Drotto Latch Theft Protection

[Shotgun]

I installed a Drotto Latch earlier this year. Have not had any issues with theft but also haven't had the trailer parked any where secluded when the boat is off the trailer. In this situation, it'd be very easy to just remove one bolt and walk away with the latch. I did install the lug nut lock recommended by the Drotto manufacture but in my opinion, it doesn't provide much security. I also drilled a hole through the mounting bolt and installed a padlock. Neither of these are great theft deterrents. I'm sure no matter what you do if they want it bad enough, they'll get it. However, I'd like to make it as difficult as possible. Anyone have any theft deterrent measures they've implemented they care to share? Thanks

[Huntindave]

Originally Posted by Shotgun

However, I'd like to make it as difficult as possible.

Weld? personally I'd think your padlock would be sufficient. I've had a Drotto on my trailer since 2009, it's still there for the taking. (no theft deterrent)

That said, I seen "repair items" ( fenders, taillights, tiedown strap assemblies) stolen from empty trailers. Hard to padlock everything.

[andersaki]

I put the same lock as you did on my Drotto. It'll keep an honest man honest. Beyond that, if a theif wants it, he'll probably get it. I try not to lose sleep over such things.

Mark

[REG]

I've had the same thoughts. I agree you can't thief-proof everything, so I am making sure that my old bow roller, bolt, and nut are in the boat just in case I come back to the Drotto missing..

I would hate to have it stolen, but I would really hate to be at the ramp with no way to secure the boat to get home.

[Hot Runr Guy]

^^^^^^^^ This!

If you make it too hard to take the Drotto, maybe they take the entire winch stand?

HRG

[Shotgun]

REG, I did the same thing you did, put the old parts in the boat.

HRG, that's a good point as my winch stand is bolted on also and having it stolen would be worse than the latch.

Thanks guys for the input.

[EasternWashingtonBoater]

I've thought about exactly this, how safe is my Drotto? Especially with the big handle waving its arm in the air: "LOOK!"

That's a good idea, lock on the bolt. Another way is to get a longer bolt than needed then strip the end threads so the nut can't be turned. You'd have to saw it off yourself to remove the Drotto later, and have a new bolt ready to go ...

I think I'll start carrying the old parts in the truck.

[Timmer92]

Originally Posted by andersaki

I put the same lock as you did on my Drotto. It'll keep an honest man honest. Beyond that, if a theif wants it, he'll probably get it. I try not to lose sleep over such things.

Mark

Is the lug nut lock something provided by Drotto, or is that just a general item available in the market like wheel lug nuts?

[andersaki]

I did a quick Google search and found that if you buy a new Drotto, they (Boat2trailer.com)will throw in the lock for free, internet purchases only over $279. Otherwise it's $14.99.

Mark

[Pooch]

Originally Posted by Hot Runr Guy

^^^^^^^^ This!

If you make it too hard to take the Drotto, maybe they take the entire winch stand?

HRG

Red Loctite on the threads would slow them down. I've hammered or damaged threads above the nut to prevent anyone removing something that I don't want removed. Though a Sawzall would negate that.

Pooch