Around the world there are liveaboard cruisers asking themselves what systems and products they can use to keep their yacht, dinghy and selves secure. In this article we're going to look at some of the items out on the market that you can use to upgrade your sailboat security and keep your crew safe, including high tech security systems, boat intruder alarms, motion sensors and security cameras.
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Chaguaramas Anchorage in Trinidad is near marinas, shipyards, customs & immigration and the coast guard. There were 1x armed intruder, 6x tender or outboard thefts, and 1x valuables theft reported to CSSN in 2023.
Sailboat Security Systems
For many, their yacht security system is comprised of different components and solutions that work together to keep the boat safe. There are some companies that offer systems that incorporate a few different devices such as sirens, cameras and lights.
Something important to look for in a boat security system is how they are wired in. The last thing you want is for the whole system to be rendered useless if the power connection is cut to one component.
These are some of the companies offering boat security system packages.
Some offer pre-set packages while others allow you to customise the design to create your own marine security system.
Security Camera's
Nowadays it's not too hard to get a cheap, reliable security camera that you can use to monitor your boat. Many have motion and audio sensors that can send alerts to your device if a person is detected, giving you the ability see what's happening on deck when you're not there, or without leaving the safety of the saloon.
Most security cameras require an internet connection to gain access to the full range of functions, but for many boaters that's no longer an issue with the introduction of Starlink. Depending on the camera you can also store recordings offline by inserting an SD card.
In the context of marine security, custom activity zones is an invaluable feature to have (in my opinion anyway!). It allows you to adjust the security camera's "activity area" so that waves are outside the motion detection zone, meaning they won't set it off.
Wired Security Cameras
Generally the cheapest option, wired security cameras need to be plugged into a socket or USB port. There are interior and exterior cameras on the market and a range of different mounting types. Here are three wired security camera options that are designed for outdoor use.
Kasa Wired Outdoor Security Camera | Retails for around $40
The Kasa Outdoor Security Camera has a built in siren, 2-way talk, spotlight and is IP65 rated. It has adjustable settings including person and motion detection alerts, customised activity zones and night vision. The camera records in up to 2K.
REOLINK Wired Outdoor Security Camera | Retails for around $55
Easily installed, this REOLINK security camera supports continuous recording to a micro SD card or server. It has night vision, human detection and is rated IP67. The camera is compatible with Google Assistant and records in up to 2K.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Plug-In Version) | Retails for around $170
This plug in Ring camera features customisable motion zones, night vision, and 2-way communication. It has two LED's and a siren. Like other Ring cameras, it can be managed through the Ring app and be part of a Ring Protect Plan.
Wireless Security Cameras
The advantage of wireless boat security cameras is you don't need to worry about running power, you just need to remember to keep it charged. Here's two well rated options available online.
GMK Wireless Security Camera | Retails for around $45
The GMK security camera comes with a rechargeable battery and supports SD and cloud storage. It is rated IP65 and has 2-way audio, a built in light and a motion sensor. It's affordable but doesn't have customised motion zones.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery Version) | Retails for around $170
The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Battery comes with two way talk, night vision and customised motion zones. Either side of the camera there are LED spotlights and it has a built in siren. Recharging is done with a quick release battery pack.
Door Cameras
Depending on the type of door you have on your yacht, a ring camera can be useful. We know people who have installed them on their catamaran doors and been happy with the added security, although we'd personally just get security cameras. Here's two wireless door cameras that may be of interest.
Blink Video Doorbell | Retails for around $60
The Blink doorbell has HD video and motion alerts which go straight to the app. It can be wired or wireless, with the unit being powered by two AA batteries. Videos can be backed up to the Cloud with a Bling Subscription or to a Sync Module 2 with USB.
Ring Video Doorbell | Retails for around $100
Another camera in the Ring range, this doorbell records in 1080p. It has 2-way talk, motion detection with mobile alerts and night vision. The unit is powered by a rechargeable battery and the video feed can be monitored through the Ring App.
Boat Alarm Systems
You can install an alarm system that notifies you when someone comes onto the boat using various methods including sirens, lights and mobile phone alerts. What triggers the alarm can vary, but it's usually a touch or motion sensor.
Door, Hatch and Window Alarms
You can install alarms that are triggered by the movement of a door, hatch or window opening. This type of alarm usually works with a magnetic sensor that sets off a siren when the magnets disconnect. One of the advantages is it can be really easy to install these alarms, with some just needing a bit of double sided tape. You can buy them from a range of places including hardware stores and chandleries like West Marine. These are two of the better rated options on Amazon.
Noopel Window Alarm (2 pack) | Retails for around $14
A simple device, this window alarm can be installed with double sided tape. It has a 120db siren which is about as loud a jet plane. On the side there's an on/off switch so it doesn't need to be active all the time.
Ring Alarm Contact Sensor | Retails for around $40
If you're using the Ring security system on your boat there's also an indoor contact sensor that can be paired with a Ring Protect subscription to send alerts to your phone. It needs the Ring Alarm Base Station to emit a siren; if you want it the 5-piece kit might be more cost effective.
