Originally posted by Zep Tepi:

Mobs don't normally target chests by themselves. They might go at it if you've left the workbench sitting next to it. If you're worried, put it up on a rock or in a tree.

Usually though I just portal home with the boat in my pocket.

ok thanks, i'll see what i need for portals as i really don't have the time to travel by boat everywhere haha