Boat Theft

[GillsnBills]

Greetings -

I am a first time user/writer to this site. Just wanted to offer a quick story, some advice and solicit any potential help. I don't know if this is a good place to attempt this, but if nothing else, it may help to ease some frustration.

On or about September 12, 2004, my boat, motor and trailer were stolen from our lake place, on East Battle Lake. The boat was on the trailer behind our place, and was locked through the cuppling and was cabled through the rear wheel and locked to the back handle of the transom, also. Upon arrival for the duck opener weekend, Sept. 24, we found our boat stolen - no signs left at all. It was a camoflaged Lund 16' Rebel with a new 2004 Yamaha 40hp four stroke motor on a Spartan trailer. It had a grey Lund cover on it, and also had some old Wave Wackers on it.

While we are beyond the period of hope, I just thought I would throw out a word of caution to those in the area, and ask for any assistance in the rare event that the criminals have used the boat or are trying to move it in this area. Dad was right, locks are for honest people. As I fill out insurance papers, I am thankful for good replacement coverage, but still steamed at the offense. Kinda like stealing a cowboy's horse; there are just some things that you can't do.

Guys, watch your stuff, and don't leave it where a low life thief can get to it. Also, if you see this boat around (factory olive drab with my own tan and black added)let me or the authorities know about it. Needless to say, I did not get out with my 12 and 13 year old that weekend.

[Mark Christianson]

Where on East Battle?

Just curious, because my parents have a place there too.

Man, does that stink.

[BarTender]

Man that sucks... wher in EBL is your place?? I know I left my boats and snowmobles out all summer. Fortunate for me my dad lives on the lake and watches the stuff. I'll pass the information on to him and have him watch out for the boat.

he's been driving around the area alot so maybe he's seen it. bummer deal all around.

[Gissert]

Man, that sucks. I am sorry you had to experience that. Is you boat titled?

[ChuckN]

That really stinks, and you took a lot of precautions. I will keep an eye out for it and spread the word.

[GillsnBills]

We are on the western-most bay of the lake. Your last name is a familiar one on that lake/area. Where is your dad's place? We have many relatives in the area, too. We have never had any problems up there, but I am aware of other thefts of equipment on the south shore cabins earlier this fall.

[GillsnBills]

Yes, it was titled. So, if the person that stole it ever decides to re-up the registration, or the poor sucker that buys it ever tries to redo the registration, it will get flagged. However, it is probably in Canada or ND by now, if it is not sitting in someone's barn/shed getting repainted for a spring sell off.

[BarTender]

Are you on the west side by the boat ramp? I know BLB's parents place is just north of the landing.

My folks live on the SE side of the lake.

[Mark Christianson]

We are on the far north shore, east of the public launch.

(Looking south from the cabin, the church island camp is straight south of us).

Gills

are you talking over by the river between East and West Battle?

[BarTender]

I get my NSEW so mixed up when talking about this lake....

Hunted the north bay sunday morning, one shot one dead greenhead.

[GillsnBills]

Yes, we are just around the south point, as you enter the western most bay of the lake. If you were to continue west you would be heading down the creek to West Battle. Maybe we'll run into you out there!

[GillsnBills]

I had intended on opening up on the north end, but never made it out at all........for obvious reasons. Could've used the small boat to go down the creek to West Battle, but I was too mad that morning. The neighbors usually open up on the creek, and they got a few, but not like days gone by.

[BarTender]

Sunday morning was my first hunt on the lake this year. My folks live on the ESE side of the lake Are you talking about living over by the narrows between stuart and EBL?

by the stuart lake boat ramp?

I actuall drove up the creek twards WBL sunday, looks like one heck of a spot to hunt. jumped 10 or so mallards just looking at the area. in the 13+ years on the lake, this is the first time I went up the river.

[GillsnBills]

You are correct, it is the bay that is separated from Stuart by a narrow road. The creek can be good, but I am assuming the water is up right now and therefore it should be pretty passable. Sometimes it is tough going, if the water is not up. It is a good spot for poking through with a canoe. Glad to hear you saw some birds........I think I remember what they look like.

[Mark Christianson]

Hey Gills

You aren't by chance the guy I met at the rest area near Alex about 9 years ago with a yellow lab pup, are you?

I stopped there to let my yellow lab pup run around for a bit, and there was another guy running a yellow lab pup.

Low and behold, he had a cabin over by Stuart(near the river between East and West Battle).

Is that you??????