Following the spate of piracy, theft and hijackings on the high seas there has been interest shown on the use of Electric Fencing to assist in securing a boat. Two projects have been undertaken where the wires have been strung around the yacht using the metal railings as the earth system. The energiser was attached to the integral 12v circuit.

White plastic insulators have been used together with high voltage Hotshock units. We felt this was necessary as there would only be one chance to belt the attacker coming over the side so the 10000 v kick would prove a substantial deterrent. This may be connected to an alarm that would sound a siren when tampered with.

A physical test was carried out and it is very difficult to maintain a hold when the shock kicks in. The worst was when climbing out of water as this was connected to the railings creating a direct link for the electricity. 

The cost of the system as installed is not great, in the region of £200.00. Installation is easy and in both cases was carried out by the purchaser.

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1 comment

  • Geoff Gentil on

    I have a New Zealand yacht up in South East Asia and fitted an electric fence energizer to my life lines and stantions about 5 years ago. Cost $150 NZD, delivered to Malaysia.
    10,000v 1.3 joules.
    I put the earth wired with a small piece of copper rod attached down a cockpit drain into the water and attach the crocodile clip positive/active wire to a stanchion which is electrically connected via the wire lifelines around the vessel. This includes my pullpit, pushpit, davits and aluminium dinghy. You must make sure there is nothing else touching the active circuit like nav lights or rigging, IE isolated system. Mine is powered by the ships 12v house batteries and draws next to nothing. I also fitted a flashing red LED to the unit to remind me, and others that it is active.
    I tested this while standing on a dry timber dock wearing rubber shoes and can tell you I got one hell of a belt.
    The unit has been tested a couple of times after that and it works perfectly.
    My thinking is that it is better to deal with someone off the boat rather that once they are onboard.
    The unit continues to work perfectly and I sleep soundly at night even in remote anchorages in some pretty dodgy areas.

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