When to replace transom straps?

[sidechoke67]

I noticed that one of my transom straps is a little frayed (see attached pics), and am wondering if it is time to replace them. I don't know how old they are - they came with my boat when I bought it 3 years ago (so, they are at least 3 years old). My boat is a 2001 Glastron SX 175 - it weighs around 2,000 lbs, dry.

The straps look good otherwise, and I have no problems with them. I'm just nervous that the fraying compromised whatever their load rating was, and they won't hold up if I ever really need them..

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

replace them. They are usually less than $30. Cheap insurance.

 

[jimdd810]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Better safe then sorry. No use damaging your poat or someone else because of bad straps.

 

[krakatoa]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Those one looks nice, still usefull

 

[Thad]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Those are being worn from the buckle. In my opinion, they are rather generic. They should be fine until the end of season, but over the winter I would order some new ones. Look at something with a better design.

I have something "similar" to these. They came with my boat from the dealer and are eight years old now and still look brand new. I also like the idea of the strap being secured to itself with the velcro strip. And the rubber cover on the hooks does not srape anything up.

http://www.iboats.com/Attwood-Trans...11677279--**********.213974744--view_id.47788

P.S. When I put my straps on, I might over do it a bit. I make them very tight to the point I have to strain to lock them. And I still have had no problems with the straps.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

This is where common sense should come into play, if they are frayed then this indicates they are starting to come apart, which should indicate to the user that they need to be replaced.

To be very blunt, if a person holds off on replacing them because of a cost issue then they shouldn't be operating a boat to begin with, because if you can't afford a pair of straps then you certainly can't afford to be cruising around in a boat on a weekend.

Use the old straps for something else like securing a cooler inside the boat or lighter loads that are not safety sensitive.

I bet if you have one break and see your boat fly off the trailer then you will never have to think twice about making this kind of decision again.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

I bet if you have one break and see your boat fly off the trailer then you will never have to think twice about making this kind of decision again.

That's funny!

There fine. All the cheap ones do that. Think about changing them next season as posted above though. Have fun.

 

[TMoNeE]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

straps are cheap, just buy some new ones.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

That's funny!

There fine. All the cheap ones do that. Think about changing them next season as posted above though. Have fun.

Yeah it's always funny to someone else, I'm sure you are of the opinion that it can't happen, the options are pretty simple, be a cheapskate and risk somones safety or just replace the straps and not have to wonder.

Once they start coming apart, you have absolutely no way of knowing how long they will last, and unfortunately it's usually the person behind your rig that will pay the price, but wait......that could be why you could care less.

 

[j_martin]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

I had a set like that. One broke on a rough back road going up to the Cross Lake campground. Boat didn't depart, but I wound up buying a 22 dollar set of Atwood straps (very nice, I like them) for about 4o bucks way out in the country.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

I had a set like that. One broke on a rough back road going up to the Cross Lake campground. Boat didn't depart, but I wound up buying a 22 dollar set of Atwood straps (very nice, I like them) for about 4o bucks way out in the country.

Sounds like you were on county road 3.....lol. I have spent the last 3 weekends up in Cross Lake up on Big Trout restoring my Baretta. They did some work to 3 so it' not so bad. In case you didn't know, the Fleet Farm up there in Baxter/Brainerd has a lot of marine supplies and they are pretty reasonably priced, beats paying the dealers and C stores the big markup, but I also understand when you are in a bind then sometimes ya gotta bite the bullet.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

If in doubt, throw them out !!!!

 

[snowman48047]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Install the straps and look to see if the strap is rubbing on anything on the boat too. I have seen many that will rub on the lower edge of aluminum boats and will get cut. To remedy this cut a 6x6 square of outdoor carpet from one of the big home fix it stores and put it between the boat and strap. It will extend the life of the strap.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Install the straps and look to see if the strap is rubbing on anything on the boat too. I have seen many that will rub on the lower edge of aluminum boats and will get cut. To remedy this cut a 6x6 square of outdoor carpet from one of the big home fix it stores and put it between the boat and strap. It will extend the life of the strap.

That's how we deliver them new on the semi, we put carpet between any part of the boat that makes contact with the stepdeck trailer they are delivered on, and in between the straps and the boat as well........and no I will not make a pit stop by anyone's house and drop off a new boat and say lost it.

It's amazing how many other truck drivers ask me that question out on the road, if anyone gets a new one, it will be me first.....lol.

 

[Treager]

Re: When to replace transom straps?

Any signs of weathering or fraying should be replaced immediately. There is a significant drop-off in break strength once the integrity of the strap has been compromised.