this photo to their claims department on Monday for advice regarding cover and requesting written confirmation. If this response differs from their verbal advice, I will let you all know on Monday. Boat is stored at home behind locked security gates with CCTV security cover as well. I don't believe I can provide any additional anti-theft security within reason. Customer service assured me that they only dispute cover when owners are lax about security, which I guess is open to interpretation. It would pay to keep receipts for all purchased antitheft devices in the event of a claim. Cheers SS

I use a Kovix with the audible alarm set at the ramp. Can tow with it attached (audible alarm off ). Good kit. With a tongue locking pin and good chain padlock its about as good as you can reasonably get. Cheers

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[shakey55]

For those of you in NSW, I’m insured with NRMA and there is nothing I can see in their policy regarding anything required by Club Marine.

Having just again read through their policy, I’m more than happy with the cover they provide. You can even tel them you are not using the boat for a couple of months, and you will not be charged for those months, but from what I read as long as it’s at your home, etc, during this lay up period, you are still covered against theft


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[NAGG]

I have seen a few up at 1770 Chris. I imagine like Scott uses his, it’s for over nighters and extended stays. I’ve fish up that way many times including overnight without the feeling of the trailer being vulnerable or even heard of a trailer being nicked. Maybe I’m naive and the theft of trailers/boats has exploded to the point insurance companies feel the need to tighten the criteria etc.

I could imagine them being used up in Qld where people do multiple days out - but even at places like Cardwell & Airlie I cant recall ever seeing one used - but hey obviously people are ...... I'll certainly be looking into though as I have a couple of big trips coming up over the next year where the trailer will sit at the ramp for 7-10 days .

Chris

[NAGG]

For those of you in NSW, I’m insured with NRMA and there is nothing I can see in their policy regarding anything required by Club Marine.

Having just again read through their policy, I’m more than happy with the cover they provide. You can even tel them you are not using the boat for a couple of months, and you will not be charged for those months, but from what I read as long as it’s at your home, etc, during this lay up period, you are still covered against theft


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Might be time to go back to the NRMA - I've generally found them pretty good to deal with

Chris

[Twosheds]

I've just reinsured with Club Marine (May 2021) and after reading this thread I went and had a read of the PDS. I can't find anywhere where it specifically excludes the use of trailer coupling locks.

The PDS does state:
"Reasonable Precautions Against TheftGood standards of prudence and caution, and taking of measures to prevent or minimise Theft, including but not limited to:

• for trailerable Boats or Personal Watercraft when not in use
  
  • storing it in a locked garage or locked yard, and activating any alarms, surveillance systems or other security measures available, or
  • where the Boat or Personal Watercraft is left unattended in the open air or stored on its trailer either permanently or temporarily, securing the Boat and/or Trailer to a fixed object using a combination of chains and locks, or applying a wheel locking device on the Trailer and securing the Boat using a combination of locks and chains to the Trailer
  
  
• always locking the Boat cabins or compartments when unattended
• not leaving keys in the ignition or near the Boat, Personal Watercraft or Tender
• when unattended, storing any valuable movable items such as Personal Effects, Tools, Fishing Gear, Water Ski Equipment, Diving Equipment or mobile electronic devices in a securely locked compartment of the Boat when the Boat itself is not within a locked garage or building.

The key words are "including but not limited to." It does seem to imply, however, that multiple methods should be used where practicable. It does not exclude coupling locks.

My 2c worth

Regards
Twosheds