Stern tie-down strap

RobMcClain

RobMcClain

Member
My Venture 23 does not have a traditional stern tie-down capability so I plan to buy an ~18-20 foot ratchet strap that will connect to the trailer and run up and over the cockpit and then down to the other side of the trailer. From what I've read on C-Brats many of you use this same technique to secure the stern to the trailer.

I plan on using one strap made with 2 inch webbing. Will this be sufficient? When I've done searches on the web for a strap I've found several vendors, but I want to assure I get a quality product and not a poorly made import that could break if put to the test. Any suggestions on the best place to buy a strap would also be most appreciated. Thanks!

Rob
 
Wrap your stern lines around your trailer frame and tye back to your kleet. No need to buy extra straps, just longer stern lines perhaps.
 
I had a boat come loose from a trailer many years ago. It was a 25 foot glass cabin cruiser. I came upon a pile-up on the freeway between San Diego and Los Angeles. I locked the brakes, and the boat moved 5 feet forward, collapsing the winch pillar and it hit the back of the truck that I was pulling it with. Fortunately, there was no damage to the boat or the truck of significance, however, the trailer needed major work. I am a slow trailer puller, so my speed was only 55 when I saw the accident. If I'd been going 65, it would have been a different story.

The long point I'm making is that rear tie downs are probably the least area of major concern during an emergency stop. I had 2 inch heavy duty straps wrapped around the trailer as you've suggested, but the boat slipped right through those straps and sheared two of the rear cleats that I though would have prevented that slipping.

Bottom line is that you will have a hard time finding anything that will really hold a ton plus boat on the trailer in an emergency braking situation or accident. Otherwise, about anything 2 inches wide from Wall Mart will do the job for run of the mill trailering.

Take a good look at the front pillar. Most are very flimsy and should have some additional bracing after the trailer comes from the factory.

I'm also a fan of running a chain from the eye on the lower part of the bow of the boat down to a piece of the trailer that the axles mount to. That would at least help keep the boat from shooting through your rear window.

Just a thought.
 
We use a 2" stern tiedown that goes across from gunwale to gunwale, it has served well, make sure the one you get has a pad (or you add one) so the buckle doesn't mar the gelcoat.
 
On the 22's, 25 and Tom Cat we have always used the same type of ratchet 2" wide yellow strapping. I would not leave it out in the sun for long times. Same for the winch strap--need to be protected.

Definitely a chain to the trailer frame is almost an essential. Usually a 3/8" eye bolt thru the tongue will suffice. I have had some very rapid stops--not from 55 mph however--and all straps and chains have held. Some winch pillars are stronger than others.

Incidently the speed limit in Calif. is 55 mph with a trailer, and I follow that in almost all states. It makes sense for fuel economy as well as safety. Sure a lot faster than 5 knots on the water!
 
I really appreciate the feedback. I do have a strong safety chain in addition to the winch strap on the bow and I definitely agree with keeping the speed at the 55 limit. When in the car without a tow I might drive a bit over the limit :) but not with a boat in tow. I would much rather we get to the destination safe and sound and be sitting in the cockpit enjoying the view than sitting on the side of the freeway or someplace worse kicking myself and wondering why I was going to fast. And as Potter's story indicates, unforseen situations can come come upon us anytime and much too fast. I had not thought about using the stern lines, and I like that idea as a fallback plan, but I would be concerned about chaffing and stress on the cleats. I think I will go with the 2' strap around the gunwale as planned.

Rob
 
I just got a new strap for Journey On. I've used straps for years, and while I think you need a good one, you don't need one to hold a tractor. I found several places which said Made In America with a decent price. Here's where I bought one: Tulsa Chain. I ordered the 2" with wire hooks, since I shackle the hooks to the trailer (the trailer has tabs for straps.) I'm happy with the strap, seems good.

I ordered the self contained. Don't do that, just get the plain one. The self contained has a roller which wraps up the strap that isn't being used, which makes for a large ratchet. Usually I just cut off any extra strap, not now.

The picture shows the strap across the stern. Look closely, there's a strap there. I try to position it so it'll stop the boat going forward as well as backwards.

LasCru_Boat.JPG
.

We're camping in Las Cruces, NM.

By the way, the E-Z Loader has a VERY sturdy post on which the winch mounts. Welded and braced.

Boris
 
Four years ago we bought a three inch wide rachet strap for Home Depot I think that was rated at 3500 pounds. Our trailer is an aluminum I beam we just hook to the frame on both sides and go over the top of the gunnels using some towels on each side to prevent the strap from whipping up on the gel coat.
Up front for the rame to bow eye connection we used a extra piece of 3" x 4" aluminum angle under the front winch stand that would interact with the trailer's frame should the unthinkable occur with a u bolt that attaches a 3500 pound rated stainless steel turnbuckle with a short piece of chain and a shackle that attaches to the bow eye. Along with a heavy duty winch strap the normal security chain; the turnbuckle arrangement is more secure than a strap going from the bow eye down to the frame. We just snug it up by hand then use the jam nuts on the top and bottom of the turnbuckle to prevent the turnbuckle from loosening. We don't have the bow bouncing around on the trailer. Pic's in our album under trailer modifications. Works well for us.
D.D.
 
Will-C":13z74gup said:
Four years ago we bought a three inch wide rachet strap for Home Depot I think that was rated at 3500 pounds. Our trailer is an aluminum I beam we just hook to the frame on both sides and go over the top of the gunnels using some towels on each side to prevent the strap from whipping up on the gel coat.
Up front for the rame to bow eye connection we used a extra piece of 3" x 4" aluminum angle under the front winch stand that would interact with the trailer's frame should the unthinkable occur with a u bolt that attaches a 3500 pound rated stainless steel turnbuckle with a short piece of chain and a shackle that attaches to the bow eye. Along with a heavy duty winch strap the normal security chain; the turnbuckle arrangement is more secure than a strap going from the bow eye down to the frame. We just snug it up by hand then use the jam nuts on the top and bottom of the turnbuckle to prevent the turnbuckle from loosening. We don't have the bow bouncing around on the trailer. Pic's in our album under trailer modifications. Works well for us.
D.D.
Click to expand...

Dave-

Definitely worth a look-see: (Click on photo to go to the album)

P1000486.jpg
 
Bow eye tie-down is a good addition. Stops the bow from floating as you tow. I just replaced the steel one I had used w/ a nice stainless one from McMaster-Carr. The steel one rusted so much in the great PNW that we barely got it off on the first trip this season; took my son and I to get it off and that was w/ some serious grunting, muscle, cussing etc...
 
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