If you've recently purchased a home with frontage on a lake or river, you're probably eagerly anticipating the time you'll spend on your deck or gazebo watching boats sail by -- or out on the water yourself. However, maintaining the outdoor security of a waterfront property can be much different than other types of homes, particularly if your lake or river is open to the public. What security features are best suited for the unique needs of waterfront property? Read on to learn more about keeping your boat and other belongings secure from passersby and opportunistic thieves. 

What are the best security options for a docked boat?

Unless you have kayaks that can easily store in your garage or storage shed or a dry docking area for your boat, leaving your boat attached to your own dock is likely the most convenient and cost-effective option. Despite its advantages, this method does leave your boat somewhat exposed to both the elements and passersby. Installing an alarmed boat security system should go a long way toward preventing your boat from being stolen, tampered with, or even vandalized. 

These security systems will generally include motion detectors that sense human movement along with a "club"-style lock on the steering wheel. Some systems may sound a warning cheep or two before the alarm is triggered, while others will begin to blare immediately if your boat is touched or if someone attempts to tamper with the steering wheel. If your boat is docked on a large lake or a river, you might want to look into security systems that include a global positioning system (GPS) tracker. If your boat does happen to be stolen, you'll only need to begin tracking its location with a small handheld device -- and because your boat can't be driven without activating the GPS tracker, even a clever thief is unlikely to get far in your stolen boat.

Depending upon the amount of time you spend away from home, you may also want to consider wireless security cameras trained on several areas around your boat dock. You'll then be able to access a live feed of your boat from your smartphone or any other device with a wireless connection. This can provide a valuable benefit not only for security purposes but for monitoring the safety and condition of your boat and dock if bad storms are in the area while you're not at home or if you go on an extended vacation.

A final step for security is the installation of motion-activated spotlights. These lights do double duty, allowing you the clear vision to step onto even a slippery boat dock with confidence after dark while deterring would-be burglars or vandals from damaging your property. Most burglars will look for the easiest theft opportunity that presents itself, and having a well-lit dock at all hours of the night can make your property unattractive for this purpose. 

What other security may your waterfront property require?

In addition to the measures you'll take to help keep your boat and other belongings secure, you may want to consider signage and other deterrents to prevent trespassers (including children) who could cause you to incur financial liability if they happen to be injured on your property or boat dock. Waterfront properties with boat docks can often constitute an attractive nuisance that shifts the burden of liability to the homeowner if someone suffers an injury . By placing "no trespassing" signs on the outer edges of your property or installing visible security cameras, you'll make sure those entering your property uninvited are warned of the consequences well in advance. 

For more information and tips, you should contact an experienced residential security company in your area.