Transom/tiedown straps: yes or no

[22Howard]

Do you use boat transom tie down straps while towing? If not, why not?

The trailer on my old boat had tiedown points welded on for strapping the boat down. My current boat trailer does not have any provision for strapping the boat down to the trailer. To be honest, there is not anything strong enough to attach to on the transom that would hold the boat to the trailer in the event of an accident etc. It seems that the boat and trailer should be "attached" to one another more soundly than most of them seem to be.

 

[tunnel vision]

Some insurance companies will void your insurance if you don't have any.


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[Hye Power]

Yes use them cause the boat came with them.

 

[ka0tyk]

hell yes. even a giant boat on a trailer will move around. will they absolutely prevent the boat from leaving the trailer in the event of an accident? maybe, maybe not, but why take the chance of having a 2-5000 pound missile behind you?

 

[charlyox]

I always use them. Have you seen some of the pics posted on here of people that didn't use them? It only takes a minute to put them on.

 

[Nord]

Using them also prevents spider web cracking in gel toward the bottom of transom from bouncing on the trailer.


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[Caydens Cat]

Absolutely! That's what they are meant for.

You tie down the bow, right?

 

[GregG]

Yep, be sure to use them. Cheap safety measure like clipping the lanyard.

 

[spectras only]

Using them also prevents spider web cracking in gel toward the bottom of transom from bouncing on the trailer.


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It also saves the bunks/fasteners from getting hammered each time the boat bouncing off the trailer.

This was my old trailer with cheapo straps.My new trailer has loops to attach the hooks but I opted for the retractable straps that's bolted on the trailer. It's pretty cheap for a pair and good insurance.

 

[tunnel vision]

Using them also prevents spider web cracking in gel toward the bottom of transom from bouncing on the trailer.


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X2


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[Buoy]

The correct answer is "yes" use them.

But, I admit, I hauled my boat 1800 miles with just a bow strap and safety chain, and I've also hauled another boat from HB to AZ without transom straps, and that one didn't have motors:yikes

 

[rivermobster]

Some of you guys need to stop towing off road!

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[Yellowboat]

always.

 

[LB247XS]

Always use them

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[Classic Daycruiser]

Always use them

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To hold down the boat? :headscratch:

I'll bet those straps (and hardware), at best are rated 500lbs each. :eek

That rating above would only apply for approximately 6 months, stored in an outside condition, then drop off quickly to less than 250lb rating do to age of fabric.

Might as well tie that boat down with dental floss, because those straps will pop, just before the hardware and the 1/4" steel frame they are attached to come apart.

Or, continue to think those straps are going to do anything



Those with a small boat on a single axle trailer, the rig is unstable to start with. The weight of the boat is much less, meaning the straps rated at 500 lb each "might" hold the boat on the trailer during a sudden stop or roll over.

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

Some insurance companies will void your insurance if you don't have any.


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Would they cover a boat with straps not up to par, or straps that have aged over a year or two?

 

[Deano]

To hold down the boat? :headscratch:

I'll bet those straps (and hardware), at best are rated 500lbs each. :eek

That rating above would only apply for approximately 6 months, stored in an outside condition, then drop off quickly to less than 250lb rating do to age of fabric.

Might as well tie that boat down with dental floss, because those straps will pop, just before the hardware and the 1/4" steel frame they are attached to come apart.

Or, continue to think those straps are going to do anything



Those with a small boat on a single axle trailer, the rig is unstable to start with. The weight of the boat is much less, meaning the straps rated at 500 lb each "might" hold the boat on the trailer during a sudden stop or roll over.

OR you could look at it as the straps holding the trailer to the boat...

 

[RitcheyRch]

I always use them. My boat doesnt have an area to attach to so I attach them to the jackplate.

 

[Nord]

If you don't use them your boat will have stress cracks on the back corners from bouncing if you tow any distance.