How to lock cabin hatch.

[mpmurray527]

My Venture 17 has no locking mechanism. I'll be docking overnight while I tent camp and would like to have some security.

Can anyone describe or provide photos of how you secure your hatch!?

Thanks a lot,
Michael

[Russ]

You can start here
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 10&t=19573

[Catigale]

That was an epically great thread ......

[THE CUSCUS]

Ah yes, it was. I wonder what became of Gary?

[Ixneigh]

He locked himself in his boat

[Tomfoolery]

Ah yes, it was. I wonder what became of Gary?

He signed on in 2011, and disappeared about a year later, after he bought a larger trailerable boat. Clipper Marine 32 ketch. Remember that he had a single-screw tractor for pulling a boat trailer, so he could easily haul something much heavier than a Mac.

If memory serves. Something like that.

[Russ]

He locked himself in his boat

[Québec 1]

You can start here
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... 10&t=19573

I just read the 11 pages and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[NiceAft]

My Venture 17 has no locking mechanism. I'll be docking overnight while I tent camp and would like to have some security.

Can anyone describe or provide photos of how you secure your hatch!?

Thanks a lot,
Michael

Read all eleven pages of the farce, and then use the hasp.

Rat

[seahouse]

If you do install a hasp install it with the hinged part down (not as shown in the picture in the previous post). That way the screws will be covered when it is closed and locked, (I mentioned this in the old thread, but I think I didn't explain it well then), adding a (small) additional level of security, and improving appearance a bit too.

I installed a black rubber flap over mine to keep it out of the weather, and it keeps the whole assembly out of sight, this is the only photo I could find, the flap is simply held in place by the hardware, underneath the mounting screws. I had some quality rubber on hand to use, but a section of old inner tube would do well too. I might consider opting for white next time for improved aesthetics.



- B.

[NiceAft]

Here we go again

Michael,

If somebody wants in; hinge up or down, covered, not covered, they will get in, it' only surrounded by fiberglass. Berber Boy had an engine stolen off of his boat. Does one think those people couldn't overcome some rinkydink hasp.

The hasp just prevents the hatch from sliding when trailering, and little else. Whatever peace of mind you get by kidding yourself that up or down really makes a difference, DO Let's not get sucked into a p*ssing contest of right and wrong ways. The only wrong way is not installing something.



Ray

[kurz]

When I replaced the hatch by a wooden one. I put on the back 2 nuts. So you cannot simply open the scews outside.

So it does not make it stronger but it takes people out that will enter just by chance...

People that want to come in and arrive with tools... Easy job anyway...

[Jimmyt]

Or, as we say down south, "locks just keep the honest people out"...

Right you are Kurz!

[Ixneigh]

I put locknuts on my exposed screws so they can't be unscrewed from the outside.
If you place the long part on the sliding hatch it will dangle down and stab your head when you are inside unless you tie it up or always slide the hatch all the way back.
A hacksaw can easily cut the stainless eye that the lock goes through.
The lock and hasp are only meant to keep out kids and opportunistic lifters while tied up for fuel or lunch and not to defeat out of work ex roofer Methheads who need cash for drugs.
When I paddle board or swim I lock the boat to keep passing holiday makers from lifting a fishing rod or something also.
There is no way to theft proof any boat. But you can dissuade them.
My favs
While cruising never wash anything. Including yourself.
Ask for money to buy gas at the fuel dock.
Smear your hands with axel grease and leave fingerprints all over the engine.
Remove all decals from said engine and spray paint it camo.
Have yappy dogs you can leave in the boat.
Have a notice that claims the dogs are infected with HIV Ebola and Zika virus.
Scatter doggy "land mines" of which they produce plenty of, on deck surfaces to dissuade boarders.
Brag dockside about how you don't need any electronics since your phone does everything now.

Ix

[Baha]

Tacks...don't forget the tacks...

Here in the UK you can buy a replacement cover for your outboard from the police. It works great as the outboard cannot be sold without a cover...