Trailer straps/tie-downs

[BKlingel418]

Can anyone recommend some good trailer straps/tie-downs? I usually just use the harbor freight ratchet straps, but would like to get a product that's made for strapping down a boat to a trailer.

[XstreamVking]

Ratchet straps are ok, just get the heavy ones. You need to figure the weight of the rig and add some for some inertia encountered like if the trailer flipped. 2'' strap width and 10k load limit is what I use for my small boats. For my 26' boat I use 2 of them.

[home made tunnel]

https://www.amazon.com/BoatBuckle-Kwik-Lok-Transom-Tie-Down-2-Inch/dp/B001GXABPY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=boat+transom+straps&qid=1557873799&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I use these BoatBuckle Kwick Lock straps. Lightning fast, rear transom eyes to the trailer. pull tight, flip down and snap. And the Velcro strap over it is where I tuck away the extra strapping.
Not to mention, they have the yellow jelly pad to not scratch your boat.

[4Speed]

I picked up a set of the Boat Buckles from Cabelas/ Bass Pro Shop for the STV. They have the ratchet and spring retraction system.

[Hydrodreams]

https://www.amazon.com/BoatBuckle-Kwik-Lok-Transom-Tie-Down-2-Inch/dp/B001GXABPY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=boat+transom+straps&qid=1557873799&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I use these BoatBuckle Kwick Lock straps. Lightning fast, rear transom eyes to the trailer. pull tight, flip down and snap. And the Velcro strap over it is where I tuck away the extra strapping.
Not to mention, they have the yellow jelly pad to not scratch your boat.

Ditto!

[XstreamVking]

400#'s haha they will look good, but will not be worth a damn if you need them.. I repaired many boats that were crashed on the road and saw how impact forces just snap the little novelty items they sell at cabella's and bass pro.

[Hydrodreams]

400#'s haha they will look good, but will not be worth a damn if you need them.. I repaired many boats that were crashed on the road and saw how impact forces just snap the little novelty items they sell at cabella's and bass pro.

Good point sir, I just looked my Starr Brand straps up and they are rated for 1700# I really like the functionality and how secure they are.

[mjw930]

400#'s haha they will look good, but will not be worth a damn if you need them.. I repaired many boats that were crashed on the road and saw how impact forces just snap the little novelty items they sell at cabella's and bass pro.
Boat buckles are perfectly fine for their intended purpose. Loads rarely exceed 50% of the trailer weight which for most on this board is less than 500 lbs. I do prefer their HD buckle with an 800 lb rating which is 1600 total. Remember, you aren’t carrying the weight of the boat, you are carrying the weight of the lightest part of the system, the trailer. IF the boat goes up the straps pull up the trailer. If the boat goes down the trailer supports the load, not the strap. The rear straps are not intended to support or stop lateral movement, only vertical. For lateral movement you should be using a good 1500 lb ratchet strap from the bow eye to the trailer center beam to augment the bow stop, winch strap and safety chain.

438858

if you run into something or something runs into you then there are lot more things on the boat or trailer that will be damaged and the straps are the least of your worries.

[BKlingel418]

Thanks guys, gonna get the boat buckles. This site and its members continue to be a great resource.

[XstreamVking]

Boat buckles are perfectly fine for their intended purpose. Loads rarely exceed 50% of the trailer weight which for most on this board is less than 500 lbs. I do prefer their HD buckle with an 800 lb rating which is 1600 total. Remember, you aren’t carrying the weight of the boat, you are carrying the weight of the lightest part of the system, the trailer. IF the boat goes up the straps pull up the trailer. If the boat goes down the trailer supports the load, not the strap. The rear straps are not intended to support or stop lateral movement, only vertical. For lateral movement you should be using a good 1500 lb ratchet strap from the bow eye to the trailer center beam to augment the bow stop, winch strap and safety chain.

438858

if you run into something or something runs into you then there are lot more things on the boat or trailer that will be damaged and the straps are the least of your worries.

Let's say it's rainy and the roads are wet. You swerve to avoid collision. Your trailer and boat slide sideways into a hi curb. (sudden stop) Then the forces to keep the boat on the trailer are fairly hi. Same with a vehicle impact to the side of the boat and trailer. Your boat has a much better chance if it stays on the trailer and does not go flying.

[stokernick]

Ditto!me too, got them from Overton's

[Captaincj]

Boat buckles are perfectly fine for their intended purpose. Loads rarely exceed 50% of the trailer weight which for most on this board is less than 500 lbs. I do prefer their HD buckle with an 800 lb rating which is 1600 total. Remember, you aren’t carrying the weight of the boat, you are carrying the weight of the lightest part of the system, the trailer. IF the boat goes up the straps pull up the trailer. If the boat goes down the trailer supports the load, not the strap. The rear straps are not intended to support or stop lateral movement, only vertical. For lateral movement you should be using a good 1500 lb ratchet strap from the bow eye to the trailer center beam to augment the bow stop, winch strap and safety chain.

438858

if you run into something or something runs into you then there are lot more things on the boat or trailer that will be damaged and the straps are the least of your worries.

Love this website. So much good information and help.

[mjw930]

Let's say it's rainy and the roads are wet. You swerve to avoid collision. Your trailer and boat slide sideways into a hi curb. (sudden stop) Then the forces to keep the boat on the trailer are fairly hi. Same with a vehicle impact to the side of the boat and trailer. Your boat has a much better chance if it stays on the trailer and does not go flying.

Good point and why I like their non stainless version which has a higher rating. I also wouldn’t use them on a big, heavy boat but for most here, where the boat is under 3000lbs and the trailer is under 1000lbs they are adequate and very convenient. Remember too that you aren’t supporting the weight of the entire boat, probably closer to 60%.

Here are the specs on the full size versions. Remember to double that number to get the total SWL.

438876

[SS Minnow]

All you youngsters with these new fangled ratchet strap devices. A real man uses rope.


438875



All joking aside, something to be said about selecting tie downs for your valuables. Mainly, do not cheap out. The boat on the trailer behind you, can come off of that trailer and flaten you at highway speeds.

I was at the scrap yard a few years back and this guy came in with a grossly overloaded trailer of scrap iron. Couple cars, other things. The best he had on that trailer were basic lightweight ratchet straps. Some people either do not know, or do not care. But keep this in mind, if something does go wrong with your trailer and somebody gets hurt or killed, do you think you might do prison time?

[XstreamVking]

How many damaged boats have been delivered to your door on a flatbed trailer with the trailer included after a road crash? But, everyone has their opinion of "good enough".

[JPEROG]

I use these on everything. Great quality and no scratches.
https://powertye.com/store/

Joe

[home made tunnel]

After an auto accident, I have little hope of ANY boat and trailer remaining together. The straps are meant to keep boat and trailer together for normal driving. no strap is meant to hold anything in an impact scenario. That's what Chains are for. We're not strapping chains on our boats, now are we?

For all those who say these boat buckles are no good.... please share what you use, and show us how you lash and strap down your vessel :)

[JR IN JAX]

I use these and shortened the top hook to allow it to be strapped tighter
https://www.amazon.com/Seamander-Marine-Trailer-Transom-Tie-Down/dp/B07B3HW33G/ref=asc_df_B07B3HW33G/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312151608179&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16837896298472823538&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011544&hvtargid=pla-585748184385&psc=1