Rear tie downs or strap across back?

[san dimas]

I have a 14' valco aluminum boat on a trailer with 2 tie downs from the handles on the transom down to the trailer. The problem is, the straps are pulling the handles off of the transom. Would I be better off running a strap across the top of the boat and down to each side rail of the trailer? Thanks for your help.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

For your size boat, I'd put a strap across the top. It sound like the handles would snap off just when you need them the most. - Grandad

 

[san dimas]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

Thanks Grandad. I think that might be a good idea.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

For a boat that size I always go over the top.

 

[Pony]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

Strap over the top is fine. I keep mine loose (or off) when the boat is not being trailered. If you really tighten the strap (not that you need to get that tight) you can see the hull flex.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

You are right pony. You just need it snug enough that the boat doesn't bounce up off the trailer. Loosening the strap when not towing is also a good idea.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I've used over-the-top straps before and I hate them. Never can get them tight enough to suit me and they wear fast at the point they touch the gunnel. (even with extra padding)

I put a pair of SS eyes on my transom and went to regular tie downs. An added benefit is having an extra place to put a dock line.

If your existing handles are pulling off, you probably have worse problems than how to tie the boat to the trailer. Sounds like you need a new transom!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I have been using gunwale straps for many years including on my 14' Lund S14 DLX.

Jim is correct that you need to look closer at your boat. Those handles should not be pulling loose

 

[NYBo]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

You need through-bolted eyes if you plan to use transom tie-downs. It's not surprising that the grab handles are pulling loose- that's not what they're intended for.

 

[Pony]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I've used over-the-top straps before and I hate them. Never can get them tight enough to suit me and they wear fast at the point they touch the gunnel. (even with extra padding)


If your existing handles are pulling off, you probably have worse problems than how to tie the boat to the trailer. Sounds like you need a new transom!

How tight are you trying to get the strap? We are talking about an aluminum V hull here.....if anything like I said its easy to OVERtighted and warp the hull with that type of strap. With that being said I could never get them tight enough on my fiberglass trihull.....and they left nasty stains on the fiberglass.

The handles are probably pulling off because if they are like mine they are just held on with a couple of machine screws. They aren't even bolted through the transom. They aren't meant for securing the boat to the trailer....I don't think that is any indication of a bad transom.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

Thanks guys.
The transom seems pretty solid to me. The bolts (only 1/4 -20) have just pullled into the wood a little bit making the handles a little loose. I probably had the rachet straps too tight. I think I'll take your advice and run a strap over the back and keep loose when not trailering. Great site and thanks for all your help!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

How tight are you trying to get the strap? We are talking about an aluminum V hull here.....if anything like I said its easy to OVERtighted and warp the hull with that type of strap. With that being said I could never get them tight enough on my fiberglass trihull.....and they left nasty stains on the fiberglass.

The handles are probably pulling off because if they are like mine they are just held on with a couple of machine screws. They aren't even bolted through the transom. They aren't meant for securing the boat to the trailer....I don't think that is any indication of a bad transom.

They need to be tight enough so that the boat doesn't move! If the hull is transforming, that's too tight....LOL.

Screwed handles are for decoration only. They wouldn't serve any purpose. All hardware should be thru-bolted.

IMHO, a cross strap should only be used if the trailer is so short that a transom tie down would not be practical.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

Thanks guys.
The transom seems pretty solid to me. The bolts (only 1/4 -20) have just pullled into the wood a little bit making the handles a little loose. I probably had the rachet straps too tight. I think I'll take your advice and run a strap over the back and keep loose when not trailering. Great site and thanks for all your help!

Good indication of soft wood. Put fender washers under the nuts and tighten securely. Throw away the ratchet straps and use a good set of 2" straps with buckles.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I say drill a couple new holes high on the transom, and run a couple good quality eye bolts through them. Reinforce on the inside with oversized washers and nylock nut.

 

[Dreg]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I wouldn't tie much more than a minnow bucket and a fish basket to those transom handles myself.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

I think your right Dreg.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rear tie downs or strap across back?

strap and not so tight that it damages the boat.