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It's been one month since I've been inside my boat to get it surveyed. we have had a lot of rain in that time ( to make up for the summer drought), yesterday the padlock denied me entrance to my own boat.
Is there any good water proof locks out there. that aren't a arm and a leg?

Not sure there is a waterproof padlock available, at least not affordable. Recommend you spray whatever lock you use with an oil that will coat the mechanism. Should work fine then. I personally use BoeShield - has oils and waxes and is meant to protect metal and electronics from the weather.

To keep rust from forming from rain into padlock, I just force padlock upside down by using the centerboard (or daggerboard) line across padlock after locking it and then wrap line around winch one time and put bitter end into cam cleat.

Or just replace them (what $10?) a couple of times each year.

opie wrote:To keep rust from forming from rain into padlock, I just force padlock upside down by using the centerboard (or daggerboard) line across padlock after locking it and then wrap line around winch one time and put bitter end into cam cleat.

I agree with squirting some lubricant (WD40) in there and let it sit. It will probably loosen up.

I've used the same cheapo brass lock for years. Never a problem. I have a few of them. Hatch, trailer, Jetski trailer. No problems in the weather.

My philosophy is to put a cheap easy to break lock on the hasp (hee hee). If someone wants in my boat, I want to make it easy for them. Please Mr. Thief, don't bust my hatch, just take some pliers to my cheap lock.

I have similar lock, no issues yet. With locks like the trailer hitch, WD40 as previously mentioned once or twice a year keeps it running free.

I really like the lock as well because no key is required. Too many times I went to the boat only to have forgotten the key to the lock. A simple word combo is easy to remember, plus easy to tell people who are cruising with me so they don't have to remember a sequence of numbers.

I keep a set of boat keys locked inside the boat so all I have to do is show up.

Last few times I’ve been into my Ford dealership I noticed they have pad locks, hitch locks that can be keyed to your truck /car key for most makes and models excluding (I assume) laser cut keys etc. You put your vehicle key in set lock voila, one key. They are a little pricey at close to $30 but very well made weather resistant etc. etc. I will try and get brand next time I am in there.

yukonbob wrote:Last few times I’ve been into my Ford dealership I noticed they have pad locks, hitch locks that can be keyed to your truck /car key for most makes and models excluding (I assume) laser cut keys etc. You put your vehicle key in set lock voila, one key. They are a little pricey at close to $30 but very well made weather resistant etc. etc. I will try and get brand next time I am in there.

I'm all about simplicity. Combo locks are the way to go. The lock like the one above can bet set. I set it to my phone number. Easy peezy.

Another place where thieves can steal your rig is the hitch. I bought one of these to lock the hitch ball in the receiver. Keep the key in the glove box.

Try anchorlas lock on ebay.
These are SS bail locks with brass? Bodies. It has a pretty unpick able tumbler.
I've left the original hasp (lol) on the boat incAse someone really wants in.
I've seen guys who can jimmy an average padlock in seconds. Not this one. It has a weird looking key that stands out on your key ring. Plus it's impossible to lock yourself out since the lock won't lock without the key nor will it release the key until it's locked.
Ix

While I'm sure there are weather-sealed ones on the market, "outdoor" padlocks that I've seen are just made with larger tolerances that still work even when wet.

My Dad bought a set of 8 of keyed-alike, laminated-type padlocks in the 1970's, and while the ones that have been outside on gates are rust coloured on the outside, several that I have around still work. A bit of oil keeps them working.

On the Mac I made a small (maybe 3"X 8"or so) flap that is mounted underneath the hasp mounting bolts and hangs out over top of the lock. I used buoyancy compensator material, but something cut out of a section of rubber inner tube would work and look right if the curve were cut to match its purpose. Not only does it keep most (not the "driven" rain, though) of the rain off the lock, but it also conceals the ugly hasp and lock, so it improves the aesthetics of the cockpit when it's locked up. I just looked and can't find any pic of it, sorry, but I think you get the idea.
-B.

well I bought a watertight lock 4 years ago. Works perfect til now.

the cheap ones at different places dont work for longer time!

Holy cow, a five pac of master padlocks cost like under twenty bucks at home depot . put a new one on every spring and toss the old one in the trash, problem solved...

Great minds think alike.

raycarlson wrote:Holy cow, a five pac of master padlocks cost like under twenty bucks at home depot . put a new one on every spring and toss the old one in the trash, problem solved...

RussMT wrote:Another place where thieves can steal your rig is the hitch. I bought one of these to lock the hitch ball in the receiver. Keep the key in the glove box.

This one especially requires periodic maintenance. When we took our old truck in for service and came out with a new one, the service dept had to cut off this lock so I could I could keep my hitch mount! Under the rubber cap, the key wouldn't even go into the lock!

I think it must depend on your environment. I've had that same lock on my camper for over 5 years now and it works and looks as good as new.