Bracket for Ratchet Strap Help

[andym84]

I need someway of attaching my ratchet strap (for holding stern of boat) to the trailer. The previous owner had it secured inadequately.

In the below picture I am pointing to a cross member to which I'd like to attach a bracket that my shackle could attach to.

Anyone know of a suitable bracket? I've also attached a few extra pics incase anyone can think of an alternative option.

 

[alldodge]

I need someway of attaching my ratchet strap (for holding stern of boat) to the trailer. The previous owner had it secured inadequately.

In the below picture I am pointing to a cross member to which I'd like to attach a bracket that my shackle could attach to.

Anyone know of a suitable bracket? I've also attached a few extra pics incase anyone can think of an alternative option.

Put an eye bolt through the hole in the trailer frame. You can then add another D-ring, shackle or other.

Could also drill a hole through the side so there is no chance of striking it when loading or unloading.

 

[dozerII]

Is it possible for you to go into the hole on the frame rail in the left of the picture. that would give you more of a straight down pull for the strap. You may have to drill another hole slightly closer to the end of the frame tube.

 

[andym84]

Some great suggestions, thank you.

The two holes you can see in beam to the left of the picture are for thumb screws. They secure the pull out poles (not sure of correct terminology) that hold the light board.

I could drill a hold where I was pointing and attach an eye bold though. Couldn't I?

 

[alldodge]

Some great suggestions, thank you.

The two holes you can see in beam to the left of the picture are for thumb screws. They secure the pull out poles (not sure of correct terminology) that hold the light board.

I could drill a hold where I was pointing and attach an eye bold though. Couldn't I?

I wouldn't do that to the cross member. That is one of the main supports, and while it could be done and would be OK, but over time it could start rusting. If you put the eye bolt on the extension piece, this is a non-major support area. Just my opinion

 

[andym84]

Thanks Alldodge and fair point.

Which extension piece are you talking of? Is it the pull out poles that hold the light board I was referring to? I'm guessing not?

 

[alldodge]

Thanks Alldodge and fair point.

Which extension piece are you talking of? Is it the pull out poles that hold the light board I was referring to? I'm guessing not?

Sort of yes (your pic post 2), not using the same holes since those are for your pull out poles. Drill a hole going side ways through the box channel near the end, or between the two pole holes for the eye bolt. If the hole is near the end you would only need to drill through half way. Remove the plastic end cap and a short eye bolt can be used. Just put the nut and lock washer in side the channel. Now if you can weld, install a welded D-ring on the side

 

[erie_guy]

Move the eye bolt location to the middle of the vertical surface of the channel. Avoid drilling the top surface - as this would weaken the beam. It appears this beam may be welded to prevent water from getting to inside and is a "sealed beam". Consider sealing your bolt/nut attachments with marine sealant 3M-5200 to maintain this sealed condition to resist corrosion. A strong securing system with a ratchet to adjust tension would be a desirable way to secure the stern to the trailer. Do this on both sides of the boat.

Happy boating.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[andym84]

Thanks guys. Think I will take another photo of what I believe to be the area you are describing just to be sure I have interpreted it correctly.

 

[alldodge]

I'm talking about this location, and eye bolt can be on either side

 

[andym84]

Thanks for that Alldodge, my computer skills are rubbish!!!

I couldn't mount the bolt to the middle of that beam as it's separated internally into 2 sections. The lower channel accepts the pull out poles but I could mount in the middle of the upper channel though.

How far in from the end would you recommend mounting it? I'm not sure if I removed the black cap that a spanner would give enough leverage to tighten the nut so I may have to drill straight through.

 

[gm280]

However you decide to install such hold down devices, try as hard as you can to not allow the tie down straps to lay against the boat. Because as you travel down the road, even smooth road, it will allow that stray to rub into the gel cost/finish and do damage to the hull. Try to keep the tie-down straps away from rubbing anywhere on the boat. A straight shot from the attachment places is always a better deal...

 

[alldodge]

You could put it close to the end, but suggest putting it as far back as you can for more surface area. The bolt will not be strong enough to pick the boat up just hold it down from bouncing around. The spanner just needs to hold the nut, you can tighten it from the eyebolt side by putting a larger screw drive through the eye.

 

[andym84]

gm280: sadly, don't think I can bring the bolt far back enough to prevent rubbing no matter where I mount it. Will have a good look over tomorrow though.

Alldodge: thanks again.

 

[JASinIL2006]

What about something like in post #10 of this thread: http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...-topics/637249-going-to-install-trim-tabs-but

 

[andym84]

Great suggestion JASinIL2006. What are they called and any idea where I could buy them?

 

[JASinIL2006]

I looked (a while back) and while I didn't see one on iboats - where I always shop first, of course - I did see them at etrailer.com.

Called something like transom strap brackets or transom strap anchors. You could also PM UncleWille (who posted the pics in the thread I cited) and ask where he found the ones in his picture.

 

[andym84]

You read my mind....have already sent PM!

etrailer do indeed have some.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Have some great ideas now so will go and see what works best for me and report back.

Really appreciate all the replies.

 

[robert graham]

How about a rectangular steel bolt-on clamp so to avoid drilling through the zinc/galvanizing....a hardware or Home Depot would most likely have something for your application if you show them what you need....

 

[JimS123]

Don't mount it to the crossmember. Its a swinging tube and only held on the ends with a bolt.

Don't drill any holes. Use the existing last hole on the frame with an eye bolt like one pictured in post #2. Pull off the rear plastic cover and mount it with fender washers top and bottom, plus a nylon locknut. Put a box end wrench inside the tube and use a very large size crescent wrench on the eye to tighten the nut.

Don't use a ratchet strap. Use a "transom tie down" (like a Tie Down Engineering one sold right here) with a friction buckle in the middle and an s-hook on both ends.

Easy peasey.