Trailer tie down question

[MasterCraft23]

We just picked up our first Mastercraft a few weeks ago and after cleaning it up I noticed that the boat didn't have any transom trailer tie downs. Is it something that I have to have or is it just recommended to use them for extra safety?

[JRW160]

Get some of these http://www.amazon.com/Boat-Buckle-Re.../dp/B006UH53E0

Lots of people tow without them, but I probably wouldn't. I was behind a friend of mine and saw his boat jump about 6 inches off the trailer.

[MasterCraft23]

Okay thanks!

[bturner2]

Don't forget the one for the bow too!

[GoneBoatN]

One of my favorite expressions I heard: Tie downs keep the trailer under the boat while going down the road. Pretty important thing IMO.

Also an additional tie down keeps the bow from bouncing against the roller (or boat buddy) in the front. I would never trailer without one.

[drschemel]

Originally Posted by GoneBoatN

One of my favorite expressions I heard: Tie downs keep the trailer under the boat while going down the road. Pretty important thing IMO.

Also an additional tie down keeps the bow from bouncing against the roller (or boat buddy) in the front. I would never trailer without one.

Depending on how old the trailer is, he might have the metal bowstrap rather than a bow roller/boat buddy. If so, a front strap would be superfluous.

[daddyo]

I'm not sure what your state laws are, but I have been pulled over and have had police check for tie downs. I always have them on, but some other boaters were getting tickets for not having them on. This is in British Columbia,Canada