I had a 9.9 merc 4 stroke stolen off the back of my North West jet this year. It was parked exactly the same way you described. My home owners insurance paid for it, but they told me that it was a one time claim. If the new one gets stolen also, then I'm on my own. It sucks taking the thing off every time you park the boat, but it sucked even worse taking the trash out in the A.M and seeing the motor gone. Locks can't stop bolt cutters. I still can't believe that I did not hear them. That motor is pretty heavy and it was right against the garage door. Anyway, got a 9.9 Merc to replace it for 1800 bucks out of Oregon. Good luck. I like the 4 stroke because I can run it off my main tank. No hassels with premix and an extra tank etc.