Boats enhance your fun when you’re exploring the waters along the beach on a vacation. But when you own a boat, you need to be super cautious about your own life while sailing and your boat’s life when parked. Just a slight bit of carelessness can get your life on the line or your boat can get stolen.
A thief has been looking for something to steal, and suddenly his eyes fall onto your boat parked along with the boatyard. What are the odds a thief will leave your boat untouched?
This can happen to you if you do not do something soon enough. Boats often get stolen and the thief has a clear motive, money. When unassembled, boat parts are very expensive, even second-hand ones.
To save your boat from theft, just locking won’t help. You can baffle the thief by using a kill switch. Various kinds of kill switches are present in the market. In this article, we will help you choose the best ones for your boat.
Table Of Contents
Best Anti Theft Kill Switches For Boats: Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | CHECK ON AMAZON |
|---|---|---|---|
 | (Best Overall) LotFancy High Current Battery Disconnect Switch |
| Check Product On Amazon |
 | (Best Design) UHUSE Engine Motor Kill Stop Switch With Lanyard |
| Check Product On Walmart |
 | (With Warranty) BONATECH Battery Isolator Switch |
| Check Product On Amazon |
7 Best Anti-Theft Kill Switches For Boat
1. Ampper Battery Kill Switch
Ampper Battery Kill Switch serves the theft proofing purpose with full potential. As the name suggests, it cuts off the battery supply which makes it impossible for the boat to start.
To activate this switch, all you need to do is turn the knob to the ON position and you’re good to go. However, while you’re on board, just turn off the knob and the boat will start as normal.
This switch works on a 12V to 48V direct current supply system. It isolates and secures any electrical system which passes through it.
A very compact design of this boat kill switch helps you hide it by mounting it under the dashboard where the thief cannot reach.
You will be the only one that can access this switch once it is installed. Also, the back cover prevents disasters as while it is on, the short-circuiting danger is reduced.
Power is completely and safely drawn from the boat when this switch is turned on. Mounting nuts are included in the set.
Pros
- Compact size
- Cuts off battery supply safely and completely
- Easy to use and install
- Back cover prevents short circuit
- Mounting nuts are included in the set
Cons
- The nuts might catch rust after some time
2. LotFancy High Current Battery Disconnect Switch
Another battery kill switch that protects your boat from theft as well as prevents battery drain. Supposedly, you leave your keys in the boat keeping the boat’s battery on. Not only is this an invitation to the robbers, but this also drains the battery unnecessarily. This kill switch for boats will prevent this kind of incident.
Even if you happen to leave your keys in the boat, but this switch is activated, the boat will not start until you deactivate the switch.
Also, this switch is extremely easy to install. You just have to disconnect the battery and attach the switch to the negative terminal.
A detachable knob can also be used to your advantage. Whenever you have to be away from your boat for a long time, you can detach the knob and the switch can no longer be activated or deactivated.
Just make sure that ignition is off before you turn the knob to the shut-off position or the voltage spikes could damage the components.
This switch is made out of very durable zinc alloy material so that it can last for a long time. Also, the copper screws at the bottom are non-corrosive.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Detachable knob
- Prevents theft and saves battery drainage
- Durable zinc alloy material
- Bottom screws are made up of non-corrosive copper
Cons
- High current can be pretty risky
3. UHUSE Engine Motor Kill Stop Switch With Lanyard
UHUSE engine motor kill switches for boats comes with a lanyard which helps you conveniently switch the button on and off without going through a lot of trouble. Just pull on the lanyard and the switch will be activated.
The universal design works on almost all Mercury outboard engine motors that are commonly found in the market nowadays.
The second you come out of the vehicle, you can just pull on the lanyard and the ignition will be cut off and your boat will be theft-proof.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material makes the lanyard resistant to oil, grease and provides stretchability and elasticity. The button is made of nylon material.
Pros
- Elastic and oil resistant material
- Lanyard provides convenience
- Nylon material
- Easy to install
- Safe to use
Cons
- Questionable durability
4. EEEkit Battery Kill Switch
Another durable and sturdy kill switch is on the list that can secure your boat from thieves. The wiring takes hardly a few minutes and once installed, you’re good to go.
The knob turns in three directions, so it is extremely easy to use and can be mounted under the dashboard easily so that it stays hidden and cannot be found by the boat thief. It also prevents leakages in case the battery has a faulty circuit.
The red cover on the knob is removable when it is in the out position which is on the black rubber. This effectively prevents others from turning the switch back to off position.
This off button can eliminate any power drawn from the battery of the engine of the boat when the boat is not in use and prevents short-circuits.
Pros
- Durable and sturdy design
- Easy to install
- Easy to mount
- Removable knob cover
- Eliminates battery drainage
Cons
- No mounting screws have been provided
6. BONATECH Battery Isolator Switch
This one has the best design among all the other kill switches for boats on the list. The key on this switch is removable, and the cover protects from any unwanted access even if you do not hide the switch.
Also, the cover is waterproof, protecting the keyhole against splashes.
This is the only product on the list that comes with a one-year warranty. In case of any discomfort, you can contact the seller without any hassle.
You just have to install the switch and be carefree. Installation will not take much time as it is extremely easy to install. Once, there is no power connection, the key can be simply taken down and the boat will not start now.
A spare key has also been provided so that you can easily access the keyhole with the 2nd key in case you lose one.
Pros
- Excellent design
- Spare key has been provided
- One year warranty is offered
- Waterproof cover for keyhole protection
- Easy installation
- Compact size
Cons
7. 1PZ Engine Kill Switch With Safety Tether
Looking for an easy way to shut the engine off? Well, here it is. Pull on the safety tether and you’re good to go.
This shuts the engine off completely in case of any emergency. However, if you want to start the engine again you’ll have to reconnect the tether.
A bar mount design helps you mount this switch on any round surface by passing it through the hole on the back of this button.
Also, the 2 control methods are really convenient. And due to the compact size, it is easy to hide, so that it stays away from the hands of the thief.
Pros
- Easy to use
- 2 control methods, safety tether and push button
- Bar mount design
- Compact size
- Easy to install
Cons
- Reconnection of safety tether is required every time the boat needs to start
Choosing The Best Anti-Theft Kill Switch For Your Boat: Buying Guide
Here are the things you should consider while buying an anti-theft kill switch for your boat.
1. Accessibility
While kill switches for boats are assets, they can be liabilities if you do not have easy access to activate or deactivate them.
Choose a kill switch that is easy to turn on or off after you install it so that it does not waste too much of your time.
2. Installation
Kill switches for boats can be pretty challenging if you do not have an idea of how to install them. They can cause a lot of frustration while installation.
Grab a kill switch that can be easily installed so you do not have to go through the hassle of a difficult installation.
3. Concealed And Comapct Size
A visible kill switch is of absolutely no use. If the switch is in front of the eyes of the thief, your boat is sure to be stolen.
Choose a kill switch that has a compact size so that it can be hidden without a problem.
FAQs
The kill switch is placed between a circuit, which when is incomplete, the boat cannot start. If you trigger the switch off, the boat will start as normal.
The installation process depends on the kill switch that you are using. But usually kill switches are inserted between two ends which are cut off from between the wire. And further, they control the completion of the circuit.
Kill switches with lanyard such as UHUSE engine motor kill switch and 1PZ Engine Kill Switch are the best to prevent the Mercury Outboard Engine Motors.
Lanyard kill switches can be easily placed on the handle for easy access. While the switch is on the off position the boat start as normal and when it is on the on position, the boat will not start.
