Sdowney's thread on the running gear theft gets me thinking of the upcoming season.

My 24' sailboat has always lived in a decently guarded municipal park. This is my first year as full owner and it will now be in a commercial marina. It's a nice operation, but I know there are hundreds of people with access to the yard, totally apart from anybody coming in by boat.

The 10 horse Merc outboard clamps to a bracket bolted through the transom. The former owner (a friend) used a heavy, hardened chain and a decent padlock to tie the motor to the bracket, but I'm wondering if I'm being too optimistic to think that would be enough.

The motor's heavy as hell to lift it on and off every time we go out.

I could buy a 3 hp that I could keep in the lazarette and reserve the 10 for longer trips when we'd really need it, but I think my wife would be offended by the cost.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike D.