6,302 (Ave.) Boat Thefts Per Year Nationwide


Among the 19,854 watercraft thefts in the last three years, July is the favorite month, Florida is the leading state in
this crime category, and Yamaha PWCs appear to be the target of choice, according
to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The NICB says that the most expensive
theft they recorded was $600,000 but the average theft represented about a $15,000
loss. PWC was the clear favorites of thieves, followed by kayaks, jon boats, canoes
and pontoon boats.


 Boat Thefts
This bar chart of thefts pretty much follows
the ebb and flow of boat usage around the calendar.



 Boat Thefts
Boat registrations are highest in Florida,
but it also has the longest boating season, which we reckon accounts for the disproportion
number of crimes there.

 


 Boat Thefts
If you thought large, expensive boats were
the prime targets, you got it wrong.

 


 Boat Thefts
Yamaha PWCs are now the most popular watercraft
for heist, overtaking Sea-Doo (BRP USA) the last couple of years.

Although watercraft theft is mostly a seasonal crime, many states have year round
seasons and owners need to practice safe and smart boating which includes personal
safety while on the water as well as theft prevention. NICB recommends the following
tips to help protect your watercraft from theft:



• When you dock it, lock it and secure it to the dock with a steel cable


• Remove expensive equipment when not in use


• Chain and lock detachable motors to the boat


• Do not leave title or registration papers in the craft


• Disable the craft by shutting fuel lines or removing batteries


• Use a trailer hitch lock after parking a boat on its trailer


• Install a kill switch in the ignition system

 


 Joker
To you he might look like just a regular bank
robber, but for all we know he could hanker for a PWC or jon boat.