To Tie Down or Not to Tie Down?

[bkblaida]

This past fall we purchased our first inboard, a 1997 Prostar 205. We trailer the boat everywhere we go. Other than the bow strap and safety chain, there is no other tie downs to secure the boat to the trailer. Several dealers have told me that due to the weight distribution clustered around the center of the boat and the flat bottom, there is no reason to use transom tie-downs. Looking at the boat on the trailer. I do not see how you would use transom tie-downs.
We have trailered over 1,000 miles without any problems. What is your experience?

PS Great site, and we are excited to be new MC owners! :headbang:

[bradamerry]

I have never used tie downs at the transom. I have seen some on inboards (without the swim platforms on).

[Nova Scotia Skier]

I brought my boat to Nova Scotia from Virginia where I bought it. There was a strap across from fender to fender, but I removed that after about 100 miles I think. It wasn't holding anything anyway, and I didn't want to mark the boat. We drove the whole way here without any problems. It was only fastened at the bow. :)

[martini]

Well, I would say that it is very important that the transom be tied down to the trailer. Even with the weight centered on the boat, the back end will bounce around on a trailer. When I was looking at purchasing the boat I currently have, I followed the gentleman who owned it at the time to his private lake to take a test drive. He had no transom straps on it at the time and I watched that damn thing bounce from the left to right over every bump. It was sickening to watch, but I bought it anyway. It needed much work and was rough at the time. I guarantee you that it was a partial result of the way he trailered it. The first thing I did when I went to pick it up was tie the back down to the trailer with straps. He seemed truly suprised that I was doing that and then I explained to him what I saw, he had no idea. The straps are cheap insurance, get them.

[milkmania]

/strapless here

[Professor]

I can see how it would help in some conditions but I am also “strapless.”

[Brn85ss]

This subject was talked about in a previous thread acouple months ago.Look under trailers in the team talk.Lots of good pics. and opions!
(I need spell check)

[Tom023]

Tie it down. The straps "hold the trailer to the boat" so it doesn't bang over bumps, RxR crossings and such. I frequently follow a fellow boater who does not tie down and am amazed by how much the boat and trailer can separate over some bumps. For that reason, I added eyelettes to my trailer so I can tie down the transom (you may be able to see these in one of my pics).

[AirJunky]

Ever drive behind an inboard that was strapless in the rear? West Lake Sammamish Pkwy is a bumpy road & more than a few MCs have been lost on it over the years. There was an accident near our house a couple years ago & the boat got lose. It wasn't a pretty sight.

I can center the a$$ end of my own 94 on the trailer by just leaning into it. I'm sure a '97 is done just as easily. You should have rings on the stern for tieing the boat down or lifting it. They are directly above the swimstep & the holes they tie down to are on the underside of the trailer.

That said, I strap it down for longer trips or if I'll be on the freeway & go strapless for short ones.

[BriEOD]

I have eyelettes on the hubs of my trailer that I use to attach a 3" cargo strap with a ratchet and then I ratchet it tight with the strap running over the top of the boat is approximately where the rear seat is. Better to be safe than sorry. Plus it's about a 25-30 min trip for me down a 2 lane highway going 60 mph and I go over 2 railroad tracks along the ay.

[RackAtak]

We also tie down across the back between the engine cover and the rear seat with a long cinch type strap to the eyelets behind each rear fender on the trailer. Although I have alot of experience towing a trailer, about 5 minutes after I picked up my boat from the dealer I cut a turn out of a parking lot and watched in my side mirror, with horror, as the trailer wheels hit the curb looking like a rookie and then the boat seperated from the trailer and resettled about 6 inches from where it was sitting. The boat eventually resettled in the right spot after driving some distance. Moral of the story...the boat and trailer move independently of each other unless tied down.

[milkmania]

that's the way my wifey drives........ http://www.youngelephant.com/images/smilies/snicker.gif

just kiddin' ya

I just curb the trailer tireshttp://www.youngelephant.com/images/smilies/cussing.gif

[atlfootr]

/strapless hereStrapless in ATLANTA! :eek3:

[sfitzgerald351]

Tie the boat down!

Not only does the boat bounce around if you don't tie it down, things could get very ugly if you have the misfortune of have to make a sharp turn to avoid an idiot and the boat isn't attached to the trailer at both ends. Someone had a great story of such an event and it makes you stop and think.

Just get a big 3" ratchet strap and throw it over the gunwhales behind the motor box. Most MC trailers I've seen have eye behind the rear fenders to attach to for just this purpose. My boat is an 84 and as far as I know it has always had the strap used (I've only had it for 4 years) and you cannot tell where the strap rests so I don't think you need to worry about hurting the gelcoat.

[86PowerSlot190MC]

Well, I would say that it is very important that the transom be tied down to the trailer. Even with the weight centered on the boat, the back end will bounce around on a trailer. When I was looking at purchasing the boat I currently have, I followed the gentleman who owned it at the time to his private lake to take a test drive. He had no transom straps on it at the time and I watched that damn thing bounce from the left to right over every bump. It was sickening to watch, but I bought it anyway. It needed much work and was rough at the time. I guarantee you that it was a partial result of the way he trailered it. The first thing I did when I went to pick it up was tie the back down to the trailer with straps. He seemed truly suprised that I was doing that and then I explained to him what I saw, he had no idea. The straps are cheap insurance, get them.

Agree 200%........Tie it down.....It's a small cost compared to the price of your boat.

[Lance]

Since the boat weighs a lot more than the trailer I believe the proper description would be to 'tie it (the trailer) up' to keep them together if you have to perform any extreme maneuvers (sp?) to avoid the idiots on the road or god forbid get in an accident. The strap won't prevent the boat from going where it will but at least you will know that there is a trailer under it when it settles down.

The strap doesn't need to be sized to keep the boat down but rather to keep the trailer up. You might not need a 3" cargo strap but is certainly can't hurt.

[Hemey5]

I concur with Mr.Martini,
Ive seen this exact scene before and I must say it's not pretty. The cost of a Mastercraft compared to the cost of tie downs ($25-35) is cheap insurance.
If your just pulling it a few miles and know the roads are rather smooth, I wouldn't worry about putting them on.

[Mag_Red]

I like to tie em down....go out have a beer and a smoke.......then head home:banana:

[Hoosier Bob]

Always on longer trips tie it down. I don't on the ever so familiar trip to the local drop but probably should. Mag, what's up? I thought it was the law in KY to tie?
See ya, :dance:

[Mag_Red]

Always on longer trips tie it down. I don't on the ever so familiar trip to the local drop but probably should. Mag, what's up? I thought it was the law in KY to tie?
See ya, :dance: Only if it's a first cousin :D Seriously.......I strap mine down before towing........besides it's easier with the newer boats.......the lifting rings are below the platform. :confused:

[DanC]

You could probably tow all your life without tie downs. But if you ever have a critical situation tie downs may keep you to some minor trailer work instead of a boat you wish the insurance company would total but won't.
This is what happens when you slam on the brakes without rear tie downs.
btw/ it is the law in California that you must use rear tie down straps.

[bradamerry]

I don't know if transom tie downs would help that. And I can't believe the little Ranger would stop fast enough with that size boat, to do that?? If he had tie downs on it, trailer and boat might would have been on the truck. Upside down!!!

