How GPS Tracking Can Prevent Boat Theft

Imagine arriving at the dock one morning and discovering your boat is gone if you’re a boat owner. It’s your worst nightmare, but unfortunately, this scenario is not just the stuff of bad dreams. In the real world, boats are an attractive target for thieves, thanks to their high value and accessibility. Regardless of whether your boat is on a trailer or it’s docked, there’s only so much you can do to secure it. However, many owners fail to take advantage of a powerful tool to prevent boat theft — GPS tracking.

Over the past few years, GPS tracking for boats has emerged as one of the most effective tools in preventing theft. Not only can the right GPS tracking device stop a boat thief in their tracks, this technology can aid in the recovery of stolen vessels. In addition, GPS is a cost-effective solution that any boat owner can deploy.

What Kind of Boats Get Stolen?

You may think there is a relatively low risk of someone stealing your vessel. But in reality, nearly all types of watercraft can be targets for thieves. The range of boats stolen each year is pretty wide. It includes:

Fishing Boats

Today's most basic fishing boats are often equipped with high-end technology and powered by valuable components, such as sonar systems. Their sturdy construction and long lifespan make them an attractive target for thieves.

Jet Skis & WaveRunners

Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and similar personal watercraft are powerful yet compact and easy to transport. WaveRunners can cost more than $30,000, representing a high-value target for theft rings. Meanwhile, some thieves aren’t interested in financial gain and simply take them for a joyride.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are easily transported on trailers, a plus for their owners and thieves. Their outboard motors tend to have a high resale value, and their electronic systems can be stripped for precious metals. Year after year, pontoon boats are among the best-selling recreational watercraft, which translates to easy sales on the black market.

Speedboats

Speedboats combine sleek design with high performance, making them desirable to certain criminal elements. The powerful engines and high-end electronics typically found in speedboats can be stripped for valuable parts, yet another reason they’re a favorite of boat thieves.

Yachts

Luxury crafts like yachts have high-end electronics and can be furnished with valuable furniture and artwork. While a yacht’s size and weight make it more difficult to steal, sophisticated thieves still manage to pull it off.

GPS Tracking in Boat Theft Prevention

Essentially, any type of boat or personal watercraft will eventually catch a thief’s eye. Each has its own pluses and minuses in the underground world of stolen goods, but they all share a common thread — the relative ease of taking them and their potential value on the black market. However, the role of GPS tracking in boat theft prevention can’t be underestimated.
GPS can act as a deterrent to boat theft. Knowing that a boat’s owner can monitor its location in real-time will make thieves think twice. Today's best GPS systems work with software to provide extra features, like geofencing (the ability to define a virtual boundary). The software can alert the owner when the boat moves outside a geofenced location, or GPS detects other unauthorized movements.

The Benefits of GPS for Boat Theft Protection

GPS offers several benefits for boat theft protection, including:

1. Real-time location tracking: With GPS, you can monitor your boat’s position around the clock.
2. Geofencing: You can define virtual boundaries, such as your boat’s normal docking location or a storage facility. If the boat moves outside the geofence, you’ll receive immediate alerts.
3. Tamper alerts: Advanced GPS systems now come with tamper protection. The system sends an alert if someone attempts to disconnect the GPS tracker or block its signal.
4. Historical tracking: By reviewing your boat’s past movements, you can identify potential anomalies that might indicate upcoming theft. Historical tracking can also be helpful in insurance claims, as it helps establish your normal usage patterns.

How GPS Tracking Can Help Recover Stolen Boats

While GPS can be a theft deterrent, criminals steal watercraft all the time. If your boat is stolen, GPS can provide law enforcement with accurate and up-to-the-minute tracking data, boosting the odds of a successful recovery.
If your boat is stolen and the GPS is configured correctly, you'll receive an alert. You should then immediately notify the authorities and provide the GPS tracking data. With this information, law enforcement can track the boat’s movements and strategically deploy resources to recover it.
Depending on the watercraft involved and the GPS’s capabilities, you might even be able to immobilize a boat’s engine. Combined with other features like tamper alerts, GPS tracking aids in recovery efforts like no other technology available today.

How to Choose The Best GPS Tracker for Your Boat

A GPS tracker’s feature set is a very important consideration. There are many different models with various capabilities available on the market. If you’re looking to protect a boat from theft, prioritize these traits and capabilities:

System Durability

Marine environments are notoriously harsh on electronics. Therefore, selecting a GPS tracker built to withstand exposure to water, salt, and a wide range of temperature conditions is critical. Fortunately, many trackers are built to withstand tough conditions, so look for a ruggedly constructed model.

Waterproof Capabilities

While a waterproof GPS tracker is not a hard and fast requirement, depending on what type of craft you have, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A waterproof GPS device ensures reliability when you most need its tracking capabilities. Look for devices with water resistance ratings, preferably IP67 or higher.

Battery Life (or Wired Capabilities)

A longer battery life, one that goes longer between charging cycles, is critical for tracking in case of theft. Many devices today have large-capacity batteries or power-saving features like a sleep mode. Alternatively, consider a tracker that can connect directly to the boat’s electrical system. A hardwired connection reduces worries about battery power, ensuring tracking when needed.

Remote Area Tracking and Coverage Area

Some watercraft travel far from land, placing them farther away from cellular towers. Many GPS trackers are dependent on cellular signals to transmit locations to apps or websites. To ensure better coverage in remote areas, look for a GPS tracker that offers reliable coverage through multiple cellular networks or satellite technology.

Mobile App Integration and Real-Time Alerts

Nearly all GPS tracking software today has a web interface, which makes it easy to check on your tracked property from any device with internet access. However, a mobile app is even better since it can send you immediate alerts to your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the easy-to-use interface of most mobile apps makes it simple to set up geofences and other key features.

Don’t Forget Other Boat Security Best Practices

GPS provides strong protection, but that doesn’t mean you can slack on standard boat security best practices. Install and hide an additional GPS tracker on your boat trailer. Use high-quality locks to secure your watercraft, trailer, and storage area. Install an alarm system for further deterrence and additional alerts. Secure your dock or storage location with adequate lighting and surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, boat covers protect your vessel and its electronics while making theft more challenging.

Ensure Your Boat’s Safety With GPS Tracking

A boat is more than a significant investment. It becomes essential to your leisure time or livelihood, making theft a devastating experience. You want to do everything you can to ensure your boat’s safety. GPS tracking technology provides a level of security never available before. You owe it to yourself to find the best GPS-tracking solution for your watercraft.

LandAirSea specializes in GPS tracking technologies for all scenarios. Our proven products help protect your boat against theft, and aid in quick recovery when it does happen. To find the right GPS tracking solution to prevent boat theft, reach out to LandAirSea for expert advice.