What size and type tie down straps are needed

[seanymph85]

I have a 14" Aluminum V-Hull boat and there were no tie down straps at all on it when I purchased it. I would like to add a pair if tie down straps running from the frame, over the gunwales of the boat and down to frame on other side. I used to have a ratcheting type on a 14" fiberglass tri-hull that I had years ago and like those but don't know if the ratchet type is overkill for this application.

I need an idea of what width and or break strength would be recommended for this application. There is only one existing attachment point for the straps near the end of the trailer and I thought I would add the CE Smith tie down brackets (1 pair) to the frame near the middle of the boat and towards the one end of the trailer bunks.

Any suggestions on this topic are always appreciated.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I use a 500 pound rated ratchet strap to hold down a 14' aluminum jon.

 

[Maclin]

Regarding strength, look at it like the strap(s) holds the trailer "up" to the boat rather than the straps holding the boat down. Just saying that the weight of the trailer plus a safety factor is the rating I would start with.

 

[redneck joe]

walmart motorcycle strap for that light of an application.

 

[airshot]

Load strength and break strength are two different things. I would recommend a two inch wide strap with a 500 lb min load strength, the break strength is much higher, your choice of cam buckle or rachet. Most any hole in the frame or even wrap the strap around the frame and hook onto itself will be more than enough for a 14' alum boat. I use cam buckles to hold my kayak onto my roof rack at highway speed without issue. The two inch wide strap will be easier to handle than a one inch wide strap.

 

[jayhanig]

Regarding strength, look at it like the strap(s) holds the trailer "up" to the boat rather than the straps holding the boat down. Just saying that the weight of the trailer plus a safety factor is the rating I would start with.

I agree. As for your question as to using the rachet type strap, that is really the only readily available strap I consider absolutely secure. You can buy them at any home center or auto parts store, unlike specialized transom straps, and they're cheaper, and they absolutely won't pop off or slip if you snug them up properly..

 

[seanymph85]

Thanks for all of the tips. They have given me some helpful direction on this topic. Makes sense about "holding the trailer up to boat as well".
I will go with the 2" 500 lb. min load strength or higher and a ratchet type design. May look at the transom strap later on but think two straps like the ones suggested should hold on this lightweight application.

Nice picture and setup of the ~~2003 3500 Cummins | 1979 Carver Montego 2357 | 260 Mercruiser pre Alpha | 2006 Nissan 15hp kicker

 

[redneck joe]

thanks and good luck

 

[redneck joe]

 

[Maclin]

Hey redneckjoe, what "bearing" does this have on the thread

 

[redneck joe]

dam too many open tabs. I'd delete it, but then no one would get your joke....

 

[Maclin]

LOL!

 

[seanymph85]

The ratchet type tie down strap I used years ago on a tri-hull boat allowed you to crank/tighten the ratchet portion of the strap across the center of the boat. I have no idea if this type of strap is available these days or what it would be called.

Many of the straps I have looked at had a fixed position short end that the ratchet was attached to so from what I could see you would have to crank/tighten the strap on the side of the boat which also left potential for the ratchet to contact and possibly scratch the side of the boat.

I am uncertain with the fixed length straps that say have the ratchet end attached to a 12" or 18" piece of webbing, how you would determine what length would best fit your application.