Trailer strap replacement...

[sniktob]

I was sent a link to a site by a friend that has a new trailer strap design. They claim the strap will keep our feet dry when loading a boat. I'm interested because I do a lot of Walleye fishing on the Detroit river & Lake Erie in the spring and one of my problems is connecting the winch strap to my boat without slipping into the water. Has anyone used this product, know anyone that has or have any advice for staying dry? If you haven't seen the product the link is: www.ko-nect.com

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

never heard of it, and it does not give enough detail, for me to spend on it. there have been several products that claimed the same thing. but failed, in real life.

 

[ooldschooll]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

I think you would have to stop and tighten it alot. When you unwind the winch like that it takes a while to stay snug.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

So let me get this straight. Basically, the winch strap comes free from the winch drum, and then you use it in place of a bow line? I don't quite see that as useful at all. Ya know what, I can powerload (idle on) and keep my feet dry, reach the winch etc. And, with the 2 people like mentioned, there was certainly no need for such. I don't think I would shell out almost 30 bucks for a winch strap that would come free from the winch. Also looks like it really would only be beneficial if there is a nice courtesy dock like in the video, which in my opinion, should be outlawed at any potentially busy ramp.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

just watched the video, by the time you get all that strap, winched up, the wind would have the boat blown off the trailer, at most ramps. your arm would be so tired, you could not get it winched on up. i agree with bassboy 1, idle on. reach over bow, and connect. step off bow and tighten it. also in the video that trailer really is not far enough in the water for an easy load. notice how far he has to winch, with the load on the winch.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

Looks like a worthless gimmick to me. I can load my 14' Lund on my bunk trailer myself just as fast as these two guys,with dry feet,and I'm a beginner.

 

[sniktob]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

I have tried some of the other alternatives, like the pole that holds the bow clip and its hard to use. That is why I was looking for a better method. The access parks where we fish are either Metro or state and they all have docks. They don't allow power loading here in Michigan and when the ramps are full with fisherman, you can bet the DNR are watching. It's an easy ticket for them. Thanks for the replys.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

Looks like a worthless gimmick to me.

Ayuh,...

It appears to be a very cumbersome replacement for the Rope that's tied to my bow eye now....

Another Cure for a Non-existent Issue for Me...

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

So let me get this straight. In states you can't legally powerload, is idle on forbidden too, or is it just the bass boat style of goosing it to get the boat up the trailer?

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

I have fished D-River and Erie, as you do.

You're right, they frown on powerloading. I've never had an issue with "idling on" as described, as long as no extra power is given and the engine is cut when forward motion stops. Also, trim up helps.

When I lived there, I had a bunk style trailer. I installed some side guides and backed the trailer in deeper. It would idle on to with 6-12" of the bow stop. I'd crawl over the bow and tighten the winch and secure the safety line. Away we go.

Rarely was the trailer, in the water, more than 30-45 seconds. A few minutes, if I was alone.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

I had an old winch which had an open ended pulley on it, I used to just lead the boat to the trailer, do a quick double wrap on the pulley with the bow rope and pull the boat right on. I used a ratched tie down as well to secure the boat and two at the rear.
It was sort of the same idea.
I don't think I like all the extra cranking and it looks to be that they use some sort of seat belt type attachment to disconnect the strap. (A keyhole or 'D' slot in the drum of the winch would be better).

A runway plank on the trailer seems like the better, more sure fire solution to me. I've loaded boats in near zero degree weather and not gotten wet, I don't see the need for such a system, especially for smaller boats.

 

[marquette]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

what is the logic against powerloading?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It's frowned upon due to washout caused by gunning the motors to load up. It can create large holes at the end of the concrete ramps.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

My trailer is undersized for my boat, so I can't powerload - it just won't guide properly. Because of this, I have to guide the boat by hand as I crank the strap up. I just keep a pair of "Cajun Topsiders" (shrimp boots) in the boat, so I can wade in. No big deal and I can usually get the boat out of the water in little more time than anyone else at the ramp.

Bah humbug! I have better things to spend my boating dollars on ... like fixing up my newest boat, which does have a properly sized trailer!

 

[Fishing1st]

Re: Trailer strap replacement...

To sniktob, I have one on my trailer and it works fine. I like new ideas and gadgets, that's what prompted me to buy one and try it. Don't worry about cranking the slack line. Put your winch in free wheel and crank as fast as you want, there's no resistance until you get the slack tight same as you do now. I always had a line from the bow or I used the anchor rope to hold the boat, now I use the winch strap.
I know your problem with the water it's 40 deg. same as the air and don't want to drive home with a wet foot. My advice is give it a try, you might be surprised at how well you like it. If you don't like it, you don't even have to replace it because it has a snap hook just like the one you have now.