transom straps

[Boomer]

For the past couple of years we've been towing our 22' Cruiser with transom straps securing the boat to the trailer. Over the weekend I noticed that the straps seem to be causing some wear on the gelcoat where they contact the hull. Has anyone else seen this in wear pattern? We're thinking of running a strap over the gunnels, or possibly just placing a chamois between the transom straps and the hull when trailering. At this point the wear is negligible, but we'd like to stop it before it becomes an issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Will-C]

Hello,
I don't like straps over the gunnels for reasons as you describe. I use two separate straps one on each side and attach the top hooks to my rear cleats. I place a pad underneath the hook and pull straight down to the trailer frame. Having an aluminum I beam trailer it's easy to hook anywhere to the bottom flange of the I beam. Using a couple u-bolts and a galvanized brackets with holes large enough for your straps hook end you could make lower attachment points with out drilling any holes. Just a thought.
D.D.

[thataway]

On the C Dory22, we just used the ratchet straps to the aft towing eyes. You can place carpet under the straps. For the 25 and 255, we use a wider ratchet strap over the top of the gunnels and across the boat. We put this behind the cleats, but do not involve the cleats. I am leary that the cleats are not strongly enough backed up to take the full load if the straps were taken only to them. If there were known aluminum backing plates and plywood under this, then SS cleats (if they didn't have a casting defect) should be strong enough.

[localboy]

I bought two of these on a recommendation from another C-Brat. Use them to cover the stern straps and save the gelcoat.

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/198/TieDowns