Basscat Stolen

[RickM]

Last night my 2005 Basscat Pantera Classic was stolen from my house in Woodland. It was recovered in South Sacramento this morning. Items stolen included both Lowarance electronics (x125 and 332C) Motorguide 82 and all controls and gauges for Mercury 200 HP Optimax. Serial number on the Optimax is 1B190640.

I had two locks they cut, they were very specific about what they stole. It was parked in my driveway, stolen between midnight and 5:00 Am. Just a warning!

Rick Martinez

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

What the heck is going on with the sudden rash of bass boat thefts..I guess all those that keep their boats parked in their driveways better get a big, mean junkyard dog to keep tied up to it..

mac

[Stretch1]

I just had my Nitro last week...just about the same way out of my driveway between 11-7 and my boat was also found in the south area of sac off Florin Rd. My was also stripped and seemed to be a pro job...did they use anykind of saw to cut anything off the boat...they sawed out my guages and dash and also my rod buckles...sounds like the same deal

[RickM]

They didn't appear to saw anything out, I do think it was a pro job also. Things are very accesible on the Basscat console. They did break the fiberglass around the motor control shifter and steal the hotfoot.

They removed the drivers seat, giving access to the fuel sender which they removed and then drained all the gas out. They also stole the windshield and other parts which could only fit another Basscat or Pantera Classic.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I hope they catch these pieces of WASTE so that they can feel some of the pain they inflict on others.
I appreciate the post, it will make me improve the security around my boat storage area.
I'm sorry about your situation, hopfully your insurance company won't make you jump through to many hoops. Good luck.

[CORAL 96]

That Sucks!! Sorry to hear that RickM. I keep my boat in the driveway also. Makes me think, and wish it was in the garage. No room in there currently. I will let my DOBERMAN know that there are some low lifes running around the Sac area. She seems to ward off trouble even from the backyard!!!!!!!!!

[john zillig]

I live in south Sac, the pocket area, and I too had my bass boat stolen 6 yrs. ago from my driveway. This all sounds so familiar. Mine was never found, but insurance took care of it. I know first hand how you feel!!! I now have my basscat in the garage. I don't think I would ever leave one in the driveway again after hearing more stories like mine.

[MN]

Wow this is getting old.I'm glad when i ordered my Ranger i got the removable tongue which i'm lucky enough to be able to park it in the garage.After seeing this i think my tongue will now be in the hall closet.Man i am so sorry for you guy's damn drug attick's.But my question is who are they selling these part's to??

[Stretch1]

I think they are rebuilding boats...im sure you can get a boat real cheap from the new orleans area right now...just a thought

[Kentuck]

Sorry for the loss. That really bites.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned getting a device like the tire "boots" the cops use to target parking violaters.

Kentuck

[RickM]

Hey Stretch1, can you give me a call about your boat theft to compare notes? I had a couple of questions for you.

My number is 530-756-4905 or 530-219-4015.

Thanks, Rick Martinez

[NaCl]

These locks virtually immobilize the trailer. If someone tried to drive off with the trailer without removing them, the wheel will be destroyed...again, while this may destroy a tire, you will not lose the boat.

Here's the link to Alpha Lock.

http://www.alphalock.com

.....NaCl

ps They retail for $109 (which is what I paid). I have two of them in excellent condition that I don't need any more. If anyone is interested, I'd take $75 for each of them, or $135 for both. You have to pick them up in Sacramento...I don't want to fool with shipping. email me if you're interested

nacl1@sbcglobal.net

or

sault@attglobal.net

[Rich hamilton]

from the vietnam era.... powder and bullets should still be functional! HAR! sorry about your loss but I had a great visual of ole sault banging away at those thieves with a 50 caliber!

[Guest]

Makes me glad I live in LA.. there are only a few of us down here who know what a Basscat is!

Sorry about your losses guys.. Thanks for the info... I think everyone will be safer with their boats in the future.

I also, think it is a good idea to keep an eye out for older boats with newer motors... Never know they can be selling them to unsuspecting anglers looking for a good deal on motors. What kind of motors were they? Optimax???

[fishwithwill]

