[Bill in SC]

I guess it would just depend on your particular situation. I install my unit at the boat ramp before putting in, and remove it when I take the boat out. I can see where they would be fine for some of the above mentioned applications. My Gimbel bracket is plastic, so even with the locks, the unit could easily be broken off the mount if a thief wanted it bad enough. I see units for sale on eBay all the time with NO mounts or transducers. I'll bet ya 85% of them are stolen.
Bill in SC