Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

[Homerr]

I was looking at those 'Boat Buckles' for securing the back of the boat to the trailer.<br /><br />These are basically a ratcheting tie down that permanently attatch to the trailer.<br /><br />I've seen a few different brands, but I'm not sure if I want to pay the price for them (around the $70 range)<br /><br />Anyone use them? Pros/Cons ?<br /><br />H.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

Just another way to separate you from your money. Tie down straps are a fraction of the cost and over time you won't have to worry about the ratchet mechanism rusting from constant dunking. If the tie downs get a little frayed, they can be replaced cheaply.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

I just put a set of ratcheting tiedowns on my trailer...Rodsaver stainless f/ Walmart...here's why:<br /><br />When I'm in the water, the straps go in the boat. If they stay on the trailer it's 2 less things I have to keep track of.<br /><br />The overcenter 'buckles' can bite your fingers when you close them up, and I'm never sure how tight to make them.<br /><br />The extra strap on the overcenter 'buckles' needs to be cut off (I can't do it) or securely tucked away or it flaps in the breeze going down the road.<br /><br />I've towed 1,000 miles to my destination. As the boat settles to the trailer, the overcenter 'buckle' type straps need adjustment--sometimes 2 or 3 times on the trip. I'm thinking the ratcheting jobs might take up their own slack or at least they'll be easier to snug at the rest area.<br /><br />I've got a 500 mile run to FL this weekend; I'll let you know how the new ratcheting straps work out.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

Hommer.. Here's what I got.. Beats the heck out of anything i ever used before..<br />

<br />I have one of these bolted to back of both my trailers.. I use a heavy 2" commercial load strap over the gunnels..<br />The winches are $6.00 at Northerntool, and the 20 foot long straps are about $12 to $15 bucks.. <br /><br />Two minor downsides.. #1, you need a wrench to tighten em' down.. #2, the winch only lasts about two years after saltwater use, but at $6 bucks a pop, even a year would be fine with me...

 

[Realgun]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

Its a good Idea. I really hate mine the length I need is about 14 inches and the ty downs are like 10 feet. I hate all that extra length. I also dont like that flip handle. I aways get pinched with it.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

A real knuckle saver, at a price.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

I put the stainless steel models on my trailer. Best thing since sliced bread IMHO. You pop them off and you don't have to worry about putting them in the truck, in the boat or anywhere else. Then, when you recover, the straps are right there- pull 'em out, hook 'em up and ratchet 'em down. Quick, easy and painless. I bought the stainless models so they don't rust and get stiff. <br /><br /> Well worth the money if you ask me.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

Another reason I love my boat slip..at ANY cost

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Boat buckles... Anyone use them?

I'm back from my first 1,000 trailer miles with the stainless Rodsaver ratcheting transom tie downs.<br /><br />I'd have sprung the $80 a long time ago if I'd have known what a delight these things are. In addition to the advantages previously mentioned, when I got the boat home and wanted to clean up the transom, instead of working around the straps I just let them slip into their holders.<br /><br />The only thing that remains to be seen is how long they'll hold up with salt water use, but in the meantime...I heartily recommend them.