Bow Tie down?

[EPcaptain]

I was reading my trailer manual and it recommended a tie down (straight down from bow eye to trailer tongue....in addition to the normal crank line that pulls forward and your safety chain). I have never seen anyone do this but was thinking about doing it since the manual advises it. I can lift my bow up (even when the forward crank line is tight) so the down tie would make it more stable. It has trailered well so far on 3 trips of about 4 hours. They sell some bow tie downs for this purpose in Overtons. Thoughts? Any experience with these or problems from lack of one? THANKS

 

[Larry Carnahan]

Re: Bow Tie down?

In addition to the winch cable on my trailer, I have a chain keeper and a bow tie down. One of my buddies was laughing at my extra efforts to keep the boat on the trailer, but at least I don't worry that it will be there no matter what - panic stops or rough roads.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Bow Tie down?

Hmm. I'll give you my 2 cents:<br /><br />When a boat is tied down it forms a rigid 'frame' when it bonds to the trailer frame. So it all becomes much more stable.<br /><br />Personally I use a front tiedown that is 45 degrees and keeps the boat forward and down + a rear tiedown. I always release the winch while under way to avoid stress on it's mechanism and to feel more safe (wire under load could snap ).

 

[roscoe]

Re: Bow Tie down?

Yes, use the front tie down. It will keep it from bouncing and pounding on the trailer, better for your boat and trailer. Also an added margin of safety.