After filling the tank the last time I was at the boat, I came back down this past week and motored into Oriental Town Harbour. The area was pretty busy due to the Inland Waterway (chandlery) store going out of business with everything 50% off, so I had to tie up at the fuel dock. When I came back, I started the engine and it ran for about 30 seconds but then cut off, not to restart. After checking the carb and seeing it bone dry, I checked the tank and lo and behold - GONE! The bilges were completely clean, so no leaks, so some jerk came and stole my fuel likely during the night while it was on the mooring. Go figure I had just enough fuel left to motor through a channel with a submerged bridge on one side, the channel going through a newer fixed bridge, then getting into the harbour where I had to maneuver through some tight spots with the other boats, and finally having no where to dock but the fuel dock, where I finally ran out of gas (thinking I had a full tank).
In spite of the theft (about $80 worth of fuel), I consider myself VERY lucky. The engine dying during any point of the short trip to the harbour would have posed significant risk to me, the boat, others, and other boats. I hope would-be-theives consider the fact that they are not only taking what's not theirs, but putting other's in real danger by doing so. Lesson learned - always check your fuel level before heading out. I don't have a guage, but a stick will have to do....
So, what are some ideas to deter the theft in the first place? Locking gas cap, siphon preventer? It seems I would also need to a lock on the lazarette to keep them from just coming aboard and releasing a hose clamp to gain access. Probably should have all that anyway, but always liked the slow, trustworthy nature of the Oriental community. What a pain. Jerks.
Please excuse my rant, and thanks in advance for any ideas.
In spite of the theft (about $80 worth of fuel), I consider myself VERY lucky. The engine dying during any point of the short trip to the harbour would have posed significant risk to me, the boat, others, and other boats. I hope would-be-theives consider the fact that they are not only taking what's not theirs, but putting other's in real danger by doing so. Lesson learned - always check your fuel level before heading out. I don't have a guage, but a stick will have to do....
So, what are some ideas to deter the theft in the first place? Locking gas cap, siphon preventer? It seems I would also need to a lock on the lazarette to keep them from just coming aboard and releasing a hose clamp to gain access. Probably should have all that anyway, but always liked the slow, trustworthy nature of the Oriental community. What a pain. Jerks.
Please excuse my rant, and thanks in advance for any ideas.