Barrus showcases OutboardWarden, a new security system to protect outboards from theft

Published on: 15/09/2016

The nationwide theft of outboard motors has continued to grow over the past five years and is now becoming a major problem with the recovery of stolen engines very difficult and success rates very low.

Barrus is keen to support the quest to combat engine theft by spearheading a new, innovative, high-tech digital security system for outboard engines and watercraft. Developed by Irish inventor, engineer, and boating enthusiast, Kevin Hennessey, OutboardWarden will protect, detect and track an outboard anywhere in the world, updating the owner with a mobile app.

OutboardWarden uses the latest digital, wireless and GPS technology to keep watch over an outboard 24/7. The patented system creates an invisible Wi-Fi bond between the engine and the boat. Once broken the alarm is raised, “It’s like a digital padlock, one that shouts ‘help I’m being taken’ on the internet superhighway! And then provides GPS tracking!” comments Kevin Hennessey. Owners will know exactly where their engine is heading and can share that information with the appropriate authorities.

OutboardWarden will be able to track the whole journey, increasing the chances of a successful prosecution and the return of the engine. “Insurance companies tell us that claims are getting out of hand and as a consequence they expect premiums to increase unless a tracking system is in place,” Kevin confirms.

Ben Allen, General Manager for the Marine Leisure Division at Barrus comments, “We are delighted to assist Kevin in the launch of his system here in the UK and to use our influence to help him gain traction. “Barrus is the first point of contact to replace a stolen engine and we work closely with the insurance companies to get a new outboard shipped and fitted quickly, but discovering your engine has been stolen is a nightmare that we can help avoid with the new OutboardWarden system,” Ben concludes.

Kevin, who has seven years’ experience helping to secure luxury boats and yachts with his company BoatWarden, has taken an increasing number of calls from the police, insurance companies, marinas and boatyards confirming a rise in outboard engines being taken. Outboard theft is more widespread than boaters realise, with professional gangs reported to be stealing engines ‘to order’. Marina security is no deterrent as thieves paddle quietly to the selected boat, unbolt the engines, throw them aboard and paddle away. Next morning the engines are in a different country!

According to Kevin, “OutboardWarden is the perfect solution and we look forward to helping the police capture and prosecute outboard thieves. “We had a tremendous reception at the 2016 London Boat Show where it was launched and now there is a waiting list!”

Barrus will be making OutboardWarden available across all its authorised dealerships, service outlets and chandleries. Kevin Hennessy will also be on the Mercury Stand E069 at Southampton Boat Show 2016 from the 16th-25th September demonstrating the OutBoardWarden system. - For further information visit www.OutboardWarden.com

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