Hey Sac guys and everyone,
Maybe CHP can check the highway cams for your boat. I bet they drove on a few selected highways to go from point A to point B during time period C to D. Just a thought. Now for my story. Boat theives came through my prestigious Citrus Heights neighborhood in May. They ran off with a new 101 minn kota and my graph. I suggest bending the bolts under the deck or someone may know of a better way to secure bolts so speak up if you do. Write down all serial numbers for your motors and graphs and engrave your sturff too. You may get your stuff back if someone happens upon it. Also I have my trolling motor in the down position chained to my trailer so they can not lift the trolling motor to get to the bolt heads. I used a burly chain that is too strong for bolt cutters (the thieves that came through here could cut a kryptonite cable lock). I put snow chains on my deck so if they try to get into the rod lockers the dogs will hear and think it is time to go fishing or a walk. Put big motor all the way down and undo the cable to battery or unplug the tilt swithch under the cowling (sp?). I also put a motion sensor rigged to a stereo instead of a light and aimed it so only a cat or a dog wont set it off. It is turned up max volume with ACDC Hells Bells cassette. I also put a baby monitor near my boat and put the receiver with the dogs and now I sleep with one eye open. Dont ignore your or your neighbors barkiing dogs. My neighborhood was punished by these thieves and everyone I spoke to said their or their neighbors dog was going nuts. Check your boat regularly. The theives left tools in the bushes at one house after hitting the house two nights in a row. It was the unscrewed security lights and my vistit that made this person check under her boat and three of four bolts and all cables were cut on her 40 hp 4stroke. They tried stealing a 70 hp outboard pump, succeeded in stealing a 25 hp kicker, and unscrewed bolts to another kicker motor. These theives are making a business by stealing from our families so it is so important that you get out and tell all of your neighbors and see if there are other problems in your neighborhood or any other boat thefts. Initially, I rode my bicycle through the neighborhood talking to boat owners but then I decided anyone I saw would hear my story and other boat stories. I organized a neighborhood watch and met a ton of people who now watch out for my house. I had post traumatic stress disorder over the whole ordeal. I stay out all night cruising my streets on foot (yes I wear all black) lurking in the shadows and was rewarded with 3 parolees casing my street at 1130 at on a windy thursday night. They use the storms as cover. I cant tell you what to do, but allowing them to do their thing while you call the police is best. Get a description of the person, car, etc without spooking them. I perfer to allow the cops to handle these dirt balls because it just aint worth it. Those of you who know the story of that night know I did more than observe and call and yes they all three are back in prison. Like the police told me "I cant encourage vigilanteism, but nice posse" when they came to get some other theives some neighbors and I scooped. We apprehended and detained them until police arrived. I encourage everyone to get involved with a neighborhood watch and practice vigilence. I bet if I had one of them thieves swinging from my tree others wouldnt come (need emoticon with xx for eyes). Anarchy is a lot like democracy...mob rules.
Hope it helps or motivates someone,
William Wright
Come to my house and I already know you are there
Unconventional methods for the coventional thief
P.S. By all means e-mail me if you have questions or wanna talk about thieves. Send me your number if you like, I'm a fisherman I talk a lot faster that I type.

[TroyF]

Wow.. Fishwithwill, some great ideas! It's really a shame as I look outside and see my boat just sitting there saying to any thief "Take Me"

It's strange to me in a way how I just assume that people will not mess with my stuff. I guess I must put most people on a high level, but I grew up in a small town in the midwest and it was almost comical if someone actually locked the car or the house for that matter.

About the only scary/funny thing that ever happened was my best friend who was a paper boy came to the screen door kinda late one night to collect for the paper and my Mom started yelling to my dad "GET THE GUN!!"... "GET THE GUN" my buddy ran like the wind that night. (oh, and we didn't have a gun...well my BB gun, but that's it..lol"

As for the people that have gone through this: I just hope you do everything you can to try and find out who these people are. I would even suggest a sting operation...as the PD does them with automobiles and bikes all the time.

Stretch1 and RickM, I just want you to know that what has happened to you really pisses me off, and I'm willing to assist you both in anyway - whatever it takes to get these people. Don't let the PD blow you off and keep us informed on how we can help.

Tight lines.... around those *$%& er's necks I wish. (sorry Stony)

[RickM]

Thanks everyone for great posts, I really appreciate them all. I have talked to Stretch1 and am hopefull we can come up with something useful for the authorities. I will keep you all updated as we progress.

For now, I would take extra care to protect any exposed boats, remove electronics, remove all contents of your storage lockers, and make your neighbors aware of what is happening and to take note of unfamiliar vehicles in the area.

If any of you know of have information of stolen boats or attempts in the last few years please call me. My number is 530-219-4015.

Thanks, RickM

[biggmatt]

have you checked local forums or craigslist for any parts that they may be trying to sell?

[RickM]

Yes, we are continuing to check all sources of marine adds that are available.

[Keith]

check Ebay every couple days. if you find out who it is send me a message ill be more than happy to help u go retrive your items

[christoe]

Sorry for your loss and hassle, and I hope the insurance company is fair on replacing your stolen and damaged boat.
My boat is store in a secure location adjacent to my house, but I still lock up the boat trailer, clean out the storage compartments. and remove any portable valuables on the boat. The type of lock I am using is builted by Master Lock Co. (model #34). This lock slips over the tonque trailer ball hitch, and cannot be cut! (If they try......they'll be there all night trying) It requires a allen wrench and key to unlock the locking device, (a little hassle) but very effective and excellent deterent.
Good luck and I hope the low-live scums get whats coming to them.

Ed