Essential Tips to Prevent Kayak, Paddleboard, and Canoe Theft
- Andrew Rasmus
- Apr 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 29, 2025
Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe theft is a common problem. Many people don’t realize it is one of the fastest-growing crimes at campgrounds and parks. To reduce the likelihood of your boat being stolen, follow these simple steps. This guide will help you identify your boat if it is ever stolen too.
The goal is to make your boat easily identifiable while also making it a harder target for thieves. Nothing is foolproof, but thieves typically go for the easiest target.
Keep A Copy of Your HIN (Serial Number)
Keeping a copy of your serial number is essential. Take a photo of it and tag it so you can easily find it on your phone or in cloud storage. On a Hornbeck boat, you will find this number engraved on the right (starboard) side at the back (stern) of the boat, just under the gunwale. This number is known as the Hull Identification Number (HIN) in the boating world.
A HIN is similar to a car’s VIN number. It's a crucial tool used by law enforcement to trace stolen boats, by manufacturers for warranty purposes, and by insurance companies for claims. The HIN provides the Manufacturer (the first three characters), the Hull Serial Number from that manufacturer (characters four through eight), and the Date Of Certification and Model Year (the last four characters).
Make Your Boat or Board Easily Identifiable
Add a Vessel ID Sticker
A Vessel ID Sticker is a small orange sticker. It is waterproof and includes the owner’s name and contact information. This helps identify the owner if the boat is found empty. We recommend adding a second phone number, a backup along with the owner's number.
These stickers are very important because:
They Save Lives: If you ever get separated from your boat (in the water or on shore), the person who finds your kayak can use the sticker to share important information. This information helps others locate you faster and expedites your rescue if it’s needed.
They Prevent Unnecessary Searches: Authorities have to legally initiate a search and rescue effort for any boat reported as found empty. A Vessel ID sticker helps track down owners when the boat just slipped off, but the owners are fine. Unnecessary searches waste resources.
They Aid in Returning a Boat: It's wise to place a second Vessel ID Sticker in an inconspicuous spot within your boat. For example, under the seat works well in a Hornbeck. This provides another opportunity to identify your boat if it is stolen, beyond just the HIN.
Accessorize and Customize Your Boat
Add stickers, accessories, mounts, and extra deck riggings. Use D-rings or other options to make your boat look different from others of the same model and color.
Label Your Gear
Always label your gear. Write your name on every item, so others can contact you to return it if found. This practice also may deter thieves. Use a permanent marker or paint pen to add your name and phone number. Check occasionally to make sure it’s still readable.
Label all items such as your PFD, paddles, hats, water bottles, dry bags, tie-down straps, splash jackets, paddling gloves, and more. This helps avoid confusion when many people on a trip have identical gear like dry bags.
Keep an Updated Photo
Take a good photo of your boat. Tag it so you can easily find it, and store that photo on your phone or in cloud storage for quick access.
Update the photo after adding stickers or accessories to always have a current recognizable version of your kayak or canoe.
Use a Locking Cable or Strap
Using a locking kayak cable or heavy chain can help. It makes a noise and makes it more difficult for thieves to steal. The goal is to make taking your boat as hard as possible. This way, thieves will likely move on to easier targets.
If storing outside, keep your boat hidden, covered, and secured with a sturdy cable lock. Don’t store paddles or gear with the boat. A thief might take them too or use them for a getaway.
Remove any removable items such as hatch covers, foot braces, and seats. Store these items inside, away from the boat. This approach makes your boat less appealing and more difficult to sell.
Insure Your Boat
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover watercraft and accessories valued under $1,500 and under 26 feet. To verify your boat is covered, list it on your home inventory. Discuss coverage options with your insurance agent.
If your boat costs more than $1,500, your insurer usually requires a rider for supplemental coverage. Itemize your boat on a supplemental policy, and pay a small additional premium for coverage.
A Warning Story
Beware of thieves posing as potential buyers. A thief might contact someone advertising a boat for sale, then makes arrangements to see the boat. That boat can disappear overnight.
If you are selling a boat, always get a phone number and call the prospect back before revealing its location. This precaution is crucial, especially if the storage location makes it easy to steal.
If Your Kayak is Stolen
Report a stolen kayak to the police immediately upon discovering it is missing. The police may have the thief and your boat together but won’t be able to arrest them for possession without a formal report.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of kayak, paddleboard, and canoe theft. Stay vigilant and take action to protect your valuable watercraft.
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