Securing Boat On Trailer

Don and all-

I don't know that I really know what I'm doing but you be the judge..

There's a spray in a can designed for this called "Instant Galvanize". Most marine dealers and hardware stores have it. It's really a single part epoxy spray paint with metal flakes in it. Looks metallic gray and protects exposed areas very well. About $6.00 a can or so. Good shelf life too. Good hiding power, and stops rust also on areas where the galvanizing has worn thin, or where you've added hardware parts that aren't really zinc plated that thickly. Wipe off any oil with laquer thinner or similar before painting. Joe.
 
This is good stuff.

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Always wonder if that would be the way to tie my boat ,with strap around the top at the stern . It seems so much easier and practical, but travelling on logging roads or bumpy road would the strap wear the gel coat eventually? Gary
 
Gary-

I'm sure the bare strap would eventually pick up dirt and use it as an abrasive to mar the gel coat. However, you can use pieces of soft carpet cut to fit and pad the contact areas and slotted so that the nylon strap will fit through them and be behind the carpet backing in the contact portion. Occasionally wash the carpet pad out with water or soap and water when cleaning up the boat. Watch closely for any signs of abrasion. Joe.
 
Thank you Joe , you got me convinced. I seen in the West Marine catalog they have a new strap winch for tying your stern. I believe it is available in stainless steel too. If the strap is long enough I will get one. Gary
 
Old thread I brought back after a search. Here's the issue:

25' with King Trailer; bunk. How do you 25 owners strap the rear of the boat down? I realize it depends on your specific trailer but...

On my King the straps actually wrap AROUND the outer corners of the stern in order to reach the trailer attachment points. I'm not happy with this setup as I can foresee the gel coat getting rubbed off in no time. :x Not good. The long strap over the top is also not feasible due to the "hole throught the Suzuki engine" complication noted earlier in this thread.

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I suspect I may have to look into re-positioning the trailer tie-down locations, which may involve some amateur engineering.
 
My 19 has the same wrap around effect from the u-bolts to the trailer. Being a sailor for years I do tons of stuff with needle and thread and webbing. I got some bunk carpet material and cut pads about a foot long and 4 inches wide. Where the strap wants to hit the transom edge I just sewed the carpet in place and each time I get ready to go I place the carpet under and cinch down keep this carpet clean and should be ok. I also have a bow hold down strap as well as the safety chain and winch strap and an over the gunwale strap with carpet attached as I do believe in having the load attached to the trailer. The boat is some snug on the bunks. When parked all is loosend off. I'm thinking those "remove before flight" red streamers would look good all around on all the straps. Kind of like a nice tomcat or F16. George :lol:
 
As above, there are all sorts of chafing gear solutions. But I just use a wide yellow strap, rated at 10,000 lbs, 3000 lbs SWL, across the boat, in front of the cleats so that the boat cannot slip foreward. (I had similar tie downs on the 22, on a Pacific trailer, and no chafe problem, when nice and tight. (But the boat will shift on the trailer, so you need to check the straps when you stop and check the tires, bearings, hitch etc.)
 
Task Force
27' Ratchet Tie Down
10000lb rating
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=128692-37340-2RT227RS&lpage=none

I use the same one as Bob. I carry 3-4 of these as standard equipment in my stowage container of the pickup, including about six 5000lb rated tie downs.

I think the one thing which makes a difference is whether someone does or does not have side rails on their trailer, also. Not only do the side rails help to guide the boat onto the trailer, but side rails also help to eliminate the boat from sliding and bouncing on the trailer should the worse case scenario come to pass.

For short hauls, I use tie-downs (three 5000lb rated) - one on the bow, and one port-side and starboard-side on the transom. Short hauls = from my house to my launch site - which is about 1 mile down the road. Lengthier trips get the 10000lb rated "Big Yeller Feller" across the entire cockpit - locked down good and tight.
 
Yes, I use those exact tie downs to secure my VW in my car hauler, I just cut them shorter and melted the ends. One on each corner: rear over each axle, up front thru the wheels. They more than work.

Problem is with the Suzuki in the raised (tow) position and locked I don't have a straight shot over the stern section of the boat to the lock down loops on the trailer. I'm going to experiment more now that that giant orange orb has made itself visible in the PNW skies and I have Monday off.
 
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