Boat with no transom hooks! What to do?

[Chris51280]

I got my 1990 Century bowrider about 2 years ago. There are no transom hooks installed. I do have 2 large eyelets on the side of the trailer. So what I did is, I ran a strap over the sun deck/ engine hatch to keep the boat from bouncing and have it secured to the trailer. This should increase the friction over the bunks quite a bit. The fron is secured with a chain and the winch going under the bow stop. Anybody else had a boat with no transom hooks? I know the strap is too small and a bigger one is being used now.
The collapsed bunk has been replaced and moved forward so it is flush with the transom

 

[JimS123]

In the olden days transom eyes were used with a bridle to tow a skier. Tying the boat down to the trailer was an added benefit. Those without them had alternate tiedown equipment.

In later years, with the advent of center mounted ski hooks (I see you have one) they were no longer needed for skiing, but still necessary for trailering. I can't believe your Century doesn't have them. (there are none under the swim platform? - you have to crawl down to see them?)

Regardless, it's an easy add-on. If you have access inside the boat to the transom (and thus can put washers and nuts on), a good SS eye only costs a coupleabucks. If no access, then what you are doing is appropriate.

 

[dingbat]

I have transom hooks but don’t / can’t use them.
Snapped two sets of transom straps (rub trim tabs) before I gave up and bought a good, heavy duty 3” ratchet strap for over the gunwale.

No problems whatsoever

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/3-x-20-Yellow-Ratchet-Strap-w-Wire-Hooks

 

[Scott Danforth]

many boats use the large strap across the aft end

however they are a bit wider (about 2-2.5")

 

[jimmbo]

Serious scuffing of the Gelcoat and damage to sunpads can occur from Straps running Port - Starboard. I guess Barriers can be placed on corners and sunpads to reduce it. As mentioned above, Tow Eyes, can probably added to most Transoms, even if some Glasswork is needed on the Transom for strength

 

[dingbat]

Serious scuffing of the Gelcoat and damage to sunpads can occur from Straps running Port - Starboard. I guess Barriers can be placed on corners and sunpads to reduce it.

These work like a charm.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/indiana...MI7cTezsym6QIVkIbACh0vcAAsEAQYAyABEgLpQfD_BwE

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, you do have rear cleats. Use them to hold the boat to the trailer.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Gee, you do have rear cleats. Use them to hold the boat to the trailer.

Seems like a good way to snap off a cleat or possible tear it clean out of the hull. Not much reinforcing in the fiberglass below a cleat, usually.

 

[JimS123]

Seems like a good way to snap off a cleat or possible tear it clean out of the hull. Not much reinforcing in the fiberglass below a cleat, usually.

That's also why you don't ever use a cleat to tow anything.

Been there, seen that.

 

[Chris51280]

Seems like a good way to snap off a cleat or possible tear it clean out of the hull. Not much reinforcing in the fiberglass below a cleat, usually.

I agree. Thats why I did not use them

 

[Chris51280]

My gelcoat isn't the best and I will probably use a heavy duty strap over. I thought about those eyelets but after the rebuilt, I did not want to drill additional holes into the transom if I don't have to. There are none under the platform. I would know since I sanded every inch off to get rid of the anti fouling. As you can see, the eyes are on the side of the trailer

 

[dingbat]

I agree. Thats why I did not use them

I’m surprised Century doesn’t use backing plates under their cleats.

What do you tie your anchor line to?

All five of my cleats are fully backed with 1/4” alum plates. They are not going anywhere.

 

[Chris51280]

Just wood. Holds maybe 2-300 lbs

 

[Chris1956]

If your cleats are not strong that is a defect. Suppose the boat is tied to a dock during a storm? They need to perform under those conditions, as the OEM has no idea that you will trailer the boat.

If you do not have backing plates, I would recommend they be installed.

 

[JimS123]

If your cleats are not strong that is a defect. Suppose the boat is tied to a dock during a storm? They need to perform under those conditions, as the OEM has no idea that you will trailer the boat.

If you do not have backing plates, I would recommend they be installed.

Not a "defect", just lousy boat manufacture. I have actually seen boats with not only no backer, but they were installed from the top merely with screws!

Adding a backer is sometimes nearly impossible. Especially on boats with an inner hull. Somehow you have to be able to access the back side.

 

[webbcraft2150]

My 2150 Webbcraft only had tie down points above the integrated swim platform. Not a good choice. I travel with the drive up. I ran my heavy duty rachet strap from the trailer tie down points over the large “guide ears” on the transom plate. Cinch er down tight. Have had no issues. Holds good. I just have to make sure I take the strap off before dropping drive.

 

[jonesg]

I got my 1990 Century bowrider about 2 years ago. There are no transom hooks installed. I do have 2 large eyelets on the side of the trailer. So what I did is, I ran a strap over the sun deck/ engine hatch to keep the boat from bouncing and have it secured to the trailer. This should increase the friction over the bunks quite a bit. The fron is secured with a chain and the winch going under the bow stop. Anybody else had a boat with no transom hooks? I know the strap is too small and a bigger one is being used now.
The collapsed bunk has been replaced and moved forward so it is flush with the transom
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/forums.iboats.com\/filedata\/fetch?photoid=10657039"**[/IMG2]

That strap looks terribly flimsy, I used a 3 inch wide version with all metal ratchet.

 

[Chris51280]

I got my 1990 Century bowrider about 2 years ago. There are no transom hooks installed. I do have 2 large eyelets on the side of the trailer. So what I did is, I ran a strap over the sun deck/ engine hatch to keep the boat from bouncing and have it secured to the trailer. This should increase the friction over the bunks quite a bit. The fron is secured with a chain and the winch going under the bow stop. Anybody else had a boat with no transom hooks? I know the strap is too small and a bigger one is being used now.
The collapsed bunk has been replaced and moved forward so it is flush with the transom
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/forums.iboats.com\/filedata\/fetch?photoid=10657039"**[/IMG2]

As mentioned JimS123