This happened a few years ago. First day of a two week vacation, I drove only 3 1/2 hours away from home and pulled into a remote and undeveloped camping area that I had been to many times for fly fishing. It was to late to launch my new Valco pram with new Merc 15hp, so I decided to do a little evening wading in the river to see if I could catch a few trout. Got back to the van & boat as it was getting dark and looked forward to the next AM when I would do a little power boating on the river. Next morning I got up, got all ready to leave and did my customary walk around to make sure trailer & van were ready. That's when I found the motor gone. I did all ot the right things: Thru bolted the motor to the transom and added a channel type motor lock. The theif used what may have been a hatchet and a skill saw or sawsall to remove a portion of the transom and the new motor. The boat and motor were less than a month old. The insurance came through in a couple of months. I lost my vacation plans, but not my money. Top that one! I believe, if someone wants what you got... you better watch out or it will be theirs. (sorry to say) Bill