View Full Version : Do you need transom tie-downs?
RobertT
07-14-2005, 12:58 PM
My dealer actually delivered my boat to my dock for me, and stored the trailer...I just pulled it out to get the oil changed...and noticed that I didnt have any tie downs.
Do you need them? Do they come with a Mastercraft boat/trailer combo?
Tom023
07-14-2005, 12:59 PM
Yes. Discussed at length several times already. If you search for tie-downs I am sure you find those discussions.
u29460
07-14-2005, 01:27 PM
I read the other posts as well and just bought a singe wrap strap that goes from fender to fender. Other than the obvious safety aspects..... it made such a huge difference in towing. So much smother and no bangs and shimmies over bridges or major potholes.
I highly recommend.
erkoehler
07-14-2005, 01:31 PM
Don't think that they come with the boat.
BriEOD
07-14-2005, 01:31 PM
I read the other posts as well and just bought a singe wrap strap that goes from fender to fender. Other than the obvious safety aspects..... it made such a huge difference in towing. So much smother and no bangs and shimmies over bridges or major potholes.
I highly recommend.
Ditto.......
martini
07-14-2005, 01:36 PM
Without a doubt, the cheapest investment you can make.
jamisonsbrodie
07-14-2005, 01:39 PM
Transom Tie downs from the trailer to the rear tow hooks on each side are the best, it keeps the boat from going through your rear window in an accident. I have seen this happen on the interstate. Minivan pulling around a 17' fishing boat. Boat ended up half-way into the minivan! It did not have transom tie-downs!
I read the other posts as well and just bought a singe wrap strap that goes from fender to fender. Other than the obvious safety aspects..... it made such a huge difference in towing. So much smother and no bangs and shimmies over bridges or major potholes.
I highly recommend.
u2 is right
I never did transom straps on my old boats. Safety aspects aside, you will love how much smoother the boat rides on the trailer when towing. Much less banging around back there. I had no idea how much that thing jumps around and shakes the truck without tie downs (I always thought it was just the trailer shaking)
Leroy
07-14-2005, 02:15 PM
My boat came the same way in 2001, and I talked this over with the dealer who said, don't need them MC never ships with them, I was convinced I didn't need them and went that way until last year we had a similar thread that convince me you do need them and I use them now every time I tow.
It's kind of like wearing a seat belt, you really don't need the seat belt 99.99% of the time.......but the difference in outcomes in that 0.01% of the time is often critical!
6ballsisall
07-14-2005, 02:32 PM
Was in Louisville last week and saw a I/O that did not have tie downs come off the trailer, got caught from the tongue hook and it pulled the truck and trailer around causing a major mess and a totaled trailer and truck. No one was hurt but it could have been worse. Moral of the story is transom straps are key!
Diesel
07-14-2005, 03:06 PM
On my 95 205 I never used rear tie downs and I towed it for 10 years with zero problems. I have argued (probably in another thread on here) that rear tie downs are not necessary since I never needed them on my 205. That boat on it's Dorsey trailer did not move an inch and it towed beautifully.
On the other hand with my 209 I just installed a set of these last week on my trailer...
http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20050701/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/boatersworld/products/368230348.jpg
I don't quite know what the difference is but the 209 will bounce a bit on the trailer. I think the tower might have something to do with it rocking side to side and then bouncing. I saw it happen a couple of times so I decided rear tie downs were in order. It is nice that MC has actually started putting tie down points under the swim deck on the newer boats.
I think it ultimately depends upon the trailer/boat combination. As well as your own personal level of security.
east tx skier
07-14-2005, 04:07 PM
Ditto.......
Double ditto.
I was a bit surprised that no tie downs came with the set up as well. The didn't have any in the parts department for sale either. Just down the road from the dealer, before the first light, is a West Marine. Got the tie downs and the 5 prong adapter for the trailer lights.
latch
07-14-2005, 05:32 PM
My transom tie downs are above my swim platform. Please show how do yall fit the tie downs thru the swim platform. So far I have not used any tie downs. Reading this thread makes me think that I should. The boat really trailers well.
My '00 was like that and I fished the tie downs thru the first slot in the teak on the few occasions I strapped it down
I didnt strap it alot because it was such hassle, but it never damaged the platform when I did tow like that
Cloaked
07-14-2005, 07:17 PM
Should I post a pic of the consequences of not having a tie-down?? :D
Been there. It isn't pretty....
Leroy
07-14-2005, 07:20 PM
If it is like mine two of the spring loaded holding pins and you can easily lift the platform off.
My transom tie downs are above my swim platform. Please show how do yall fit the tie downs thru the swim platform. So far I have not used any tie downs. Reading this thread makes me think that I should. The boat really trailers well.
MarkP
07-14-2005, 08:06 PM
I would use them if I didn’t already.
Huh,:confused: ..
lakes Rick
07-14-2005, 08:37 PM
I would use them if I didn’t already.
Huh,:confused: ..
MarkP you dork.......
The heck with this, where are more pics of Stevo's wife!!!!!!!
MarkP
07-14-2005, 08:57 PM
MarkP you dork.......
The heck with this, where are more pics of Stevo's wife!!!!!!!
Why I got to be all that??:uglyhamme
BriEOD
07-14-2005, 09:31 PM
MarkP you dork.......
The heck with this, where are more pics of Stevo's wife!!!!!!!
LMFAO!!! Rick you my boy Blue!!