Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

[Moody Blue]

I am in the process of adding trim tabs and discovered that I can no longer use the transom rings to secure the boat to the trailer. It is a 14ft boat with a beam of 63". With the trim tabs, transducer and speed sensor mounted on the stern there is no where to run a strap to the trailer without hitting something. I was thinking of running a strap across the top of the boat near the stern and forgetting about the stern straps. What do you think. Any other ideas ?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Ayuh,........ Plan A, sounds like a Winner......

 

[JB]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

I have rigged several boats, up to 18', with the over-the-hull straps near the stern, RodC.<br /><br />Works well, especially with ratchet buckles.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

My transom straps run from the eyes near the upper/outer corner of the transom, around and forward to trailer connections that are on the side frames of the trailer, just a little forward of the transom (between the wheels and the end of the trailer). This is opposed to transom straps that would run from the eye straight down to a trailer connection at the rear of the trailer, on the rear cross-brace. This is similar for the past two boats I've had, so it's common. The transom straps never come anywhere near the bottom of the transom, where trim tabs or transducers would be.<br /><br />Other than that, the type of strap that goes over the gunwales (generally called a gunwale strap?) works fine - but those generally involve trailer frame connections at the point (a little forward of the rear) like I described above. If your trailer has them, try going from them up and around the transom to the transom eyes. Good luck.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

I agree with D. Sounds like the same set-up I have and works well. Around the sides and down to the trailer.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

I like it D. Scratched my head over this problem for a while and that approach never occured to me. Brilliant! I am always amazed by the amount of knowledge on these forums. Thanks guys.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Or, you purchase some new eyes (transom rings), and put them somewhere where they won't interfere with anything.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Done the same thing that JB did. Throw a strap over the stern and hook the end on both sides and use the ratchet and tighten it down. At the present moment I am using a 1" web strap but am in the process of obtaining a wider web strap with bigger ratchet (maybe a 2 1/2" web Strap)more secure. It hold down the boat to the trailer pretty good.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Just make sure the bow eye is firmly attached to the winch cable/strap, because a strap around the rear of the boat will not keep it from slipping backwards if the bow eye becomes disonnected. The transom straps prevent the boat from slipping off the trailer.<br /><br />Depending on your boats design, you may be able to attach a transome strap to a a two link length of chain that has one link attached to a motor transom through bolt. That will bring the straps in closer to the o/b and probably clear the trim tabs.<br /><br />BTW, how is launching a boat with trim tabs? Are they Smart Tabs brand?<br /><br />Mark.

 

[flashback]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

I've always used the strap over the trans too, not only is it secure, it is a lot more visable so you don't launch your boat still tied to the trailer..

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

And twist the strap between each gunwale and the trailer eye - it stops the strap flapping as you tow, and this prevents scuff marks on the sides of the boat.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

All great ideas guys, thanks. I've settled on the strap over the stern approach. Just purchased a nice 1 1/2" 3300Ib ratchet strap. Quick and simple and as flashback pointed out I am less likely to forget it while launching. After careful consideration and experimenting I found this to be the best approach for my boat. <br />Mark42, I have yet to install the tabs. They are home-made but similar to the self adjusting ones. Hope they don't cause me any grief when launching. Wouldn't know what to do with all the extra holes in the transom if I had to remove them

 

[flashback]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Rodc, This sounds interesting, what did you use to "self adjust" the tabs?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

flashback I looked at a couple of different ideas based on feedback from other members here. I can't justify/afford (get the wife to agree) real trim tabs so I have to settle on making my own. I have lots of time right now but no money. Thought about fixed tabs, turnbuckle adjustable and then compression springs. From what I read the fixed approach was not recommended. The spring idea didn't work out because of the linear spring rate of the coil springs. The turn buckle seemed most simple but clumsy. I searched for and settled on nitrogen charged gas cylinders as the actuators. Basically act like a constant rate coil spring. These "gas springs" are the only thing I had to buy. The Smarttabs use the same type component as the actuator. With materials I had laying around the shop (alum angle, S/S plate, hinges etc)I was able to produce tabs that look quite respectable for about $50.00 CDN. No idea if they will work or not. The lake is still about 90% covered in ice so it will be a few weeks before I get on the water to try them. Hopefully I can get them installed this weekend.

 

[flashback]

Re: Transom Tie Down - other ideas ?

Let me know how they work.. most likely won't hold up to the watery environment very long, but heck, if you need to replace the cylinders every couple of years, who cares.. I can understand the limited funds..