[Mag_Red]

:eek: Glastron Carlson............nice boat! :headbang:

[Hoosier Bob]

But, I do believe the trailer would still be attached to the boat and now the boat would be upside down on the truck with the trailer on the boat!!! Either way it is good to see it is not a MC. This I can take! :uglyhamme I don't know if transom tie downs would help that. And I can't believe the little Ranger would stop fast enough with that size boat, to do that?? If he had tie downs on it, trailer and boat might would have been on the truck.

[Hoosier Bob]

I suppose you would pull it with your autographed Smokey and the Bandit 1977 special edition Trans Am? Your showing your age! For me it was a Tahitti with a 135 merc!!!!!!!!!! We pulled it with a 1970 Chrysler Newport 383 conv't (burnt orange of course). :toast: :eek: Glastron Carlson............nice boat! :headbang:

[Mag_Red]

I suppose you would pull it with your autographed Smokey and the Bandit 1977 special edition Trans Am? Your showing your age! For me it was a Tahitti with a 135 merc!!!!!!!!!! We pulled it with a 1970 Chrysler Newport 383 conv't (burnt orange of course). :toast: :purplaugh I actually had one! :D

[Hoosier Bob]

We just don't tell anyone! :dance: :purplaugh I actually had one! :D

[MasterMason]

Grandad had a tahiti that wasn't tied down.... One time he was coming back from the lake, went around a corner, the front strap broke, and next thing you knew the boat was on the ground passing him... Had to have a whole new bottom put on the boat.

[DanC]

If you look at the front bumper of the truck, I am guessing he had some help stopping.
The added stability of the trailer tied to the boat, wide wheel base and extra weight, should not be under estimated.

[Hoosier Bob]

We had ours stolen! A few days later the police found it in our dock! The boat sunk and was held up under the water by the ties! Our dock was covered and I guess my dad freaked out when he saw the boat was gone but did not look any further. I had some great times in that old boat. But like Mag we should only remember what happened the day the "inboard" showed up! Wow! The 1974, dare I say, Ski Nautique! Nothing in the water commanded the respect like an early 70's Mastercraft/Nautique. It was the modern day Hatfields and McCoys. Free hotwheels at :worthy: Sunoco! Those where the days!!!!!!Grandad had a tahiti that wasn't tied down.... One time he was coming back from the lake, went around a corner, the front strap broke, and next thing you knew the boat was on the ground passing him... Had to have a whole new bottom put on the boat.

[east tx skier]

After some idiot caused me to almost jackknife the trailer to save her life, I run a strap across the boat behind the motorbox. It installs in no time and was inexpensive. Why not do it?

[Cloaked]

I see here that noone has ever lost a boat off of a trailer. Once you do, there'll be no doubt about the answer to the question. Not to mention the simple laws of physics. Those guide poles will collapse like a popcycle stick once a boat gets on them with force.

Been there. Now, mine is always tied to the trailer. I have pics somewhere.

[Hoosier Bob]

It takes no time at all!!!!!!I see here that noone has ever lost a boat off of a trailer. Once you do, there'll be no doubt about the answer to the question. Not to mention the simple laws of physics. Those guide poles will collapse like a popcycle stick once a boat gets on them with force.

Been there. Now, mine is always tied to the trailer. I have pics somewhere.

[atlfootr]

After some idiot caused me to almost jackknife the trailer to save her life.East Tx,

Consider then the fortune of my good luck!
Several hundred trips (untied) from Atlanta - Orlando and at worst a flat tire.
Average traveling speed 70-75 mph.

Guess, TX drivers are all idiots :huh:
Now where's that hull, I need to knock on :dance:

[east tx skier]

East Tx,

Consider then the fortune of my good luck!
Several hundred trips (untied) from Atlanta - Orlando and at worst a flat tire.
Average traveling speed 70-75 mph.

Guess, TX drivers are all idiots :huh:
Now where's that hull, I need to knock on :dance:

I object to the statement that all Texas drivers are idiots. Almost all of them are, but not all of us. I, of course, congratulate you on your good fortune and hope that it continues to follow you to the lake and home again. Apparently, your MC keeps tigers away, too, inasmuch as you have probably never seen a tiger while pulling the boat, right? I have a rock that does the same thing. I will, of course, sell it to the highest bidder (no warranties) ;)

I could take the time to quote the manual, which says that towing with the winch strap alone is not a good idea. But I'll stand by the last thing I said in the post above.

Why not do it?

[boatwake]

I admit that I have been running strapless for the past ten years. It has always worried me to do it, but the fact is I would need to remove my swim deck each time to tie down or untie the boat. :( I don't believe the boat has ever moved around on the trailer (I have checked for that a number of times), but the pictures I have seen of accidents sure do worry me. Maybe I need to rethink this practice. :confused:

[Brn85ss]

I talked about this before but I'll say it again.Why does mastercraft put the lifting eyes right above the platform.Everyone else puts them to the side of the platform so you can stap the boat to the trailer.I wrap mine from the eyes around the platform to the trailer.Looks hillbilly :rant:

[lakes Rick]

:purplaugh I actually had one! :D

Me too, and life was alot easier then with this expensive thing I have now.. Everytime I watch " Live and Let die" I just crack up, BOY....

[Ben]

Agree on the gunwale tie down. Rear eye & swim platform don't mix well w/ties. Unfortunately, in my mind, MC gets an "F" on that one...

$20 gunwale strap + 15 seconds on and off is very cheap insurance for the boat & truck, not to mention anyone else who potentially may get harmed. Also, 1 gunwale strap is much easier than 2 rear straps.

Black strap, grey gunwales, only got a little bit of marking from driving from MI to TN once. Other than that, no problems.

[east tx skier]

boatwake, if you connect to the eyelits on the fenders and go over the top of the boat behind the motorbox, you don't need to remove the platform. Some old socks or those sheepskin seatbelt pads (I opt for socks because all my socks have holes in them already) will keep the strap off the gel coat.

[LakeLottawatta]

I am not going to give my opinions on whether to strap or not, I did that a few years back on the Malibu site and got blasted pretty good. But I do want to comment on using the eyes on the MC trailer. On the older 80's and early 90's model trailers, those eyes are for securing the cover, not for strapping the boat down or the trailer up. Strapping to the eyes just behind the trailer will have no effect in the case of a wreck. There is no real backing behind them. When I bought my 91, the dealer told me it is for cover strapping only. If I want to strap the boat down, go over the platform, or through the platform mounts and anchor to the frame of the trailer. I would also suspect that towing a boat strapped to these eyes could create some serious stress cracks in the fiberglass fender as well.
:twocents:

[sfitzgerald351]

I talked about this before but I'll say it again.Why does mastercraft put the lifting eyes right above the platform.Everyone else puts them to the side of the platform so you can stap the boat to the trailer.I wrap mine from the eyes around the platform to the trailer.Looks hillbilly :rant:

I think you answered your own question. They are "lifting rings", back from the days when you saw a lot more cable lifts at marinas. Nowadays you don't see that many so I agree that MC should consider relocating them to the side of the platform so you can attach up or down.

I still like the strap over the top. 1 strap, easy to put on, doesn't screw up the cover (mine covers the platform and a strap there would prevent it from cinching tight) and you won't have problems with the platform. My 20,000lb strap was like $12 at home depot.

[Brn85ss]

Lakelottawatta:If you have a mastercraft trailer that may be true but mine is a V/M (west coast mastercrafts of my vintage came with this trailer) and has specific tie down eyes on the trailer.

