Trailer strap/chain difference and bow strap

[keith2k455]

Lucky me, we just pulled home our first boat, a 2003 Crownline 210 BR on a prestige trailer. Boat and trailer are in great shape, but I have a few safety questions. There is no bow strap/chain, just the winch. Will a properly sized ratchet strap work or do I need a chain for the bow? Also, there are safety cables instead of chains up front on the tongue, one of which needs replaced because of fraying. These are 24" long, which I just can't find. Can I replace with chains or do I need to keep the cables for trailer brakes? Thanks Keith

 

[oldjeep]

Chains or cables, doesn't matter - just a personal preference. Most new trailers seem to come with cables.

Plenty of 24" cables available if you google.
http://recstuff.com/24class-2vinylcoatedtrailersafetycablesandhook.aspx

As for the bow safety - chain is generally what you see. My boat doesn't have one either and I keep thinking I should add one.

 

[haulnazz15]

Chains or cables, doesn't matter - just a personal preference. Most new trailers seem to come with cables.

Plenty of 24" cables available if you google.
http://recstuff.com/24class-2vinylcoatedtrailersafetycablesandhook.aspx

As for the bow safety - chain is generally what you see. My boat doesn't have one either and I keep thinking I should add one.

Agreed on all counts, including the part about current boat not having the bow chain, but probably should.

 

[keith2k455]

Well, thanks for the link. I checked etrailer and some local websites with no luck. I may just switch to chains because I like to keep stuff off the ground and I can walk in to a store and grab em.

 

[oldjeep]

Well, thanks for the link. I checked etrailer and some local websites with no luck. I may just switch to chains because I like to keep stuff off the ground and I can walk in to a store and grab em.

The coiled cables stay off the ground better than chains and don't restrict movement.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I have a Prestige trailer, too. Just last year, I replaced my safety cables with chains. The cables were nice, because they were coiled and stayed up off the ground, but they were getting dangerous from all the little rusty wires poking out. I bought some big chains and they've worked very well.

My bow safety chain is a length of heavy chair attached to the bow eye with a shackle. I loop it around the trailer frame and use a second shackle to attach the end link to the chain descending from the bow eye. A bit of bicycle inner tube surrounding the chain protects the trailer's paint from scratches. I personally wouldn't trust a ratchet strap; you'd need an awfully large strap to give you the same holding power as a decent piece of chain.

 

[dingbat]

The coiled cables stay off the ground better than chains and don't restrict movement.

Yeah, just make sure you get the ones with the clear covers....not the black ones. Can't see the cable rusting before failure.

Changed from chains to cable. Chains where a rusted mess (SW) after a couple of years of use.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Chains are IMHO way better than cable..... I have both. As for the bow... Best answer is us a safety chain AND a ratchet to stop any bouncing.

 

[haulnazz15]

The coiled cables stay off the ground better than chains and don't restrict movement.

True, but simply twisting the chain once or twice before attaching it to the tow vehicle will take out the excess slack and is normally an easy solution.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Replaced mine (amazon) 31 inches. Class 2 chain. I think..5000lb. Was like 20bucks.. chains is my call

 

[cliffblue]

If using chain for bow safety, what is the best way to connect to the bow eye that is secure yet easy to attach and remove?

 

[UncleWillie]

If using chain for bow safety, what is the best way to connect to the bow eye that is secure yet easy to attach and remove?

An S-Hook with Latch is quick and easy.

 

[riptide09]

I had safety chains on my trailer until last year when I needed to replace them. After looking things over and having a few discussions here on this board I decided to go with cables. So far I have no complaints and actually prefer the cables to the chains.

 

[kjsAZ]

Reading this I get the feeling that two to three things are discussed in parallel. The trailer safety chain or cable and the bow-stop to bow-eye chain or cable and maybe even the hold down chain or cable or strap from the bow-eye to the trailer frame......
If you have surge breakes carefully check the safety chain length (vehicle to trailer). With most trailers if the chain doesn't "wipe the street" they are so short that your break-away brake cable won't be activated in case the trailer jumps of the hitch. In this case the coiled cables are a lot better (I have them too for this reason). For the bow-stop to bow-eye a short piece of chain with an S-hook is just fine and for tie-down of the bow-eye to the trailer frame I use a piece of chain w/o any plastic around as that only traps water and a turnbuckle to tighten it. S-hooks on both sides.The boat never sits exactly at the same position.....

 

[JASinIL2006]

No Title

If using chain for bow safety, what is the best way to connect to the bow eye that is secure yet easy to attach and remove?

This is my setup (assuming I can post a picture...). Just make sure the hardware is rated for the same load as the chain, and put a drainage hole in the rubber so water doesn't collect.

 

[Thundra]

Winch strap-which is replaced every 5-6 years.

Safety chain from winch mount to bow eye.

Chain/turnbuckle from bow eye to trailer tongue.

Covered.

 

[Thundra]

Winch strap-which is replaced every 5-6 years.

Safety chain from winch mount to bow eye.

Chain/turnbuckle from bow eye to trailer tongue.

Covered.

 

[JimS123]

A bow safety chain hanging loose will catch the boat as it is flying in mid air after you have an incident. A bow tie down (chain and turnbuckle, or HD nylon ratchet strap) will keep the boat on the trailer so it doesn't need to be "caught". If you have ever seen an "incident" you would understand.

 

[Stumpalump]

A bow safety chain hanging loose will catch the boat as it is flying in mid air after you have an incident. A bow tie down (chain and turnbuckle, or HD nylon ratchet strap) will keep the boat on the trailer so it doesn't need to be "caught". If you have ever seen an "incident" you would understand.

I used to go around the middle of the boat with a strap like that. I think out of the 10 boats I've had only one had a bow eye safety chain. I just use a rope that I keep tied to the trailer as one now. The most important are the stern ratchet straps. In an incident they stop the boat from going forward. When the do that they ride up on the front of the trailer and slam your drive on the asphalt. Now you have a busted bow and busted drive but if was tied down you may only have a bent tongue. It amazes me how many hook up with just the winch and go down the road.