Hi everyone. Can anyone recommend a suitable padlock for use in salt water. Many thanks

[Gary 13]

[Gary 13]

Hi & Welcome !
Any good stainless steel padlock is about as good as you’ll get.
Is it for the outboard ?

Martin

[PeterM]

Hi Gary. Welcome.

Must locks don't live long in a salty environment.

I coast all mine in grease / oil and they end up horrid mess. And still corrode.

Anything stainless should be better... but all come at a cost

[bbutty]

I used a standard master lock extra long padlock last summer to fasten the clamps on my outboard
( i know i know proper outboard clamp locks exist but the one i bought made an annoying rattle at certain engine rpm's so hence the switch ).
I too coated it in grease to try to prevent corrosion, but it was still very stiff and seized at the end of the season so i would recommend taking off and regressing every few outings to make sure it doesn't get permanently corroded together.

[bbutty]

Also worth noting, if you are using it for outboard clamps and if for insurance purposes, most insurances specify a specific outboard lock is used not just a normal padlock between the clamps

(as far as i am aware)

[SeldomHere]

I just purchased the Panther Marine outboard lock from Amazon US. It cover the entire area around the transom screws rather than just slot through the holes like a padlock. As such, it is almost impossible to forcibly remove.

It is not cheap, but I figure it’s cheaper than replacing an outboard. I don’t keep my outboard on the water so it’s not a high risk.

I can second the marine grease + padlock = a greasy, rusty padlock.

[CRF999]

I picked up a second hand outboard lock from EBAY in fair condition.
The only thing that can go wrong is the lock barrel and that should be fairly well protected from direct water contact, but not spray.
Easy enough to clean and i lube the inside of the barrel with a few drops of Arctic grade gun oil, whenever it starts to feel even slightly stiff, and let that drain through overnight.
I don't like grease, as mentioned above its messy. it tends to trap sand etc and makes things worse.

Regards Clive

[SeldomHere]

Received my Panther Marine lock. Pictures below

The black sponge on top is one of the inserts to stop any rattling. It is completely bulletproof and I can imagine that even with a grinder, it is not going to be a quick or easy job to open.

[Oldman]

Being a pessimist I see that these methods will stop the opportunist thief but in the days of battery tools they will jig saw though the transom in around 30 seconds and steal your secure lock as well as the outboard, leaving you with a boat that's now useless.
Get a dog that likes boats but hates power tools ;)