A guide to preventing personal watercraft trailer theft in Canada

Each year, thousands of boat trailers are stolen across Canada, leaving owners frustrated, financially burdened, and often without recourse. Whether you're storing your personal watercraft (PWC) trailer at a marina, in your driveway, or at a seasonal property, trailer theft is a real and growing concern. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can use to protect your investment.

Why are personal watercraft trailers a target for thieves?

Boat trailers are often easier to steal than the vessels they carry. They’re mobile, lightweight and frequently left unattended in driveways, storage lots, or near docks. Thieves can hitch a trailer to their vehicle and drive off in minutes—especially if the trailer isn’t properly secured.

Several factors make trailers attractive to thieves:

• High resale value: Trailers can be sold quickly and easily, often without much scrutiny.
• Low traceability: Many trailers lack visible serial numbers or tracking devices.
• Ease of access: Trailers parked in open areas or poorly lit spaces are easy targets.
• Seasonal use: During off-season months, trailers are often stored and forgotten, making them vulnerable.

Top tips to prevent personal watercraft trailer theft

1. Use obstructions to your advantage

One of the simplest and most effective deterrents is strategic parking. If there’s a tree, wall, fence, or other obstacle near your dock or driveway, park the trailer as close to it as possible. This limits maneuverability and makes it harder for thieves to access the hitch or reposition the trailer.

Bonus tip: Angle the trailer so that backing up to it is difficult or impossible without repositioning.

2. Lock the coupler to your tow vehicle

A coupler lock secures the trailer to the tow vehicle's hitch, preventing unauthorized detachment. This is especially useful when thieves attempt to chain an unhitched trailer to their own vehicle and tow it away.

By keeping the trailer attached to your vehicle and locking the coupler, you create a two-part security system. Thieves are unlikely to steal both the trailer and the vehicle, making this a strong deterrent.

Recommended products:

• Heavy-duty coupler locks made of hardened steel.
• Locks with tamper-proof designs and weather-resistant coatings.

3. Remove a wheel

Removing one of the trailer’s wheels is a highly effective way to immobilize it. Without a wheel, the trailer cannot be towed, and even if a thief attempts to replace it, the absence of a spare tire makes it more difficult.

Additional benefits:

• Prevents flat spots on tires during long-term storage by ensuring the trailer rests on fewer wheels, which reduces the risk of uneven tire wear.
• Discourages casual theft attempts since a missing wheel makes it much more difficult and time-consuming for a thief to move or tow the trailer.

Important: Store the removed wheel and spare tire in a secure location away from the trailer.

4. Run a chain and padlock through the wheel vents

This method involves threading a heavy-duty chain through the wheel vents and around the trailer frame, then securing it with a high-quality padlock. This setup prevents the wheels from rotating, making towing nearly impossible.

Specifications to look for:

• Chains with wire links at least ½ inch in diameter.
• Padlocks with hardened steel shackles and anti-pick features.

Installation tip: Ensure the chain is tight and positioned to prevent movement. Loose chains can be manipulated or cut more easily.

5. Use a wheel boot

A wheel boot, similar to those used by parking enforcement agencies, clamps onto the trailer wheel and prevents it from rotating. This is one of the most visible and effective deterrents.

Best practices:

• Choose a boot that covers the wheel lugs to prevent wheel removal.
• Use brightly coloured boots to signal that the trailer is protected.
• Combine with other security measures for layered protection.

6. Install a GPS tracking device

Modern GPS tracking devices are compact, affordable and easy to install. If your trailer is stolen, a GPS tracker can help law enforcement locate and recover it quickly.

Features to look for:

• Real-time location tracking.
• Geofencing alerts (notifying you if the trailer moves outside a designated area).
• Long battery life or hardwired power options.

7. Use a trailer hitch lock

A trailer hitch lock prevents unauthorized vehicles from connecting to your trailer. These locks fit over the coupler and block access to the hitch ball.

Types of hitch locks:

• Ball-style locks.
• Collar-style locks.
• Universal coupler locks.

Installation tip: Always double-check that the lock fits snugly and cannot be easily removed or tampered with.

8. Store your trailer in a secure location

Whenever possible, store your trailer in a locked garage, gated storage facility, or well-lit area with surveillance cameras. If you must store it outdoors:

• Use motion-activated lights.
• Install security cameras.
• Park in a way that limits access.
• If you live in a neighbourhood with other boat owners, consider forming a watch group or sharing security resources.

9. Mark your trailer

Marking your trailer with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or custom engraving can help deter theft and aid in recovery. Thieves are less likely to steal a trailer that’s easily identifiable.

Ideas for marking:

• Engrave your driver’s licence number or phone number.
• Use tamper-proof decals or etching kits.
• Register your trailer with a national database.

10. Don’t rely on one method alone

The most effective theft prevention strategy is layered security. Combining multiple methods, such as a wheel boot, GPS tracker, and coupler lock, creates multiple barriers that discourage even determined thieves.

Think of it like home security: the more layers you add, the harder it is for someone to break in.

What to do if your trailer is stolen?

1. Report the theft to local police immediately.
2. Provide documentation: VIN, photos, bill of sale and insurance details.
3. Contact your insurance provider to file a claim.
4. Check local classifieds and online marketplaces—thieves often try to sell stolen trailers quickly.

Having proper documentation and insurance coverage can make a huge difference in recovering your trailer or receiving compensation.

Choose Orbit Insurance Services for the best personal watercraft insurance

At Orbit, we understand that your personal watercraft and trailer are more than just recreational assets; they’re part of your lifestyle. That’s why we offer comprehensive marine insurance solutions tailored to your needs.

Our coverage options include:

• Theft protection for both your PWC and trailer.
• Liability coverage for on-water incidents.
• Emergency towing and assistance.
• Coverage for personal effects like gear, electronics, and accessories.

We also offer flexible deductibles and competitive premiums to help you balance protection with affordability.

Stay vigilant, stay protected

Trailer theft is a growing issue across Canada, but with the proper precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk. From physical deterrents like wheel boots and hitch locks to tech solutions like GPS trackers, there are many ways to safeguard your personal watercraft trailer.

Insurance is your safety net. Even with the best security measures, theft can still happen. That’s why Orbit marine insurance is here to help you recover quickly and get back on the water.

Ready to protect your trailer and watercraft?

Contact an Orbit marine insurance expert today for a free, personalized quote. We’ll help you choose the best coverage for your lifestyle, budget and peace of mind.

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