[André]

(I opt for socks because all my socks have holes in them already).

Doug
Please let us do the jokes about the socks...
Coming from you,it sounds like auto-mutilation(?)!!!

[east tx skier]

That, my French-Canadian friend, is called stealing your thunder.

I've had the concerns over damage to the fenders, but have yet to see it. I'm not expecting to keep that boat on there if the trailer inverts. If a wreck is bad enough, the boat is not going to stay on there no matter what you do. But in a couple of years of doing it this way, I've had no problems with the fenders. Perhaps some plates to spread out the load might be in order until I can get somebody to weld some steel loops on the underside of the frame for me.

[boatwake]

boatwake, if you connect to the eyelits on the fenders and go over the top of the boat behind the motorbox, you don't need to remove the platform. Some old socks or those sheepskin seatbelt pads (I opt for socks because all my socks have holes in them already) will keep the strap off the gel coat.
east tx skier, as always I appreciate your advice. I'll look at the trailer again, but last time I considered the single strap approach I decided that the fenders didn't have the strength needed to handle the weight of the trailer. My view is that the straps are intended to keep the trailer with the boat as opposed to the boat with the trailer. I can't imagine the fenders hooks holding 1000 lbs. My 84' had two large hook on each fender (looking at the supports there is no way these could have held the weight of the trailer), but my 03' only has two little cover hooks. If mine gets strapped, I believe it will need to be off the transom hooks.

[NSXBill]

You could probably tow all your life without tie downs. But if you ever have a critical situation tie downs may keep you to some minor trailer work instead of a boat you wish the insurance company would total but won't.
This is what happens when you slam on the brakes without rear tie downs.
btw/ it is the law in California that you must use rear tie down straps.

Wow! :eek: I use a tie strap across the boat behind the engine, but after seeing that picture, I'm gonna run out and get transom straps too. :)

[east tx skier]

east tx skier, as always I appreciate your advice. I'll look at the trailer again, but last time I considered the single strap approach I decided that the fenders didn't have the strength needed to handle the weight of the trailer. My view is that the straps are intended to keep the trailer with the boat as opposed to the boat with the trailer. I can't imagine the fenders hooks holding 1000 lbs. My 84' had two large hook on each fender (looking at the supports there is no way these could have held the weight of the trailer), but my 03' only has two little cover hooks. If mine gets strapped, I believe it will need to be off the transom hooks.

I can understand the concern. I'm going to inspect mine tonight for any signs of stress.

[AirJunky]

It's interesting to hear that dealers are telling people not to tie their boats down. Seems like that would be a HUGE liability if someone lost their boat.

[rodltg2]

i would say it depends on how far your going and how bumpy the road. lake is 5 min from house and a nice road . on my old boat i didnt even tie the front on. my mc however has the auto clip deal so that will be always on.

[AirJunky]

Wish you luck, Rodltg2. I've had to replace my Boat Buddy because I did the same thing. I live less than a block from the boat ramp & bent the shaft on the Buddy to the point that it wouldn't move any more. When I got the new one, I read the documentation & it says that your not supposed to drive at all with the Buddy engaged. So now I pull the boat out & drive off the ramp & out of the way, unlock the Buddy & hook up the winch strap & a safety chain. If I'm going more than a few miles I'll hook up the transom straps too, which slide up between the swimstep & the transom without a problem.

Another thing that amazed me about the MC trailer has no safety chain. I've broken two winch straps over the years & found it tough to believe so many inboard owners rely on that one strap to keep their boat down.

[martini]

If you get quality straps with a protective cover, no harm will come to the swim platform. I don't know if you can see them, but the straps are secured in this picture.

[Brn85ss]

Run mine the same way.Nice trailer thinking on converting mine from a single axle to a tandem.

[east tx skier]

It's been a while since I've read it, but doesn't the current manual say to leave the boat buddy engaged as a backup? AJ, I agree with you, and always, as I was told by my dealer, disengaged the boat buddy for fear of breaking it. I certainly held out little hope that if things got truly hairy, the boat buddy was going to hold it together.

[boatwake]

Has anyone tried these retractable tie-downs?
http://www.immioutdoors.com/boatbuckle/products.htm

[G-man]

retracable tie downs are great until they either corrode or get enough mud and silt in them. I guess you could wash them out when you get home but most people don't. They are on a bunch of bass boat trailers.

[AirJunky]

It's been a while since I've read it, but doesn't the current manual say to leave the boat buddy engaged as a backup? AJ, I agree with you, and always, as I was told by my dealer, disengaged the boat buddy for fear of breaking it. I certainly held out little hope that if things got truly hairy, the boat buddy was going to hold it together.

Not having a manual for the boat, I don't know what it recommends.
But you can Google for "Boat Buddy" for a long list of people complaining about how fragile they are. And based on that, I'd hate to rely on it for anything more than pulling the boat out of the lake. I installed a heavy galvanized safety chain around the trailer/winch support..... hooks up super easily & it isn't going to let the boat go very far or the the bow eye will get ripped off the boat.
I think the Boat Buddy is great for getting the boat out of the water super fast without getting out of the truck or boat..... but they break ridiculously easy. If they didn't have a monopoly on the market they'd have to build the thing to standards that the market demands.
As I recall the company that makes them is based in Ft Worth & they have great customer service.

[DanC]

Regarding rear tie down eyelets. The older Ski Nautiques had no access to the lift rings (stupid plastic covers for stopping CO...long story) so we tied down from the platform brackets. Four 1990-1992 boats tied down this way for 6-10 years and none of us ever had a stress crack or any kind of problem. We logged a lot of miles.

I have installed the ratchet tie downs on my PS209. I am not very happy with the ones I have. The ratchet lock tends to shake loose after trailering for a couple of miles. I tried to put in a harder spring but was unsuccessful. The reason I went with them was the short distance from the trailer tie point to the boat eyelets. I found my regular tie downs had to be shortened up too much and was running out of strap. I like the idea of the attached ratchet tie downs, maybe a different brand would work better.

[rodltg2]

my mb was very easy to trailer compared to my mc. that boat buddy in my opinion sucks and i will take it off from now on. i was wondering why that thing is such a pain in the a$$ to release when launching. with my mb i would just throttle it up the trailer until it hit that nose gaurd , keep on the gas while the truck pulled out and just as before the intake came out of the water i would shut off. i was so quick and easy.

[rodltg2]

here is picture of the front , i wish the mc trailer had this , if i can find someone to make one that would look right i will do it.

[AirJunky]

my mb was very easy to trailer compared to my mc. that boat buddy in my opinion sucks and i will take it off from now on. i was wondering why that thing is such a pain in the a$$ to release when launching. with my mb i would just throttle it up the trailer until it hit that nose gaurd , keep on the gas while the truck pulled out and just as before the intake came out of the water i would shut off. i was so quick and easy.

Sounds like the pin is bent already...... or it could just be that the boat is resting on it while your trying to pull it out. Use the winch to relieve the stress on the BB pin, then pull it out & lock it.

When launching the boat, if I'm confident the boat is going to start & I'm familiar with the ramp, I will release the buddy & the winch, then just back the trailer in & hit the brakes. Truck & trailer are in & out in a few seconds.
If I'm not familiar with the ramp or the boat hasn't been run in a while, I'll leave the winch on the bow ring & cut it lose after the boat is started.

