Security & outboard locks
Choose your equipment for life on the water.
Boat theft is unfortunately a regular occurrence. Suitable locks help protect both the boat and its outboard motor. Different types of locks are available in a range of price brackets.
An outboard motor lock is designed to help secure the engine against theft. Many locks suit a wide range of outboards; check compatibility for your engine.
Buying an outboard motor lock
A suitable lock adds protection for your valuable outboard. Prices vary, partly according to whether the lock has SCM approval. Many Dutch insurers require an approved lock when insuring a boat and outboard.
Approved boat locks
Check your insurer’s requirements for an SCM-approved outboard lock. SCM is a Dutch certification body for vehicle security, including outboard motor locks. If your boat and engine are insured, choose a lock that meets your policy’s requirements to avoid problems with a theft claim.
The SCM approval mark: explanation and tips
Locks must meet specified theft-resistance requirements to receive SCM approval. The approval is commonly associated with fitted alarm systems and outboard motor locks. Businesses installing such systems can obtain SCM recognition.
What is SCM?
SCM stands for Stichting Certificering Motorrijtuigbeveiliging, the Dutch foundation for certification of motor vehicle security. Different types of locks may receive approval after meeting the applicable requirements. Approved suppliers include manufacturers of outboard locks, cable locks and chain locks.
KIWA SCM carries out the testing. CCV sets the rules against which the products are tested and became the scheme manager in April 2020. The official description is therefore “approved by KIWA SCM under the CCV Vehicle Security Quality Mark”. VbV was the previous scheme manager, which explains why older insurance policies may still refer to VbV. The change was expected to be reflected in policies after a transition period of approximately one year. You can read the procedure for using the CCV mark here.
SCM requirements
A lock must meet the applicable requirements before approval is awarded. Categories include standard and heavy-duty classes. The standard class focuses on effective protection against opportunistic thieves.
In the standard class, a lock must withstand readily portable tools for at least three minutes. The heavy-duty class requires a longer resistance time against professional thieves.
- Standard class: opportunistic theft, 3 minutes of resistance;
- Heavy-duty class: professional theft, 5 minutes of resistance.
A rough comparison can be made with ART approval: the standard class is comparable to ART 1 and 2, while the heavy-duty class is comparable to ART 3 through ART 5.
Tips on SCM approval
When arranging theft insurance for a boat, your insurer may set specific lock requirements, such as an SCM-approved outboard motor lock. Always ask about the requirements beforehand and check the current terms of your policy.