trailer tie downs

[spartanpele]

Is there a minimum number of tie downs I should be using to keep my boat on my trailer? I have the front bow area clip and strap winch, and in the back I have the stern attached by one tie on teh right and one tie on the left. Does that seem like enough? The boat is a 17ft Bayliner cuddy sitting on an old Encore trailer.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[milkyway]

Re: trailer tie downs

Hook another on the bow eye and tie the other end diagonally towards the stern. This will prevent the boat from sliding forward when you have to make sudden stops. The vertical strap prevents the bow from bouncing. The rear straps you know already. Last strap you may want to consider is for the the beam - holds the boat firmly on the trailer.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: trailer tie downs

Thanks for the info. I think I'll use loops at the end of the ropes, and then use rubber/corded bungies at the ends to make it easier to get the tie downs on and off.

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: trailer tie downs

I use a nylon strap and ratchet-buckle for my tie-downs, very convenient, strong and they're availble cheaply many places these days. Since the tie-down is meant to either keep the boat on the trailer, or keep the trailer on the boat, seems like solid or corded bungies wouldn't really be strong enough...?

 

[QC]

Re: trailer tie downs

Yeah, I am with wreck rider and milkyway on this one. Use the ratchet type, and get one for the bow. A good trick is to give the brakes a reasonably hard pump after you retrieve and before you tie her down. This way you eliminate the slop you might get after the first hard stop. I don't like leaving any saefty up to the winch strap. Broken those winchin' up, so you know they're questionable in an emergency situation . . .

 

[Navigator]

Re: trailer tie downs

One of the best tie-down straps you can find is one of those 3 inch wide ratchet type nylon straps they use to tie down cargo on Semi Trucks. You can pick them up almost anywhere for around 20 bucks.<br /><br />Regardless of what type off straps you use, make sure you dont strap it down TOO tight. If your rollers or bunks aren't adjusted perfectly, you could actually damage the hull by winching it down too tight.<br /><br />Nav

 

[BUBBLES II]

Re: trailer tie downs

I have a chain hooked to the bow eye, as well as a winch strap.