I don't want something like the .357 accessible to anyone but me, but the .22 and .38 come in handy frequently, and so does the lady-sized .45, for showing people that I mean it, plunking off pesky seagulls and whatnot, or just plain old target practice (only if there aren't too many boats around). So, I don't keep the smaller one locked up. The rifles are locked up, since we only use them in-season, but I've nailed a ton of sharks, tuna, and other critters with them.

But, key or combo, make sure the lock is stainless through and through, and keep'er lubed, since the salty air can seize up even the best lock. The last thing you want is to be struggling with the lock when you need the big firepower in your hand, and pronto. Been there, done that. Hell, if the CG came near me with the weed stash open, I'd have to show'em whose the boss of my boat and my private time...