Theft

[broke]

I have been suffering withdrawels for the last month or so until I found this site last week. Now I am happy again. Thanks to those responsible for getting this site up and running. Many thanks also to all the people that post such good info on Stripers fishing.
I signed into the old forum as Old Dollar but since I've spent all my money on fishing stuff I signed into this one as "broke".
Now to my question. I have a cabin and floating dock on a friends property on the lake. Am I foolish to think no one would pilfer a few goodies off my boat if I left it tied to the dock there during the week. Fishfinder & TM are worth a couple of grand alone. Cooler water temps are on the way and it'll be time soon to get back to fishing and it 'shore' would be nice not to have to launch that big ole boat every time I want to fish. Not to mention the 16 miles (gas) from the ramp and back each time.
I don't hear of much theivery around the lake these days but still leery of leaving my boat parked there with no one around. I see many hundreds of boats on lifts and tied up around the lake and most must stay there year round. Back in 1964 I left my boat in the water tied to a tree overnight and the new Merc. 55 HP motor was taken. There was no docks in those days but lots of trees.
Thanks again to all you.
Broke

[wishforfish]

As sure as I say don't worry about it you will be a victim but I left my boat there for almost 3 years at 3 different places with no trouble. I did make sure to take off the depth finder and stow it while make sure obvious "easy pickings" were not in plain view but I kept my cast net (cracker), landing net and at least 6 rods in my boat that could have been easily taken with no issues. It was on a lift at all times and pulled up so that you could not see down into the boat where most stuff was stashed. I know several people on the lake that have experienced theft but it seems to be rare and only happens when there is a very OBVIOUS opportunity.

[CorneliaGale]

You never know about people, I don't leave gear in plain sight, I never leave rods or tackle boxes on the boat. Also depends on the location in a busy place less chance some one will take something, out of the way place, quite cove more chance or at least I think so. Know what you mean about having to tow a boat and put it in and take it out each time now with the water down is a chore. May have to try and see what happens, hope it works out for you.

[2 oars & a trash can]

Not to be contrary, but my parents' boat was repeatedly hit (radio, TM) when they used to dock it at Sportsman's but since they moved it over here to our quiet cove everything has been fine. Seems like the marina was a happy picking ground, lots of targets in a small area.
I think it is just hit and miss, but I'd almost rather not try to get into the heads of people who think they deserve to profit off someone else's sweat and toil. Grab the light stuff and put it in the truck. Hide anything else you can.

[striperjohn]

Hey Broke, just and idea but it works for a friend of mine.
He has one of those motion sensor dock lights. (this is on Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee) Just below that he mounted one of those "simulated cameras" basically a plastic shell. He added a small led light run by a 9 volt battery, which lasts about 6 months. He actually witnessed a couple boats come up to his dock, the light snapped on and they moved on off. Just a thought, but it might keep a "potential" thief, honest.