No reason to drop the boat on a steep ramp..... or end up floating in the middle of the launch/pickup area with a dead boat....... or better yet, a dead boat that is taking on water!

[east tx skier]

Just an update on the fender eyelits. On my trailer for my 93 PS 205, the eyelits are bolted to a piece of steel that is attached to the trailer frame. It is not simply bolted to the fiberglass fender. I don't know when this began or if it has since been discontinued.

rod, I'm with you on the boat buddy. Ditched that thing long ago. No black marks on my hull since. It's not a necessity on an open bow boat in my opinion. If I had a 190, I would have kept it.

[Lance]

In '87 the attachment point behind the wheel is for the cover and for the tie down and is connected to the steel frame of the trailer. The eyelet in front of the wheel is lightweight and only for the cover.

[nashvillematt]

whats a this trailering thing that you all speak of?

[6balls]

Tie Strap Testimonial (http://craftmasterllp.com/brianwebsite.htm)

[SteveO]

You guys have me convinced... I'm off to Home Depot for some straps

[Ric]

Got some nice Ancra tie downs at a motorcycle shop, cinched them to the transom tie down rings and trimmed the excess strap length and I was done.
Only trouble with these small insurance items is if you forget them, you look like an idiot when launching!

[André]

Ric
Have you wet the new babe so far?

[ski_king]

I haven't used a tie down yet, guess I have been lucky. I only tow about 60 miles a year.
After reading all of this, I will be buying some.

I have seen the result of hitting a bump and not being tied down. The Boat came down on top of the fiberglass fender and shattered it. Better the trailer fender than the boat..... Needed a replacement fender .

[Ric]

Ric
Have you wet the new babe so far?
Once Andre. ONCE! Put 5+ break-in hours on it one cold saturday. and that was it.

It's a long story, but my boat has spent more time at the dealer than it has with me. Instead of skiing today, I'm looking out the window, talking about skiing :mad:

[86PowerSlot190MC]

Just an update on the fender eyelits. On my trailer for my 93 PS 205, the eyelits are bolted to a piece of steel that is attached to the trailer frame. It is not simply bolted to the fiberglass fender. I don't know when this began or if it has since been discontinued.

It's the same way on my 86 trailer.

[André]

Ric
Is your boat BACK to the dealer???

[Thrall]

Didn't read the whole thread, but didn't need to. Started out not tying the rear down until the first time someone followed me to the lake and said "Do you know how many times your boat got airborne off of the bunks?"
Last trip that I didn't tie down!

[NatesGr8]

If i'm taking the boat further than my local boat ramp (about half a mile away) i always tie down. Its better to be safe than sorry.

[sfitzgerald351]

here is picture of the front , i wish the mc trailer had this , if i can find someone to make one that would look right i will do it.

I've always liked the big bow stops that the mb and Nautiques seem to have on their trailers. You can't overshoot when loading the boat. On my 84, since I haven't built either those boards or put on a boat buddy usually overshoot by a few inches and then let the boat slide back. Seems like you could combine a boat buddy with those boards somehow and make a nice arrangement.

[jimmer2880]

I am not going to give my opinions on whether to strap or not, I did that a few years back on the Malibu site and got blasted pretty good. But I do want to comment on using the eyes on the MC trailer. On the older 80's and early 90's model trailers, those eyes are for securing the cover, not for strapping the boat down or the trailer up. Strapping to the eyes just behind the trailer will have no effect in the case of a wreck. There is no real backing behind them. When I bought my 91, the dealer told me it is for cover strapping only. If I want to strap the boat down, go over the platform, or through the platform mounts and anchor to the frame of the trailer. I would also suspect that towing a boat strapped to these eyes could create some serious stress cracks in the fiberglass fender as well.
:twocents:

Funny - the manual on my '95 PS says that you SHOULD tie down to those eye rings on the fenders. Sounds like someone fed you wrong info.

As far as the boat buddy goes - once you're clicked in, before you leave the ramp, attach your strap & take the pressure off the pin of the boat buddy. You'll never have any problems after that.

No way I'll ever own a boat withOUT one of those.

However, I will say, that having a visual of how far you need to go would be nice. Maybe I'll make up some of those ugly bunks for the nose of the boat. - or maybe I'll just put one of those thin fiberglass flags there off of my kid's bike?

[LakeLottawatta]

jimmer, Your 95 trailer is a full box channel trailer. That style started about that time and maybe you have more backing behind that ring. The older C-channel trailers were definitely different. If you crawl an older trailer, you can see it would not hold much more than a cover strap. I am only going by what the dealer told me when I picked the boat up.

[Professor]

Maybe I am just paranoid but after reading this thread, I keep thinking about how to ratchet strap the stern to the trailer using the lifting rings?

[sfitzgerald351]

jimmer, Your 95 trailer is a full box channel trailer. That style started about that time and maybe you have more backing behind that ring. The older C-channel trailers were definitely different. If you crawl an older trailer, you can see it would not hold much more than a cover strap. I am only going by what the dealer told me when I picked the boat up.

My 84 trailer is pretty beefy behind the fenders. The eyes run down into a piece of c-channel that is welded to the same point the rear spring mount is on the main frame rail. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe the spring is welded to the same piece of channel. I suppose it might bend a bit in a really good wreck, but so would the rest of the trailer. Who has a digital camera and can go take some pictures? I'm really curious now. My boat is still under 3' of snow!

[jimmer2880]

jimmer, Your 95 trailer is a full box channel trailer. That style started about that time and maybe you have more backing behind that ring. The older C-channel trailers were definitely different. If you crawl an older trailer, you can see it would not hold much more than a cover strap. I am only going by what the dealer told me when I picked the boat up.

But - from what Scott has said - maybe there were different "factory" trailers back then? :huh: Hmm...

[aprgriggs]

I didn't tie my X10 down while towing but my X9 seams to move around alot on the trailer. I am thinking about adding some tie downs any recomendations? I don't want to scrach my gel coat.

[east tx skier]

If the eyelits on your fenders are reinforced, just run a strap over the top behind the motorbox. You can buy that padding for seatbelts or luggage straps and feed the strap through that, then position the padding on each gunwale to prevent it from rubbing the gel coat.

[NeilM]

' don't know how I missed this thread:

Tie it down.. I've seen daylight between 8000lb boats and their bunks going down rough highway. A friend of mine got fined for not having tie-downs - "improperly secured load" or some such thing...

On the 210 / X-10, a transom tie-down works fine from the transom lift rings to the trailer..

[captkidd]

I have eyelettes on the hubs of my trailer that I use to attach a 3" cargo strap with a ratchet and then I ratchet it tight with the strap running over the top of the boat is approximately where the rear seat is. Better to be safe than sorry.

Eyelets on your trailer hubs? Man, I'll bet those straps are tight when you get to the ramp!

[NeilM]

Eyelets on your trailer hubs? Man, I'll bet those straps are tight when you get to the ramp!

Too funny!:uglyhamme

[captkidd]

:purplaugh I actually had one! :D
A Glastron Carlson or a '77 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am? I'm not real excited about the Glastron, but the Bandit is one of my all-time favorite cars. Saw one go for $20K on eBay awhile back.

[DanC]

April, the X-9 has eyelets under the swim platform for tying down to the trailer.

[lakes Rick]

A Glastron Carlson or a '77 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am? I'm not real excited about the Glastron, but the Bandit is one of my all-time favorite cars. Saw one go for $20K on eBay awhile back.

