Tie down straps

[RSR1010]

I have just purchased a 2001 Sea Ray 225 with a roller trailer, I am looking for the best way to tie boat to trailer when going to ramp, the stern of the boat overhangs the trailer and it is not easy to secure it to trailer even though the boat and trailer have tie down spots you have to bring straps from stern tie down under boat transom then to trailer holes by doing this you loose strength on straps is there something I am missing ? is there a better way to do this? so I feel more safe ? the beam of the boat is 8' 6" it just seems that when the straps go under transom (and rest against it) you cannot get the straps as tight as if you just went directly from boat to trailer. Thank you in advance for everyone's help.

 

[QC]

Re: Tie down straps

Pictures? I have no experience with a roller trailer, but I understand the concern. It seems like the trailer is too small. Can you move the winch to get the boat forward to alleviate this? Of course then you might have a tongue weight issue . . .

 

[RSR1010]

Re: Tie down straps

The trailer was purchased from a marina by the previous owner the trailer seems fine and the weight at the ball is good only about 100 Lbs for a 4,000 Lb. boat it trailers great no sway ect.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Tie down straps

Are you using ratcheting tie downs...I know what you mean, my straps have to wrap around the bottom of the transom too somewhat but a couple of good cranks on the ratchet tie downs and its very tight.

 

[RSR1010]

Re: Tie down straps

The ratchet ones were given to me and they were about 6" to short I brought her home with the cheaper type that you have to pull on to tighten and it is very hard to get them real secure they loosened up just a bit and I was only on the road for a short time.

 

[mikeroche]

Re: Tie down straps

not trying to be mean but dont be cheap go get 2inch wide ratchet straps if somthing happens up front the only thing holding your boat is the back straps,seen it happen to many times, bad tie down = road kill

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Tie down straps

You apparently have some setup issues. 1) 100# tongue weight for a 4000# load is way too light. 7 - 10% is recommended by most trailer manufacturers. 2) If the boat overhangs the trailer it is too far back. The last roller should sit directly under the transom. 3) Moving the winch post forward would bring the boat forward, add the necessary tongue weight and get the last rollers closer to the stern. If you can't move the winch post any farther forward, you may have the wrong trailer for the boat. Pictures would help.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Tie down straps

Even when you get the boat positioned properly on the trailer, the straps will most likely still ride on the bottom edge of the transom. The better tie downs have a secondary adjustable sleeve on them that can be positioned right at the stress point. It prevents chafing and gives added strength, so no worries.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Tie down straps

And whatever you do, if you are boating in salt water, get stainless steel tiedowns. Before I went SS for everything, I was going through corroded ratchet tie downs about once a month.

 

[QC]

Re: Tie down straps

Wow ^^^^^ mine (95% freshwater) are 6 seasons old. Faded, but all else is good.

 

[RSR1010]

Re: Tie down straps

Is there any type of an extension strap I could purchase ( maybe through IBoats ) that could be used with the good ratchet straps (retractable) my straps are only about 6" short because of being on an angle.