Theft proof mounting bolts

[SC53]

Has anyone used theft proof bolt when mounting their electronics bracket to a mount.

If so what type did you use?

I already have E-Locks locking the unit to the bracket but the bracket to mount bolts are susceptible to being easily removed.

 

[WIGuide]

BoatFX makes a whole bracket and everything with locks on it all...it's not cheap though.

https://boatefx.com/products/boatefx-bow-graph-mount?variant=43709969203443

[SC53]

Guide, that’s WAY out of my budget and not what I really need.

I have a Balz Out mount ( which is awesome) that’s secured by a 3/16” steel cable woven through the locking knobs.
My concern is the (4) bolts/ nuts used to secure the bracket to the mount.

 

[gim]

2 hours ago, WIGuide said:

BoatFX makes a whole bracket and everything with locks on it all...it's not cheap though.

https://boatefx.com/products/boatefx-bow-graph-mount?variant=43709969203443

Good lord that thing is expensive.

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Good lord that thing is expensive.

[Tackleholic]

Google "Theft Proof Bolts", you will find what you need.

[SC53]

39 minutes ago, Tackleholic said:

Google "Theft Proof Bolts", you will find what you need.

I have and found a bunch.  Just looking for some first hand experience before buying any. 

[WRB]

Never leave your sonar units on the boat when trailering or away from the boat. I always used quick disconnect RAM units and put the sonar away, easy and safe.

Tom

[MN Fisher]

^ RAM mount for the win...I may not have a top-of-the-line unit (Striker 7CV), but it gets pulled from the boat once it's on the trailer, and doesn't go back on until I'm prepping for launch.

[Jig Man]

Get non deductible replacement theft coverage on your boat and forget about it.

[J Francho]

It's about $20 to get the kit that has all the tamper proof bits, so I'm not sure what the point is. 

[gim]

9 hours ago, WRB said:

Never leave your sonar units on the boat when trailering or away from the boat.

What about if they're flush mounted?  Mine are bolted into the console and the bow from underneath and they both have covers while I trailer my boat.  I aint taking those things out every time I go to and from the lake.

[GaryH]

51 minutes ago, J Francho said:

It's about $20 to get the kit that has all the tamper proof bits, so I'm not sure what the point is. 

Exactly. Thief’s put way more time into figuring out how to steal than we do trying to prevent. It’s a shame but true.

[J Francho]

I'm not sure the intention of the kits was for thieves, but if I can buy them to install the fasteners, then someone certainly can buy them to remove them.  Tamper proof <> theft proof.

[Catt]

Google HI-LOK™️ Fasteners ?

[Siebert Outdoors]

On 6/28/2023 at 3:34 PM, WIGuide said:

BoatFX makes a whole bracket and everything with locks on it all...it's not cheap though.

https://boatefx.com/products/boatefx-bow-graph-mount?variant=43709969203443

This is the best I've found.  I've tried others and didnt like them.

[WIGuide]

On 6/30/2023 at 11:40 AM, Siebert Outdoors said:

This is the best I've found.  I've tried others and didnt like them.

That's a nice looking setup!

[SC53]

On 6/30/2023 at 12:40 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:

This is the best I've found.  I've tried others and didnt like them.

While this looks like a great, although expensive mount, the issue is still the same.

The bolts used to assemble appear to have “regular “ lock nuts on security torx bolts.

This is the weak link to all mounts, the nuts and bolts that are used to assemble the mount themselves.

On 6/30/2023 at 7:34 AM, J Francho said:

It's about $20 to get the kit that has all the tamper proof bits, so I'm not sure what the point is. 

The point is to eliminate the weak link in ALL mounts, that being the fasteners that are used to assemble it.

[Siebert Outdoors]

28 minutes ago, SC53 said:

While this looks like a great, although expensive mount, the issue is still the same.

The bolts used to assemble appear to have “regular “ lock nuts on security torx bolts.

This is the weak link to all mounts, the nuts and bolts that are used to assemble the mount themselves.

The point is to eliminate the weak link in ALL mounts, that being the fasteners that are used to assemble it.

 

Its locked on the bolts that hold it to the floor and there are locks under the graphs that hold the mounts to the frame.  Locks on the graph to the gimbal bracket too.

[SC53]

4 minutes ago, Siebert Outdoors said:

 

Its locked on the bolts that hold it to the floor and there are locks under the graphs that hold the mounts to the frame.  Locks on the graph to the gimbal bracket too.

Ahh, I see them now.  Thanks for the clarification.

[Bankc]

I'll see your theft proof bolts and raise you one battery powered grinder with a diamond cutoff wheel.  

[slonezp]

Don't even need a diamond cutoff wheel. A cheapo will do the trick.

[Bird]

Y'all don't understand the mind of a thief...... they will take what they want.

 

I park my boat at various lakes for days and never remove electronics.

Throw a cover on and make them work.

Never had anything stolen.

 

 

[gim]

Let's be honest.  Anyone with the right tools and will power could steal your graphs even if they were bolted or locked.  Locking them prevents the common thief and makes them think twice.  Or makes them go to the next guy's boat that has no locks.

 

You don't have to out run the bear.  Just out run the other guy.