Guy I know has a Bandit car he bought brand new still in his garage.. Like new with 40,000 miles on it... The joke is he wears black and gold underwear. Those cars will never go anywhere...

During the seventies gas shortages every sand person in town ( college town) had one... LOTS of wrecked ones back then.....

I had a Glastron Carlson also.. Still get a kick out of "Live and Let Die" when it comes on TV.....

[sfitzgerald351]

You can buy that padding for seatbelts or luggage straps and feed the strap through that, then position the padding on each gunwale to prevent it from rubbing the gel coat.

Now that's a darn good idea. Why didn't I think of that.

P.S. My boat is a gazillion years old and you really can't see any scratches from the strap, even without something covering it... (at least the scratches in that vicinity aren't any worse than any others elsewhere on my boat!)

[erkoehler]

Tie it down definetly! We have always tied down all of our boats even for just short trips. Better safe than sorry!

[east tx skier]

Now that's a darn good idea. Why didn't I think of that.

P.S. My boat is a gazillion years old and you really can't see any scratches from the strap, even without something covering it... (at least the scratches in that vicinity aren't any worse than any others elsewhere on my boat!)

I don't use that sort of padding myself. I cut up a tube sock. I just didn't want to elicit the standard "hole in the sock" response. If you don't knwo what I'm talking about, just wait.

[André]

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=1907&page=2&highlight=Andre

Did you ever read that thread after you posted in it ? :D

[6ballsisall]

For my 3 minute journey from the house to the lake (@ 20 mph) I don't worry about it. Now if I go somewhere otherwise, she gets tied down for sure! I don't care to have my MC on the road or in the back of my Durango!!

[jsonova99]

I use a safety chain and a strap connected to both sides of the trailer over the boat to hold the a$$ end down on the trailer. I find it make a big difference. Even towing short distances I could feel the whole boat jump without the strap, made me very nervous. :twocents:

[AirJunky]

It amazes me how many boat owners, specifically inboard boat owners, think that their winch is going to keep that boat from flying around. Even Mastercraft doesn't provide adequate tie downs on these boats. And their dealers tell people not to worry about it.
Anyone ever seen a boat fly off the trailer? We had one a few years ago on W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. The Tahoe pulling was sideswiped & the boat flung off it's trailer. The stern was not tied down at all & the winch held the bow down for a minute..... just long enough to spin the boat as it flew off the trailer. By the time I saw it, the boat had skidded down the pavement about 20 yards on it's hull & came within 10' or so of hitting someone in oncoming traffic.
I installed my swimstep back 1/4" so I can use stern straps on the back. And I installed a safety chain on the bow. Short trips I don't use the stern straps (I live 2 blocks from the ramp or 1 block from our beach, which can also be used to launch) but the safety chain is on till I am ready to back it in.

[DanC]

AirJunky I hear ya!
My 2003 Mastercraft trailer has eyelets under the bow eye for a tie down. The MC manual also says never tow without bow and stern tie downs.
Funny how people think they don'w need to tie their boat down. I have never been in a car accident and never put my head through a windshield but I still wear my safety belt ;) .

[dmac]

I cannot think of one reasonable reason not to tie down. That is taking unnecessary risk.

[east tx skier]

I agree. Why not do it.

[jsonova99]

I agree, it's not a big hassle to throw a strap or two on before you head out. A 5 to 10 minute inconvenience is better than losing your boat!

[Mag_Red]

I guess some people believe that tie downs, like cleats, don't belong on a Ski boat. I'm glad I have both! :worthy:

[rem_p]

i only use the bow line to hold mine on the trailer...but i dont have to travel over 5 miles to get to the lake....plus i got a toyota truck, 40 mph is about top speed

[aprgriggs]

April, the X-9 has eyelets under the swim platform for tying down to the trailer.

ok, just looked at the boat and I do have the rear hooks....Now what type of strap?

[AirJunky]

I just use the same old transom tiedowns (http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/11928F/quick_release_transom_straps_attwood_marine.html) that most any boat/trailer comes with from the dealer........ well, most dealers anyway. I had to use short lengths of rope when I brought the boat home.

[Mag_Red]

Or like these................. on a Prostar 209 :wavey:

[ski_king]

Or like these................. on a Prostar 209 :wavey:
Nice set up Mag, but no yellow strap?

[Mag_Red]

Nice set up Mag, but no yellow strap? :purplaugh :rant: You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to Find crap in yellow!
They will match the new truck though :D

[ski_king]

:purplaugh :rant: You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to Find crap in yellow!
They will match the new truck though :D
Tell me about it, I have owned a yellow boat for 22 years. I do have yellow tie downs though. If I only rememberered where they are, never have used them. Guess I better start.

[sizzler]

i picked mine up from the dealers the other week and tied it down with straps....the dealer asked why i bothered....i did not reply. :eek:

[Cloaked]

For the non-believers, defiers of the laws of physics, and ones who just don't get it... LOL... (each to their own)...
I did not find pics of the boat that I lost off of the trailer..... Doing 35 MPH, two blocks from the house and I was just running down to the lake for a quickie....


But I did find the negatives.

More to come. I'll post as soon as I get them in and out of a photo lab....

Tie your boat to the trailer. Not to mention that it's the law... Don't take my word for it, ask your local Dept of Trans. Diesel Bear. Or wait for the pics I have to share.

:cool: :toast: :steering:

[jsonova99]

Not trying to hijack this site, but while on the topic of trailering, I can't get over how many people, especially here in Florida and up at the Jersey shore where I grew up who lose wheels on their trailers because they don't check the wheel bearings. I must see two or three boats a week stranded on the sides of the road sitting on the spindles. I saw one on the Bee Line (big highway over to Orlando) where a guy dropped a 35 foot (approx.) Scarab. The trailer lost two wheels on the one side causing him to jack-knife, and dumped the boat off of the trailer. Actually, that was probably a combination of wheel bearings and not tying the boat down. Anyway, the boat slid across two lanes of the highway and ended up in the grassy median. Is it that hard to spend 5 minutes checking bearings before you trailer? I do it each and every trip. :rant:

[lsupcar]

The recent BOATUS magazine "Seaworthy" has an extensive article on trailering and the necessity of tie downs, including several claim reports and accident pictures. All good advice. Be safe. Bill Z

[tex]

Can we combine this with the bathing suit pics thread? I am only thinking of saving space.

[Ric]

Not trying to hijack this site, but while on the topic of trailering, I can't get over how many people, especially here in Florida and up at the Jersey shore where I grew up who lose wheels on their trailers because they don't check the wheel bearings. I must see two or three boats a week stranded on the sides of the road sitting on the spindles. I saw one on the Bee Line (big highway over to Orlando) where a guy dropped a 35 foot (approx.) Scarab. The trailer lost two wheels on the one side causing him to jack-knife, and dumped the boat off of the trailer. Actually, that was probably a combination of wheel bearings and not tying the boat down. Anyway, the boat slid across two lanes of the highway and ended up in the grassy median. Is it that hard to spend 5 minutes checking bearings before you trailer? I do it each and every trip. :rant:
I can attest to this as I too have neglected wheel bearings in the past. luckily I made it to the ski lake and was backing down the ramp when I saw my wheel protruding from the trailer fender at a ridiculous angle. We went ahead and skiid and removed the rotor and left the boat at the lake overnight
I was one nervous boy leaving it out overnite but it was much better off than sitting on the shoulder of the freeway ;)

[east tx skier]

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=1907&page=2&highlight=Andre

Did you ever read that thread after you posted in it ? :D

That's great, Andre. I can always count on you, my friend. :uglyhamme

[Cloaked]

I am not posting this for drama or such nonsense. If one person can see this pictorial and learn to tie your boat to the trailer, then I'll be happy. The crash was a sound that I'll never forget. This accident was at a slow speed and close to the house.... So that excuse or justification doesn't do crap for me.... 8p

This is not a pretty picture when it takes less than 30 seconds to cynch a strap....

