Strapping down for the road.

[lmannyr]

Need some advise on how to strap down my boat. The trailer does not have a bow chain. I know I need one but would need suggestions on where to attach the chain to on the trailer and how to attach (hardware wise) to the trailer.

The stern is currently strap down (stern hook -> wrapped around rear cross member) as you see in the photos. Is this okay? I know I need bigger straps.

Thanks!!

Luis

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

i would put a 1/2 inch ibolt thru the cross member. chain and hook. stern straps work if larger. i use a hook on each end.

 

[timdan94]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

if I tow the boat a long distance I use both the transom straps and a strap across the back of the boat as an extra precaution. it takes a little longer to unstrap put the added piece of mind is nice.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

i would put a 1/2 inch ibolt thru the cross member. chain and hook. stern straps work if larger. i use a hook on each end.

Would it be a bad idea if I use the existing bolt right in the middle? ... should I drill drill out the hole to fit a 1/2" bolt? ...or should I drill a 1/2" hole behind the existing center bolt? Don't want to compromise the strength you know.

For the stern, you use a hook at the end of the the strap. Doesn't this wear down the gel coat after time? thanks

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

A set of 2" Boat Buckle brand transom straps are easy to use with rubber hooks and a rubber backed buckle to protect your boat (less than 30 secs a side to secure) I believe they also make a gunwale strap that goes over as timdan suggested for extra security that wraps over the boat.

TD is right on the safety chain.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

less than 30 secs a side to secure

Nelson, I'm glad you mentioned the time required to secure. It usually takes me at least 3 minutes per side. I usually return in the dark, and let me tell ya, I try to hurry strapping the boat down to get going ASAP. I'll have to take a look at the straps you refer to. Hope fully their reinforced with a metal hook.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

Nelson, I'm glad you mentioned the time required to secure. It usually takes me at least 3 minutes per side. I usually return in the dark, and let me tell ya, I try to hurry strapping the boat down to get going ASAP. I'll have to take a look at the straps you refer to. Hope fully their reinforced with a metal hook.

Yes, the top hook is rubber coated hook, bottom is stainless steel.

These were $34 for a pair in Canada so should be even cheaper in US

Also, they make another trailer mount buckle that is even faster to secure but they're $100 a set plus another $30 for the universal mounting brackets.

Right out of the box, it took me only a few minutes to figure out and install them and after that it was very easy.

I won't use another ratchet strap again.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

http://www.iboats.com/Indiana_Marin...22739571--**********.752840567--view_id.38582

Here is one I'm looking at but west marine has the hooks rubber coated and made with all stainless steel. Problem is the distance from the mounting point on the trailer to the hook on boat is right at 42". That happens to be the length of those straps.

I may buy one for the bow and test fit it on the transom before making the purchase.

It's a bit expensive at 60 bucks at WM, but I'm going to love the time savings and ease they will bring. I've read nothing but great review on these on the net today.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

If length is a problem you may want to get out the phone book and see if there are any tie down or custom strap places nearby, if not there are a few that will sell mail order. You can custom order what ever you need. Here we have M&R Tie Downs, they can make any length you need and everything is absolutely top quality. They're not cheap but its one possible solution.

Another option would be to add a longer hook or attachement point on trailer. On my old boat, I made a hinged stainless plate which would drop down out of the way when no in use but it added 8" of reach. My one trailer now has 6" galvanized loops extending off each corner of the frame to tie too. I used a bracket and U bolt up front to attach a turnbuckle and short chain to to hold the bow secure.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

reelfishin,

can you post pictures of the extension? thanks..

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

Also, they make another trailer mount buckle that is even faster to secure but they're $100 a set plus another $30 for the universal mounting brackets.

http://www.iboats.com/Indiana_Marin...22739571--**********.752840567--view_id.38582

Here is one I'm looking at but west marine has the hooks rubber coated and made with all stainless steel. Problem is the distance from the mounting point on the trailer to the hook on boat is right at 42". That happens to be the length of those straps.

I may buy one for the bow and test fit it on the transom before making the purchase.

It's a bit expensive at 60 bucks at WM, but I'm going to love the time savings and ease they will bring. I've read nothing but great review on these on the net today.

Same ones I was referring to. $60 beats the $100 Canadian up here.

The other ones, they make are the Pro Series (not the nice ones you've listed) and they come in 2', 4', and 6' lengths. If you can't find longer ones, these are what I use.

http://www.immioutdoors.com/boatbuckle/transom/products_transom_pro.htm

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Strapping down for the road.

These are the ones i use,rubber coated and gave me the extra length i needed.Nice ratchets on them too...cut the extra length off and burn the ends so they don't fray.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200344934_200344934