MacGregorSailors.com

I'm picking up the tomorow morning. I think I've got the Durango all set. It's only about an hour drive. I told the dealer the only thing I needed was a strap going around the back over the cockpit to keep the boat snug to the trailer. He recommended against it, saying that the boat is custom made for the and supports it well and that when you go over bumps with a tie down strap it lifts the trailer and you feel alot of jerking in the vehicle. I can see what he's saying. What do you guys think?

I tie the boat to the trailer using the aft cleats and stern lines.

Extra security is needed, in my opinion, in case the winch strap breaks. I've heard of boats slipping off their trailers and falling onto a freeway because they were not properly secured.

My dealer says its mandatory.

I think your dealer is out of his mind

How about taking a turn too fast and the boat rolls off of the trailer? How about slamming on your breaks because of an emergency situation, and the trailer slips and slides? What keeps the boat on it?

So what if you take a bump and everything goes up and down. You quickly learn how fast you can safely go.

Here is what I use
It was recommended to me by Kevin, and I'm glad I listened to him. It wraps all the way around the boat at the forward part of the cockpit. Because of the rise at the front of the cockpit, the boat can not slide backwards if the bow breaks free from the winch.


Ray

P.S. I just took this picture a few minutes ago. It's dark out, and the flash is only good for so many feet, so please excuse the darkness of the shot. I wanted to show more clearly where I place the strap.

Ray,
I don't understand your post at all.
You say my dealer is out of his mind because he says the boat should be secured to the trailer with extra tie downs, yet that seems to be exactly what you do. You use one strap, I use two.

Happy sailing.

LOL Dennis I think Ray was reffering to Dreamers dealer.
If you have any doubts about whether a strap is needed just get someone to tow the boat up the road while you sit behind, anything but smooth bitumen will have it lifting right off the trailer.
I use straps but tie them down to the trailer, my only problem has been black marks on the boat from the straps flapping.

Dennisneal,

I can understand why you thought I was referring to your post, I wasn't. My apologies. I was so struck dumbfounded by the thought of a dealer recommending something so dangerous that I skipped identifying who's post I was responding to.

Boblee,

The type of strap I showed in my post does not leave any marks. It is a wide strap that secures very well.

Ray

Ray,

I agree with your process of strapping down the boat to the trailer. We have used this process in trailering over 900 miles without an issue, plus it makes me feel good .

Jim
s/v BOLD VENTURE

Ray,
What is the lenght of the strap
Q1

Quebec 1,

My strap is about 26 foot long, with plenty left over. This is a strap I had before the M purchase. I think it could be trimmed down to about 19 feet easily and still work just fine.

Fair winds,

Jim

S/V BOLD VENTURE

I can't go and measure the length today, but here is a site that sells the ratcheting strap.

This site also sells a 3" ratchet strap with J hooks. http://www.uscargocontrol.com/ratchetstraps3-c-5.html


Ray

I used to use a strap until I saw Chip H drive up, and unhook his docklines from the boat and trailer in the time it took me to undo one of those straps.

You can use a long dockline on one side, and use it as a safety for your rudders as well as an engine support line as well - nice and simple.

Catigale
How does that work?

You can use a long dockline on one side, and use it as a safety for your rudders as well as an engine support line as well - nice and simple.

Too simple for me I like long technical instructions

Tiedown straps are essential for towing any distance. I use three, all quick release rachet types similar to those shown in the earlier posts: one on either side through each of the stern cleats then slightly forward to the trailer (pulling forward helps to keep the 26M's bow firmly in its rubber buffer on the trailer); and one passing through both bow cleats and around the trailer frame. I fit the straps after doing the Mac bump to seat the boat firmly into the trailer, then check their tension every so often whilst towing. They take very little time to fit and seconds to remove.
Don't forget to take the tiedowns off before launching though! Its easy to forget if you are feeling under pressure at a busy ramp. If you are launching in a cross wind both boat and trailer will drift sideways and really make you look like a novice! You'll only do it once ...
Dunno if these pics will work, havent tried to post pics before:

Ill post a picture, once I get off probation for posting....

I have to get used to that new moniker.

Ray