Meltrail Question

orion208

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2003
Messages
134
I have a Meltrail trailer with carpeted bunks,carrying a 19 ft cuddy.My question is am I required by law (in Canada) to have "tie downs" I have been using it without for 2 years now but was just wondering why I see some with and some without.On the bunks the boat does not move at all so I really dont see the point for tie downs.Any responce appreciated.Thanks.
 

cdivrmike

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2004
Messages
57
Re: Meltrail Question

I would use them just for peace of mind. I would hate to see my boat jumping around if I hit a good size bump or pothole.
 

wayne h

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
862
Re: Meltrail Question

tie downs are a must the only thing holding your boat on is a winch strap or cable and usually a cheap 1 at that
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Meltrail Question

Originally posted by Star Baby:<br /> I have a Meltrail trailer with carpeted bunks,carrying a 19 ft cuddy.My question is am I required by law (in Canada) to have "tie downs" I have been using it without for 2 years now but was just wondering why I see some with and some without.On the bunks the boat does not move at all so I really dont see the point for tie downs.Any responce appreciated.Thanks.
This is probably going to come across as harsh, but Why wouldn't you use tie downs? Imagine if you're in an accident and/or the trailer gets loose for some reason. Would you rather have the boat attached to the trailer or go flying off without it?<br /><br />Of course, none of us ever expect this to happen, but **** does indeed happen in spite of the best of care.<br /><br />Second reason- it's just better for the boat if it's securely tied down to the trailer. Even though you might not notice it, there's some tiny bouncing going on and securing that will minimize that stress.<br /><br />Finally, there was a post recently in one of the forums on this site about a guy who went around a corner and his boat flew off the trailer.<br /><br />I'm with you in that my boat sits more than securely on the trailer without straps, but for the above two reasons, it seems very foolish to me not to strap it down.
 

orion208

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2003
Messages
134
Re: Meltrail Question

Thanks for the help.BTW the cuddy is sterndrive (not that it really matters in this case) but yes I will definately get tie downs before my next trip.Do you think I would be ok with the "rachet style" that goes right around the boat or do I need the 2 at stern as well.I am just trying to think at the stern where would they latch onto?
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Meltrail Question

Either works fine. I like the stern (transom) straps) just because on my aluminum boat, the kind that goes over the gunwales caused some discoloration from rubbing on the aluminum and flapping against the side of the boat. No damage, just an obvious place where the oxidized finish was different. I also the think transom straps are easier to attach and remove. The vain part of me also thinks that they're a cleaner look.<br /><br />For transom tie-downs, I'll bet your boat has eyelets in each upper corner of the transom - that's where they're generally hooked. If you have any doubt about the strength of the eyelets either just use the gunwale kind of strap or check with your boat dealer.<br /><br />The trailers generally have eyelets also. Sometimes they're directly under those boat eyelets at the rear corners of the trailer. Mine are on the sides of the trailer towards the rear so the transom straps kind of wrap around the corner of the transom as they go to hook onto the trailer. Therefore the force of the strap is downward and forward - pushing the boat into the winch post, keeping everything snug. I used the same trailer points when I was using the gunwale strap.<br /><br />By the way, instead of using a generic ratchet type of strap, get the kind that are made for boats. They are designed with a simple lever tightener rather than a ratchet - and it's much easier to use in a situation like this where you're essentially using the same length every time and just need to cinch it down instead of threading a long bit of excess strap through the ratchet and then trying to figure out where to put it so it doesn't flap in the wind. BTDT
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Meltrail Question

PS: I also use a little strap at the bow that goes from the bow eye straight down to the trailer. Just because of the way my boat balances on the trailer, it bounced a little at the bow and this stopped that. But it's not a bad idea in general. I doubt that this would be an issue with your stern drive - that weight is much more centered rather than hanging off the back like a big outboard (and mine's worse- it sits about a foot back of the transom on a scissors type jack lift (Quicksilver paralift).
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: Meltrail Question

D., <br /><br />good tip on the front eye tiedown, in a severe braking situation it also stops the boat 'riding up' the winch post. Where my bow meets the 'Y' on the post, the paint is worn due to the boat (slightly) riding up and down. The front tiedown stopped this happenning.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Northern Eclipse

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
665
Re: Meltrail Question

Hey Star just to fill ya in 'Yes' tie downs at the transom are required in Ontario, has well has a safety chain or bow tie down in addition to just winch strap/cable, also don't forget 2 saftey chains required on trailer also, and must be crossed when hooked up, If not and Cam Wolley from the OPP see's ya he's gonna fine ya, and they do catch a bunch of folks with unsafe vehicles and unsafe loads in trucks and trailers. I passed a guy yesterday On the 400 at highway 93 towing a boat trailer, that was so bent that the right trailer wheel was sticking out almost 3 feet past the side of the van towing it, and the left side was tracking almost in the middle of the van inline with the hitch, that trailer was swinging all over the road, took me a bit before I felt it was safe to get passed, when I did I noticed there was no chains or light harness hooked up either. I can't believe there are still morons like this that don't give a Rats @zz about others safety, I hope Cam saw him, becuase I know he was about another 75k's down the road.
 
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