The boat had 10 hours on it when I lost it off the trailer. My registration numbers hadn't even been mailed back to me...

Notice the guide pole on the trailer... The boat rolled right over it... :eek3:
I'll never trust these flemsy trailer frames where the pole is attached on the rear corner(s) (as that is what actually gave way, in lieu of the pole itself).

This accident broke all 4 motor mounts and bashed the boat in several places. It was all repaired and the boat was usable afterwards. The fiberglass guy did an excellent job, as did the machine shop technicial doing the welding (to the motor where the mounts attach) and such. I have pics of the damage but that is secondary to this topic...


. ( <== thread tracker)

[Cloaked]

:eek:

.

[Leroy]

I'm a convert, just leave them lying in the boat storage and they are always there.

[FrankSchwab]

Hey Leroy -

Noticed that the second set of taillights on your trailer are white? Is that a custom backup-light modification, or are they just LED taillights?

/frank

p.s. Just finished bolting a set of retractable straps on the back of mine.

[Leroy]

Frank; They are stock back up lights. I haven't done a thing to the trailer. Retractable straps sound neat, details, pix?

[WakePowell]

The retractable straps are great. Our neighbors’ new boat/trailer came with them and they are sure convenient and easy to use. They are available in from Overtons but require drilling into your trailer to install.

[SKI*MC]

Man, I cried a little for Sporty, that sucks!!! I cry every time i get a sratch in the gelcoat! Do you still have that boat?

TIE YOUR BOAT DOWN, PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT!!!!!!

[Bert]

[The crash was a sound that I'll never forget. This accident was at a slow speed and close to the house.... So that excuse or justification doesn't do crap for me.... 8p] Wow, I have hauled my boat tens of thousands of miles without the stern tied down. After seeing and reading that I will never do it again

[rasmithaz]

Okay, Okay I'll tie it down.. How about some pictures of a clean bow tie down safety chain?

[jsonova99]

Okay, Okay I'll tie it down.. How about some pictures of a clean bow tie down safety chain?

I don't have any pictures, but they sell them at Boater's World or West Marine. I think I paid about $15 or $20. If you're not lazy you could probably make one for $5.

[Cloaked]

Yet another non-believer of tie-downs... Took this pic through my windshield....

.

[erkoehler]

So, fill us in on the secondary part of the story? What happened?

[Cloaked]

So, fill us in on the secondary part of the story? What happened?Well ya' see... I wUz sitting in the truck, saw a traffic slowdown, observed the braking protocol, and took just a quick second to snap the picture. :uglyhamme

Eric, the previous part of this thread pretty much sums it up... Just passing this on as a reminder (again) to tie yEr boat to the trailer to be safe and legal.....

Scroll back through this thread and look at a MC I lost off the trailer....It happens... :eek3:

[erkoehler]

I have pics of the damage but that is secondary to this topic...


. ( <== thread tracker)

Post those pics, I would love to see what happened.

[Cloaked]

Post those pics, I would love to see what happened.Ahhhhhhh Mate, now I seeZZ.... :D
Give me a few to locate the pics and scan them. Tomorrow night's episode.... But Ill post 'em. Just need to lay a finger on them....

.<== Thread Tracker

[SteveO]

Sporty, Okay I am a believer. You either spend to much time on the road to not only have it happen to you, but to spot other occurrences. What kind of weight capacity should we use? I have some cheap ones from Home Depot. The retrackable ones do sound cool.

[LakePirate]

I love seeing folks with the bimini top just rolled up, not put down on the highway. I saw a guy the other day and it was rocking at 70 mph. But to top that I saw a boat being pulled back to the marina from the boat show in Atlanta with the bimini top still up.

[Cloaked]

Sporty, Okay I am a believer. You either spend to much time on the road to not only have it happen to you, but to spot other occurrences. What kind of weight capacity should we use? I have some cheap ones from Home Depot. The retrackable ones do sound cool.LOL.. You're telling me???
I am an Engineer and work on broken nuclear power plants. I travel all the time from one plant to another. I do indeed spend way too much time on the road but it pays the bills and I see a lot in this small world.... As for capacity? I couldn't tell ya' for sure. It's all a matter of how much one thinks they may endure. You have a 3k - 4k pound boat times (X) some force (by speed or motion energy) that multiplies with all of the factors of the Laws of Physics. Lots of variables to consider.
My recommendation ==> A Big 'Un..... :D

And a point of further discussion, as I do travel I pass a lot of tractor/trailer rigs. They all use chains and binders..... No flimsy straps for their loads. See what I'm saying? Personally, I'd say chain it down but that "seems" a bit extreme, but I'm betting a strap would snap into pieces with the right amount of exerted force on it. However one will wish for a chain if the boat ever comes through your rear deck of the vehicle. It will happen in the right circumstances. Just takes a head-on or a severe braking to send 4 thousand pounds forward. Think about the loose stuff in your rear seat or in the rear of a pickup truck that slides forward when you have to hit the brakes hard. Now think about 4000 pounds.... A strap may not hold it. :eek:

Now with this being said, there is still a bit I haven't told about my accident but I'm waiting until the proper time to exhibit my point. You're close. My accident started by hard braking and a boat moving forward. That is why I can factually say, "It happens."



Not to beat a dang dead horse but here's the skinny:
Just please take a small extra precaution when traveling with a boat. That's all I am trying to say with my persistence in sharing my experiences.... I'm not busting yEr chops here but just taking a moment to reflect on the safety of our small community here and the associated family members that are so important to keep safe.

Someone in another thread commented just a few days back about the flip-up bar on the older trailers. The one that catches the bow of the boat. That bar is the best bet yet that MC has put on those trailers. It will be there long after a strap gives way. I have one on my trailer and I'd never consider removing it. That bar with a strong and proper weld to the trailer frame will hold your boat from moving forward (up to a certain and reasonable circumstance). I'd trust it far more than tie-down straps.

Now we're getting closer to the real story of my accident when talking about welds and what not.... :)

I use a 3" wide strap that I pull a loose end for tensioning (no ratchet). It's so outdated, I can't find another one like it anywhere, but I like it. Basically it just keeps the boat from bouncing on the trailer.

[Jeff X-10]

I always use them...better safe than sorry. I had a friend lose his boat in a ditch after blowing a tire.

[Ryan]

I am no physicist, maybe one of you will know better. I have a 93 and have the steel backed side trailer tie downs. But I don't use them, it seems that method would still allow for latteral movement. Maybe I'm wrong.

I take my platform off to put it in the garage anyway, so that's how I trailer it - tied down of course, at the transom with the platform on the port side of the engine.

Most traditional boating magazines also recomend using a strap for teh bow too. Anyone here do that? I haven't.

