New marine security brand launches in response to boat theft

A new UK-based marine security brand, SeaSight, has launched with a suite of purpose-built products designed to address vulnerabilities in small boat theft protection. 

The range was developed following the theft of a leisure RIB from a mooring in St Mawes in Cornwall last summer (28 July 2024). Despite investigations courtesy of the marine police, Border Force, and Interpol, the stolen vessel (Ribeye A683) was not recovered. 

The incident highlighted gaps in available security solutions for small and mid-sized boats, prompting IT systems specialist Tony Cantrill, the vessel’s owner, to begin designing an alternative.

“It’s just not something leisure boaters want to think about – until it happens.

“Smaller boats do get stolen, and there is a growing concern that criminals are using them for covert drug transfers and other illegal activities,” comments Cantrill. MIN reported on this issue in 2021, whereby organised crime groups are known to target legitimate sellers of vessels, resulting in incidents of boats being stolen.

SeaSight has launched with three primary products within the range, all of which are self-installed and can be used individually or as a complete suite. The ’Shield’ is the onboard connected unit featuring motion sensors, GPS tracking, ignition sensing, and a proprietary monitoring line. The system also includes mobile app integration for remote monitoring and can detect if a vessel has become detached from a mooring.

‘Stealth’ is a discreet, battery-powered GPS tracker designed for redundancy, capable of transmitting location data independently of the vessel’s systems, even if tampered with or powered down. And, ‘Secure’ is a heavy-duty padlock and marine-grade cable system developed in partnership with ABUS to physically secure vessels to docks or moorings. 

“Nobody expects their boat to be stolen. But it happens – and having lived through it, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. That experience is what drove me to build a solution that’s accessible, practical, and built for real-world conditions,” says Cantrill. 

The products are available to purchase via SeaSight’s website and through marine lifestyle retailer Tack & Jibe.