Store Your PWC Safely and Prevent Easy Grab-and-Go Theft

Let’s face it — theft remains a real danger. While many watercraft owners take care of keys and mooring security, storage security often gets neglected. Every year, dozens — even hundreds — of PWCs (jet skis, wave-runners, etc.), trailers and boats get stolen, often from driveways or yards.

When a PWC sits on a trailer in an unsecured driveway or yard, it becomes a low-hanging fruit to thieves: easy to hitch, hook up, and tow away. The more layers of deterrence you add, the less likely someone will bother. Often, the goal isn’t to make theft impossible — just to make it hard enough that a thief moves on to an easier target.

Updated & Expanded Security Layers for PWC + Trailer Storage

1. Start with a Trailer Coupler Lock / Hitch Lock

• Use a trailer coupler lock (also sometimes called a hitch lock) to prevent the trailer from being attached to a tow-vehicle. This makes it much harder for a would-be thief to even hitch up and drive away.

• Don’t just rely on the cotter-pin that came with the trailer — most coupler locks completely block the coupler cavity so no hitch ball can attach.

2. Immobilize the Trailer Wheels – Even a coupler lock isn’t always enough. A determined thief can try to load the trailer onto a flatbed or jack it — so adding a wheel lock or chock gives a second line of defense.

• A wheel-chock lock (wheel boot) clamps onto the trailer wheel, preventing it from rolling. This buys time and deters quick-grab thefts.

• For extra security, you can use tandem-wheel locking chocks (for trailers with dual axles), which lock both wheels together and resist motion.

3. Lock the PWC to the Trailer – Even if the trailer gets locked and booted, that doesn’t stop someone from taking the PWC off the trailer (especially smaller jet skis). Lock the craft to the trailer with a cable or chain through a solid anchor point on the hull.

4. Anchor the Trailer to a Fixed Object or Ground Anchor – If possible, chain the trailer to something immovable — a grounded eye bolt in concrete, a heavy post, or a sturdy fence. That way even if a thief removes the wheel lock, they can’t just tow it away.

5. Use a Hidden GPS Tracker (Optional but Highly Recommended) – If someone does manage to steal the rig, a small GPS tracker hidden on the PWC or trailer can help law enforcement track its location. Many theft-prevention guides now include this as a key step.

6. Park Smart & Store Out of Sight – If possible, store your PWC in a locked garage or outbuilding — “out of sight, out of mind” is still the gold standard. If you must leave it outside: park in a well-lit area (ideally under motion-activated lights), put a vehicle in front of the trailer so it can’t be easily towed, or park close to a building or fence so access is constrained.

7. Photograph & Document Everything – Take high-quality photos of your PWC — including hull ID numbers (HIN), trailer serials, unique marks, and any accessories. Store those photos digitally. If theft happens, you’ll have evidence for law enforcement and insurance.

Recommended Security Gear 

Here are some of the most effective, widely recommended products — ranging from budget-friendly deterrents to heavy-duty deterrence — to make your PWC + trailer setup much harder to steal.

• Universal Guardian Trailer Hitch Lock – A popular universal coupler lock that fits most trailer couplers, preventing any hitching. Great first-line defense.

• Trimax TCL75 Wheel Chock Lock – A heavy-duty wheel-chock lock that immobilizes the trailer wheel, making it extremely difficult to roll or tow away.

• BAL X‑Chock Tire Locking Chock – Good for trailers with tandem or dual wheels; locks wheels in place by applying opposing force, resisting rolling or shifting.

• Master Lock 30 Ft. Looped End Cable – A strong, long cable lock that can be used to tie the PWC to the trailer or trailer to a fixed anchor point.

• Master Lock Integrated Cable Lock 6 ft – A convenient, inexpensive cable lock useful for locking the PWC to the trailer when parked or stored.

• MaxxHaul Tandem Wheel Chock Lock Pair – For trailers with two axles: locks both sets of wheels to prevent rolling or theft even if coupler is compromised.

• Haul‑Master Wheel Chock with Eyebolt – Basic but effective chock; the eyebolt allows it to be chained to a post or ground anchor for extra security.

• Master Lock 8143D Combination Cable Lock – Budget-friendly cable lock, useful as a quick deterrent when locking the PWC to the trailer or another fixed point.

On-Ski / On-Craft Security Options

• Ignition / Key & Fob Security

• • • • Many newer jet skis / PWCs built by major manufacturers come with keyed ignitions or electronic “fob” systems designed to prevent someone from starting them without the proper key/fob.

      • Some aftermarket “cable-lock + alarm” systems also help — these wrap around or attach to parts of the hull or trailer to prevent unauthorized movement or use.

      • As long as a thief doesn’t have the right key, fob, or ability to bypass electronic locks, the PWC should be un-startable — which removes its main value to a thief.

• Handlebar / Steering-Lock & Physical Immobilizers

• • • • Some PWCs (especially from big-name brands) offer — or can be fitted with — a handlebar or steering lock that prevents steering or movement unless unlocked.

      • For additional deterrence (especially if trailer- or driveway-stored), you can treat the PWC like a motorcycle or scooter: using handlebar-grip style locks or grip/steering-locks to make it harder to ride away even if someone gets it started.’

    • Alarmed Cable Locks, Hull Locks, Security Cabling

• • • • A lock with built-in alarm — especially a marine-grade cable lock — can secure your PWC to the trailer or to a fixed object (dock post, anchor, trailer frame, etc.).

      • These help especially at docks or when leaving the ski outside overnight, when theft risk is highest.

• Disablement Options (Battery Disconnect, Kill-Switch, etc.)

• • • • Some owners go the extra mile: disconnecting the battery or installing a keyed/waterproof battery-disconnect switch so the PWC is unstartable.

      • On older or simpler skis (without modern fob/ECU systems), this can be a reliable “last line” of defense if locked up outside.

Some Extra Tips & Things to Watch Out For 

• Lock Safety Chains, Too: It’s not just about the coupler. Some thieves might try to tow using safety chains if the coupler is locked. Use a coupler lock design that encloses the chains or lock them securely to the trailer frame.

• Make It a Multi-Step Process: The goal isn’t necessarily to make theft impossible — but to make it tedious, noisy, or time-consuming enough that a thief moves on. The more steps required (coupler lock → wheel lock → anchor → cable lock on craft), the better.

• Don’t Rely on One Lock: A single lock might slow down a neighbor-hood kid, but a motivated thief may bring a grinder. Combining locks (mechanical + chained + anchored + cable + visibility) dramatically increases your odds.

• Visibility & Deterrence Count: Sometimes just making the trailer look “locked up” or difficult to move — e.g. with a wheel boot or chock — is enough. Thieves often look for easy quick hits.

• Consider Off-site Storage or Secure Facilities: If you live in a high-theft area or your driveway is obviously visible, look into off-site trailer storage or rental storage facilities — it may be worth the peace of mind.

In today’s environment, taking storage security seriously is not overkill — it’s smart. By combining multiple security measures (coupler lock, wheel lock, cable/chain lock, anchoring, good parking or storage spot), you greatly reduce the odds a thief will target your rig. Most importantly: make it look like a lot of effort so thieves move on to easier prey.