Motion Sensor Alarms
If you want to get alerts when someone walks around the boat you can get motion activated alarm systems. Some of the very simple systems just have a sensor you can put outside and a speaker you put inside, while others have Wi-Fi connectivity options that send alerts to your phone.
This type of alarm system is readily available at most hardware stores, as well as online from retailers like Amazon.
FREETIM Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm | Retails for around $24
A very simple style of motion detection alarm, this one has a sensor you mount outside and a receiver that plugs into a wall socket inside. The idea is to have it set to a tone and volume that alerts you to the fact that someone is outside.
KERUI Motion Sensor Alarm| Retails for around $30
A more inclusive kit, this alarm comes with a few door sensors and remote controls, as well as the PIR motion detector and alarm. When triggered the siren blares at 115 dB, which is about as loud as a rock concert.
Ring Alarm Motion Detector | Retails for around $30
The Ring Alarm Motion Detector can be mounted on flat walls or corners and runs on AA batteries. You need Ring Bridge, Ring Alarm Pro, Echo (4th Gen) or Echo Show 10 for it to alert you, but if you're already using Ring products it's useful to know about.
Motion Activated Lights
It seems like a such a simple thing, but a well angled motion sensor light could be enough to deter someone from going any further into the yacht. It can also be handy if you're coming back to the boat at night and need to unlock to go inside.
Here's a couple of the battery powered units that are available to buy online to give you an idea of what's on the market.
LEPOWER Battery Motion Sensor Light | Retails for around $40
This is one of the bigger and brighter battery powered units available on Amazon, shining at 1500 LM. It features 3 floodlight, is rated to IP65 and you can adjust the motion detection distance and angle of the lights and sensor.
Ring Smart Lighting Battery Spotlight | Retails for around $40
This 400 LM Ring spotlight is compatible with the rest of the Ring system, so is worth considering if you already have Ring Bridge. It's powered by D-cell batteries which should last about a year with normal use.
Locks
Living out on a boat you can start to get a false sense of security that leads many to forget to lock their doors and hatches. Personally we always lock ours, just like we did back when we were living in a house in the city. But not all boat have locks or adequate locks, and there's also your dinghy security to consider.
Retrofit hatch locks
Depending on the type of deck hatches and latches you have, they may not be lockable. Some brands have created locking systems that you can retrofit into their hatches, while others have lockable versions.
Lewmar has a hatch lock and key kit which can be retrofitted into any of their hatches.
Southco compression latches and push to close latches can often be direct swapped for a keyed version allowing you to secure the locker.
Retrofit door locks
Most saloon and companion way doors have keyed locks or deadbolts. But, on the interior many cabin doors aren't lockable and those that are tend to be push button locks that can easily be released from the outside.
Depending on your needs, you may want to retrofit locks or door handles that are keyed from the inside, turning you cabin almost into a panic room. Alternatively it could be keyed from the outside so that it's harder to get into the room in the event of a break in.
Dinghy locks and chain
Looking at the Caribbean Security and Safety Network, one of the most common thefts I see is unlocked tenders or tenders with inadequate wire ropes being stolen during the night. As a result, I would advise lifting your dinghy or locking it up using a thick stainless steel chain. The reason I suggest chain despite the weight, is because a thick chain is generally much harder for would be thieves to cut through than a wire rope lock.
For the padlock, stainless steel is obviously better due to its resistance to salt water.
Remote Boat Monitoring Systems
If you're not on the boat and want to monitor the vessel against threats like yacht theft, you could utilise a remote boat monitoring system. Among other features, these systems send you an alert if your vessel moves position.
Some companies also offer optional extras that can be used to build a complete boat security system, with add-ons like door contact sensors, sirens, PIR sensors, security cameras and bilge pump alarms.
Here are some of the remote boat monitoring systems on the market.
Many of these monitoring systems are subscription based so there is an ongoing cost to using them.
Dogs
One of the potential benefits to having a dog aboard is they can act as a guard dog. A dog barking can alert the owner of an approaching boat and can be a deterrent to would be assailants, as they no longer have the element of surprise. They also don't know if the dog will attack or not, which could put your vessel in the too hard category.
To learn more about having a dog aboard, check out our FAQ for sailing with dogs.
Self Defense
There are few topics more controversial in sailing than self defense. For many, the primary goal is to be able to successfully use the self defense items as a deterrent, rather than having to physically use them on someone.
Here's some of the suggestions other cruisers have shared.
Pepper spray
Bear spray
Flares
Paintball guns
Fake firearms (to bluff from a distance)
Speargun
Boat hook
Machete or knives
Petrol
A question I've seen more than once is can you sail around the world with a gun? The answer is yes, but it does add a layer of complication to checking in and out of countries, and many do not allow you to keep it aboard while in their waters.
Conclusion
Taking boat security seriously is a prudent choice and something you're unlikely to regret. While many sail around the world for years without incident, you still want to make sure you're in the best position to keep your yacht and crew safe in the event that someone makes your boat their target.
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