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12/19/2025
Prevention
Outboard Motor Thefts Are Rising – Here’s How to Stay Protected
The theft of outboard motors remains a lucrative business – especially in times when importers and dealers are experiencing supply bottlenecks. It is not uncommon for half a jetty to be affected. We show you how you can secure your outboard motor in accordance with the conditions.
The theft of outboard motors is currently a serious problem in Switzerland. While around 60 motors were stolen nationwide in both 2022 and 2023, the number rose to just under 120 last year – almost twice as many. Over 100 cases have already been reported this year.
One thing is clear: when professionals are at work, hardly any lock can provide complete protection. However, time remains a critical factor: the longer thieves have to work on the boat, the less attractive the theft becomes.
These locks secure outboard motors against theft
To ensure insurance coverage, a U-lock is usually sufficient for smaller outboard motors (up to 45 hp) that are attached to the transom with toggle bolts. However, the plastic or aluminium wings of these bolts – like a simple U-lock – can be broken open relatively easily with bolt cutters or similar tools.
To make theft more difficult, the motor should therefore be secured with a cap lock. This is made of high-strength stainless steel and encloses the entire wing nut. An alternative option is a rail lock that covers both toggle bolts. Breaking such locks requires heavy-duty burglary tools and significantly more time.
Conclusion
There are various types of locks. For outboard motors up to 40 hp, U-locks or rail locks are sufficient to ensure insurance coverage. For larger motors, nutlock locks or permanently attached locks are recommended.
Even though the Swiss police have only recently begun systematically recording the figures, the phenomenon of outboard motor theft remains a topical issue. While around 60 motors were stolen nationwide in both 2022 and 2023, there were already over 100 cases in 2024. The pandemic has made it more difficult to sell stolen goods at times, but it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue.
