Towing: how are you strapping down?

[133bhp]

Not having had the pleaseure yet, wondering how you are securing to the trailer? (x in my case) To the stanchions or looping around the whole boat, other?

cheers

[mastreb]

For short trips from the storage lot to the ramp, I don't strap down. Over a few miles I tie dock-lines from the aft cleats around the trailer frame with a trucker hitch. Works just fine and doesn't require anything special.

[Crikey]

133bhp. Really?

[Mac26Mpaul]

Here in the land of Oz, by law you must use a proper rachet style trailer tie down strap near the back of the boat. I believe it has to go from the trailer, around the boat (closer to the stern than bow), and back to the trailer. Some people use two on bigger boats like this, one close to the stern and one closer to the bow. I should think, this would be about the safest way to do it.

Personally I dont own a heavy duty rachet style trailer tie down strap and that doesnt bother me since at the moment, I only launch at the ramp 200 metres away from my house. I must admit, I did trailer about 120 miles with it once without any tie down strap

[NiceAft]

Here is what I use, and I am always amazed at the difference in opinions when it comes to tying down the Mac to its trailer.



I also secure at the bow.

I did not always secure when trailering, when I first bought the boat, I mentioned on this site that I did not secure the boat. A post from Kevin opened my eyes . It makes sense to secure the boat to the trailer. This big, yellow, bad boy does the job.

Ray

[bradhill]

I bought a couple of 2 inch by 20 foot ratcheting tie downs at Harbor Freight for around $10 each several years ago. The metal ends are attached to the trailer frame and then around the Mac behind the forward hatch and just by the cockpit opening. The Admiral will then let me make the 100 mile transport to the mountain lake we sail on without comment. I have found these to be a wise investment.

I do have to place a small piece of carpet or a towel under the ratchet to protect the gelcoat.

[Gazmn]

When I'm traveling far, >50 miles, it's 2-3 straps that Ray highlighted. But I have my reasons.

I overhauled my trailer this Spring. [SS Tandem disc brakes, new 2x8 pressure treated bunks, paint] & I put on those plastic strips that can let you slide your boat off for loading and unloading - and possibly driving They do work. I can push, hard against my boat, sideways and center it midst the trailer.

So it's one butted along the transom line to keep her on the trailer - should the bow eye or winch fail. [I'm thinking more winch- next mod]


And one forward of the lifeline stanchions wrapped and in line with my 2x6 guides, forward and aft vertical supports. You can sort of see the yellow as they cross the vertical braces that I bolted to spare tire guides

I just did 3000 miles Competent, Confident ...


& Snug as a Bug

[133bhp]

Okay good stuff, thanks. I was unsure if the boat tends to rotate/jump around/damage gel coat etc.

I bought a 2500 ilb two speed winch for up front , plus will have a safety chain on too. I will then at least for longer journesy, probabaly loop over the boat with some thick foam padding to protect and see If I can strap from the motor mounting to the trailer somewhow as well.

"133bhp"? - old name I use. reference to one of my old racing bikes. although shoud be 170 nowdays!

bonus pic - not alaska - but the UK!

[moondancer]

I use one strap similar to Ray's that I purchased at Harbor Freight like Bradhil. The hooks are different in that they are steel strapping bent to the hook shape and they fit like they were made to attach to the U-channel of the trailer. I am getting some fraying and will purchase a second one this spring. Put the frayed one on the front for a little more safety. The back roads of CT are getting worse every year, no money you know. If I keep living in CT I will have no money either. Mike

[Tomfoolery]

If I keep living in CT I will have no money either.

I grew up in CT, and moved out to keep what little I had left. Now I'm in NY - some improvement.