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Protecting your kit: outboards, kayaks, keys and tools

Checked against its sources on 20 Oct 2026.

Whole boats are rarely stolen. Theft from boats is more common, especially in cities and poorly lit areas. Thieves go for outboards, electronics and GPS kit, tools, cash, solar panels, batteries, generators, ropes and gas bottles.

Most of the work to protect kit happens before anything goes missing.

Record it

Police crime-prevention advice is to:

  • write down serial numbers, chassis and model numbers, and any custom marks
  • take colour photos of each item from several angles, and a video
  • photograph any unique marks or changes you have made
  • do this when you first get the item
  • keep copies both at home and on the boat

Keep your receipts too.

Police marine teams say they often struggle to prove who owns recovered property. An item with unique marks is more likely to be identified later.

Mark it

Mark outboards and electronics with a forensic marking or etching kit recognised by Secured by Design. That is the police-backed scheme for security products.

Lock it up and keep it out of sight

  • Lock cockpit lockers and keep spare ropes and fenders out of sight.
  • Lock hatches with a padlock approved by Secured by Design. A small approved safe can hold valuables.
  • Keep tools and electronics stored away when you leave the boat.
  • Never leave the boat key in the ignition, and keep it on a different keyring from the ignition key.

If you are inside the boat, do not padlock exterior doors or hatches. The Canal & River Trust says you need a way out in a fire.

Trackers

Police advice is to think about a tracking system, especially for outboards. A GPS tracker can alert you if something moves and may help recovery.

If you use an Apple AirTag, know two things:

  • An AirTag that has been away from its owner for a while makes a sound, and phones can alert people to an unknown tracker travelling with them. A thief may find it.
  • If you mark an AirTag as lost, anyone who finds it can hold an iPhone or an Android phone near it and may see a message about how to contact you.

No single measure is enough. Police advise using physical and technical precautions together.

Paddle craft need a licence

Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards need a licence on Canal & River Trust waters. A Paddle UK waterways licence covers Trust, Environment Agency and Broads Authority waters.

Keys

If you lose a Canal & River Trust key, you can buy a new one from the Trust’s online shop, some Trust offices, marinas and chandleries.

Insurance

Think about insurance that covers theft and vandalism.

If something is stolen

  • Call 999 if it is happening now or anyone is in danger.
  • Otherwise call 101 or report it online. Get a crime reference number.
  • Ask the police to pass the report to Project Kraken.
  • Tell your insurer. They will need the crime reference.
  • Tell the navigation authority.
  • Report every crime, even small ones. Police say reports help them target their resources.

Full steps are in what to do if your boat is stolen.

What The Boat Index does today

The Boat Index keeps records of boats, not kit. You can:

  • search for a boat and see its public record
  • check the stolen list of boats reported stolen
  • report something about a boat from its record page. Reports go to The Boat Index team, not the public.

It does not keep records of kit, and it does not offer touchpoints for kit.

Sources