[erkoehler]

Never seen one on the bow. With the boat buddy and winch engaged, I think under normal circumstances you should be alright. But i guess it couldnt hurt!

[erkoehler]

[QUOTE=Sporty]

Now we're getting closer to the real story of my accident when talking about welds and what not.... :) QUOTE]


Well, out w/ it! What happened already

[BriEOD]

Ry--Do you have quick pins for your platform, or do you put the screws in and out everytime?

[Ryan]

I have the quick pins, but I actually use zip-ties. The platform made this obnoxious knocking noise as I'd idle back to a skier, go through rollers, with the platform rising-falling and moving forward and back the brackets would bang together. I thought about adding a spacer or carpet, but this worked. I found zip-ties fixed it and keep a bag of them and wire cutters in the glove box.

Speaking of brackets and those of you who tie down around the sides of your platform; is there any conern for ripping out brackets under force? Then again, one heavy and nameless guest in the boat put a lot of force on them getting in and out of the boat, and they held up. He split the bottom rail of the platform though!

Now don't all start talking about platforms in the tie-down thread.

[sfitzgerald351]

You can get straps rated for 4,000 lbs and up no problem. I use a 3" wide strap that I got a home depot (my trailer has the over the top of the boat tie-down method) with a big ratchet. Safe working load of 10,000 lbs with breaking strength of 20,000 lbs. I think it'll hold. Remember, you just need to hold the boat and trailer together. The less movement relative to each other, the less inertial force can be built up between the trailer and boat. If you tie down the stern in 2 places and the bow in 1, you should be fine. It might not hold the boat on the trailer if you roll the unit, but it will keep the boat on the trailer in most other 'exciting' situations.

[tph]

I bet these boat owners wish that they had used tie downs.

[Cloaked]

Erkle, this is for you Pal... Where the hell are you tonight anyway? Do you have a life??? :D

After the boat flipped twice in mid air (as I watched in the rear view mirror), then bounce end-to-end (front right nose-to read left corner)and landed cross-way over a ditch, the windshield wasn't even scratched. All motor mounts were broken (engine remained in the hull compartment), hull and deck damage, scratches from gravel, engine cover thrown out, rear seat thrown out, ski equipment thrown out, and a damaged trailer to beat. There lies the real story... the trailer... I'll get to that in the next post.

Here's the damage.
.

[Cloaked]

As for the trailer..
A bit of background if I may? I was recently out of school as a Civil Engr. I hadn't a clue as to mechanical properties, metalluragy, steel, welding, and mechanical designs in general. As I progressed in my career, I lived and breathed welding, structural steel, piping, etc for years as these nuclear power plants were being constructed. I was a welding and metallurgy Guru within a certain timeframe of prime construction (after the crash of 79). I can now look back and speak of 99.9% assured accuracy in my opinion and analysis of the welds that kept the cradle in place. The welds broke away from the trailer and allowed the nose of the boat to drop onto the ground, sending the boat end-over-end. Looking at the pics here, notice that the cradle is missing from the trailer. Also notice it (near the red in the pic) is attached to the bow eyelet of the boat as it lays across the ditch. In the lower pic, you can see the chain hook with the cradle still attached to the bow (cradle is in the shadow of the boat). My theory based on years of weld engineering (Civil went by the wayside) is that the welds were placed on either painted metal (thus a contaminated weld surface, which is a poor surace prep for welding), the welds were done so poorly that they didn't hold (but no evidence of cracked or broken welds), or the stress on the cradle just sheared them off above and beyond the weld yield strength (but a normal 7018 rod would yield ~ 70k pounds. Even a 60 series rod would yield 60k). I remember looking at the weld area then and didn't know what to think except that that is where the failure originated. I knew that much. Now I can assess that (then) thought (***?) with confidence (in that I have an AWS Certified Welding Inspector's credential, bla,bla, bla...). I am merely reflecting that my analysis then is accurate to my learning now. The welds flat out broke away from the trailer, dropped the cradle and the nose of the boat on the ground, and flipped it off of the trailer. The boat was not tied down.

And lest we forget, the safety chains did their job too (the trailer came off the ball, as you can see in the pic).

The accident cause is another story. But I learned from that too.

Now Erkle, you have the rest of the story.... :D

I'm done. :headbang: :steering: :love:

[ski_king]

Those photos make me want to cry :cry:

[jsonova99]

:cry: That's really ashame, but atleast you walked away from it.

[Leroy]

Ouch, pix to make us all wake up! I started to tie down last year after going through discussion on board. I still can't believe my boat didn't come with tie downs and the dealer said "you don't need them and MC doesn't even ship boats with them"

[erkoehler]

Thanks for the fill in. I will be sure to get some quality straps for the back of my boat when it comes.

[erkoehler]

Erkle, this is for you Pal... Where the hell are you tonight anyway? Do you have a life??? :D

.


I had to work the closing shift tonight :mad:

[H2OGirl]

It amazes me how many people do not use tie downs. We always have and our friends always make fun of us. We tie down driving the five miles we drive to the lake. I think it is a law in WI, not 100% sure.

[Cloaked]

It amazes me how many people do not use tie downs. We always have and our friends always make fun of us. We tie down driving the five miles we drive to the lake. I think it is a law in WI, not 100% sure.Send them a link to this thread or print it in PDF and e-mail it to them.... :D

it is the law in all states to have a load secured to a trailer, if I am not mistaken. Ask your state law enforcment agent.

[erkoehler]

For the 2 minutes it takes to throw the straps on, it isn't worth it not to do it

[6ballsisall]

That some crazy stuff Sporty! I'll bet the explicitives flew that day! :rant: Looks like I need to make it a point to tie down if I tow mine anywhere this summer!

[Ric]

Now if I could only remember to remove the transom straps BEFORE backing the boat into the water! --Rev, rev, hey the water's almost up to the ski locker back there, did you forget the plug? UHHHHHH no, pull forward please. thank you.--

[flying69]

There is no question if the boat moves on the trailer if it is not tied down. It does. Take the time and do, it only takes one mishap. If any of us saw a truck on the highway with an unsecured load we would be very unerved and most likely angry. You have a responsibility to the other people on the road as much as to your boat not to mention those going the lake with you. Also what would your insurance company say about paying out when they discover that you did not take steps to secure your boat to the trailer?

[Ric]

Also what would your insurance company say about paying out when they discover that you did not take steps to secure your boat to the trailer?
That is a good question. Maybe I'll call ski safe and get a ruling from them on what they consider to be proper. God forbid someone were to be killed in an incident, I picture a nightmare scenario of an ambulance chaser coming after me for inadequate tie downs or some other bs.

[Crash]

Send them a link to this thread or print it in PDF and e-mail it to them.... :D

it is the law in all states to have a load secured to a trailer, if I am not mistaken. Ask your state law enforcment agent.



I asked the IL Conservation Officer on The Fox River and they said "It has to be secured to the trailer." They would not reply when pressured on a rulling of tie downs. I interpeted their silence as it not required, but they recommend it. I only use the belly strap on long journeys.

[Ric]

I asked the IL Conservation Officer on The Fox River and they said "It has to be secured to the trailer." They would not reply when pressured on a rulling of tie downs. I interpeted their silence as it not required, but they recommend it. I only use the belly strap on long journeys.
what's a belly strap? if I don't shake this winter coat soon, I may need one!

