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Kayak Lock Review
by Damon Z. Sweet
I’m basically a very trusting person, but have to admit I’ve gotten ripped off more than once because I was too lax with security. My point is, don’t let some low-life rip off your kayak for lack of a simple kayak lock.
When shopping for a kayak lock there are really only three things you need to remember:
The lock must be secure
The lock must fit your rack
The lock must be coated so it doesn’t scratch your kayak or vehicle
It’s as simple as that. So what locking systems are available?
Locks Reviewed:
LashLock made by KayakLocks-- Strap your boat to your car rack and lock it down in one easy step. Just loop the cable over the boat and under the crossbars. This is a pretty simple locking system that locks and ties your kayak, canoe, sailboard, surfboard, mother-in-law, whatever to you rooftop rack. No straps are needed, Just loop the cable over your boat and under the crossbars. This lock features a combination lock in conjunction with rugged stainless steel flexible aircraft quality coated cable, and a padded locking mechanism.
The upside: Lots of cable means you can lock your boat to just about anything, including the bumper on your beat-up truck. The combination makes for fast, easy locking and unlocking.
The downside: This lock will keep honest people honest, but armed with a simple pair of bolt cutters any thief could walk away with your equipment. Fortunately, most thieves are basically lazy and will be deterred by the simplest locks.
Yakima BoatLocker—This locking system allows you to lock your boat to the roof rack, stairwell, lamppost, or nearby tree. It’s designed to integrate with the Yakima roof rack and will also work with the Yakima MultiMount paddle attachment to lock your paddle. The BoatLocker features a flexible 10 foot cable, Yakima lock and two keys.
The upside: It’s compatible with all types of kayaks and canoes - recreational, whitewater, touring, sit-on-top kayaks etc.
The downside: I don’t know if it bothers you, but it seems like I’m always needing to buy one more accessory to make my Yakima system work. Not a big deal, but those accessories add up. Two keys are never enough around my house -- you might have to pay for an extra key or two. See above regarding bolt cutters.
Shred Ready offers a 4 meter-long cable lock designed for use on cars. The lock requires no keys; instead one end of the cable has a plastic ball around it. After the cable is threaded through the security bar on your boats you close the ball inside your car door. Hmmm. This is a simple but reasonably effective deterrent. With no lock key to lose, you’ve just got to remember where you left the keys to the truck.
Thule makes a cable lock that opens with a key. The cable is 6 feet long—think of it as a glorified bicycle lock.
Master Lock makes a 6-foot cable lock that adjusts easily to the size of your load. You can also order an optional 12 foot cable which allows you to lock multiple boats. The adjustable cable is nice for snugging things down tight.
There you have it, a brief review of various kayak locking systems. My recommendation? It’s your kayak. Lock it up!
Damon Z. Sweet writes for ActiveKayak.com where you can find great deals, tips and news, information and reviews plus Free Online Lessons, Tips, and Great Kayaking Resources at ActiveKayak.com. This article can be reproduced in full as long as the resource box and live links remain intact. Copyright http://www.activekayak.com.