[erkoehler]

Checked at work today, you can get a good set of straps for between 20-40 dollars depending on the length you need and strength. Minimum strength was 5,000 and max was like 10,000 lbs.

[jmo_54729]

My 2000 Prostar 190 came from the dealer with transom tiedowns. They ran them from the transom hooks, down through a slot in the teak swim platform, then down to the trailer. There are holes under the trailer near the end just for this purpose. You may have to feel around for them to find them. This also
keeps someone from "quickly" removing your swim platform and making a coffee table out of it.

Jim

[Mag_Red]

Are we still debating this issue????

[sizzler]

its turned into a mass debate

[Crash]

what's a belly strap? if I don't shake this winter coat soon, I may need one!

I think you know, but a belly strap is a seatbelt that goes over the gunwales of the boat.

When you said shake this winter coat...are you furry? This is what immediately came to mind.

[Kevin 89MC]

Hey Sporty, any chance of you re-loading some of the pictures on this thread? Just curious, in a morbid sort of way. I joined the list right after all the pics were lost, so I never saw them. Just read this post for the first time, needless to say, I'm going to HD tonight to get a strap for my boat!
Kevin

[Cloaked]

Hey Sporty, any chance of you re-loading some of the pictures on this thread? Just curious, in a morbid sort of way. I joined the list right after all the pics were lost, so I never saw them. Just read this post for the first time, needless to say, I'm going to HD tonight to get a strap for my boat!
Kevin
Be glad too. I'll do that tonight after church, or first thing tomorrow. If you benefit from it, I'll be a happy camper... :guitar:

[Ric]

;) no I mean last winter's fat! like a bear, I put it on, I just never took it back off :eek:
I think you know, but a belly strap is a seatbelt that goes over the gunwales of the boat.

When you said shake this winter coat...are you furry? This is what immediately came to mind.

[CHaus21]

Not intended to bring up this 17 page discussion again, but I read through the entire thread and obviously everyone agrees that you should tie your boat down b/c its better to be safe rather than sorry.

My question is "what is best way" to tie it down? Over the gunwales, or transom to the trailer somehow in the back?

Have we come to a conclusion that the hooks on the fender are strong enough/meant for tying the boat down?

I have a 98 Sport Star 19 that I will be towing from Orlando to South Carolina next week and am trying to figure out the best way to tie it down.

Now if I go over the gunwales, that wouldn't allow me to cinch down the cover very tight, which leads me to another question - Should I tow with cover on or cover off?

[6ballsisall]

CHaus, my personal preference is never tow with a cover on, even with the ones that say "towable cover"

As for tying it down, if you don't have hooks on your transom (first recommendation for tie down spot) run a strap over the gunnelsbehind the motor box. Cinch it down pretty tight. Your good to go!

[erkoehler]

Before you strap it to the loops on the fenders, your boing to want to reinforce those quite a bit.

I would recommend tying your down at the transom.

[6ballsisall]

Before you strap it to the loops on the fenders, your boing to want to reinforce those quite a bit.




Correct, or just run your straps all the way down to the frame........

[richardsoncd]

I have "D-Rings" on my trailer just behind the fenders that go to the frame of the trailer. I use a thick come-along over the boat with folded towels between the strap and my boat to keep it from scratching. When I bought the S&S, the guy didn't strap it and by the time I got it home (maybe due to RxR tracks or bumps) the boat had shifted all the way against one of the fenders (keep in mind a S&S is very light). But that is how I do it, probably not the best, but easy and I haven't done any damage to the finish of the boat.

[Cloaked]

I have "D-Rings" on my trailer just behind the fenders that go to the frame of the trailer. I use a thick come-along over the boat with folded towels between the strap and my boat to keep it from scratching. When I bought the S&S, the guy didn't strap it and by the time I got it home (maybe due to RxR tracks or bumps) the boat had shifted all the way against one of the fenders (keep in mind a S&S is very light). But that is how I do it, probably not the best, but easy and I haven't done any damage to the finish of the boat.
In my opinion, that is your best bet. I too strap my boat across the top. I don't worry too much about the boat sliding within the wheel wells. I have observed that they will slide from time to time, and I actually prefer that as to trying to anchor it in one place.

[Cloaked]

CHaus, my personal preference is never tow with a cover on, even with the ones that say "towable cover"

You learn well Grasshopper. :steering:

[6ballsisall]

You learn well Grasshopper. :steering:

Thank yew masta spowty. Yew good teacha :headbang:

[Bruce]

I just got my first MC also (1999 230 VRS) like new. (I'm in love again!
Like you I could not figure how to tie down I found the two tie down ratchet straps but could not figure out where they went. Previous owner thought they went on cleats.(I knew better than that.) It's now simple hook to lifting rings/ski eyes and feel under corner of trailer and you wiil find a hole drilled there. The s hook fits perfectly in that hole.
As I said I am brand new and this is my firt attempt hope it goes through. Now for the dummy part what do I cliclk on to post a question?

[LakePirate]

I just got my first MC also (1999 230 VRS) like new. (I'm in love again!
Like you I could not figure how to tie down I found the two tie down ratchet straps but could not figure out where they went. Previous owner thought they went on cleats.(I knew better than that.) It's now simple hook to lifting rings/ski eyes and feel under corner of trailer and you wiil find a hole drilled there. The s hook fits perfectly in that hole.
As I said I am brand new and this is my firt attempt hope it goes through. Now for the dummy part what do I cliclk on to post a question?


Welcome there Bruce - Click on the team talk link on the top right, pick the category that your question best fits and above the threads already posted you will see a "New Thread" button, click that and you should be good to go.

Where down south are you?

[Bruce]

Many Thanks. Now I can get some questions answered! I'm in Lacombe La. on the northshore of Lake Pontchatrain. About 5 miles from Slidell(think Katrina) We live on a Bayou and that's where all of our skiing, boarding etc. takes place. The water is brackish and the boat does not have the closed cooling system so that gives me some concern. What he heck i'm 73 and i'm, not corodeing so maybe the MariStar can handle it.

[TMCNo1]

Many Thanks. Now I can get some questions answered! I'm in Lacombe La. on the northshore of Lake Pontchatrain. About 5 miles from Slidell(think Katrina) We live on a Bayou and that's where all of our skiing, boarding etc. takes place. The water is brackish and the boat does not have the closed cooling system so that gives me some concern. What he heck i'm 73 and i'm, not corodeing so maybe the MariStar can handle it.


Did you say 73 years old, if so, you go dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finally someone older than me at 59!
Great to have you on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bruce]

Thanks for warm welcome. Age is correct used to slalom on cypress garden Dick Pope Jr. Western Wood etc. Lost my 1971 Slickcraft with 140 Johnson to Katrina. Decided to stepup and found the 99 230VRS with 315 hours in mint condition. Wife actually pushed me to get it so the kids and grandkids would keep coming to visit.(works to)Since I taught them all it's great to see they all want to be better than Pa Pa. The 17 year old is.

[billr]

Welcome Bruce: I have a '96 MariStar 225 Without closed cooling. I'm in Mobile so I understand your concern about brackish water. I've not had many problems with the boat itself, however i wash down and flush after each use, and don't keep it in water overnight. I have not had as much good luck with the trailer. Replaced brakes (Twice) brake cylinder (Twice) and constantly scraping off rust and repainting. If I ever get a new one for sure it will be galvanized. I also don't tie mine down at the transom. Welcome aboard, the grandkids will love you new ride. Bill