Transom Tie Downs

[camjam]

How many of you use transom tie downs? Any pros or cons.

Purchased my first inboard last summer and when I questioned the sales person about the lack of transom tie downs, has said most inboard owners do not use them. I haven't had any issues with the boat moving significantly even with a tire blow out on a single axle trailer at highway speeds. The boat probable only moved an inch; at most two.

Your thoughts, please.

[johnboyy7]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

i dont use them for the simple fact that the boat ways over 3k, i have a tandem trailer (thus not much bouncing). i dont believe its going anywhere.

[srock]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I was behind my boat watching is go over a few bumps. That was engough to convince me. The boat popped off the trailer a couple times and it was not over any big hits it was the whoops that compressed the springs and launched the boat a couple inches above the trailer. In addition, if you every have to make an emergency manuver or quick stop its easy for the boat to slide. Whats the big deal, put them on if your going any distance.

[AirTool]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

If your boat is sitting on rigid bunks or a wish bone trailer....and can rock forward and aft like a 196 or 206 does, do not tie down from the rear.

You sould use a gunnel strap instead.

[hondaprlud]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I only use them when traveling long distances. All of my boats have been on single axle trailers and I've never had any problems, even in the crappy NE Ohio roads.

[AuMDLST]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I do not use them as the boat (as designed/purchased/owned) does not have any tie down locations
on the transom.
Besides - never have felt the need as the boat rides nicely in the bunks.

[camjam]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I will second the crappy Ohio roads!

I was hoping someone would mention the lack of tie down locations on the transom. For an hour long trip at highway speeds I tied secured the boat to the trailer using the swim platform brackets. Our normal 20 minute trips I did not secure the boat's transom.

The boat is a 1999 Air Nautique on a single axle Eagle trailer with bunks.

[SkiTower]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I don't ONLY because I don't trust the platform brackets. I do wish there were tie down locations. I work very hard not to bounce the boat.

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I have a 2008 210 it weighs 3800 lbs. Sometimes when I load it is a little off center in the rear. I tighten the strap on the side I want the boat to go and leave the other side a little loose. I drive 10-15 miles home and the boat will center itself. I know it would be moving if I didnt tie it down.

[tadelfio]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

I don't believe they are needed for normal driving but in an emergency I can see how they may be beneficial. I have them on my trailer and use them but only because they came on the trailer. The boat still moves around. When I pull out I tighten them but by the time I get home they will have loosened up.

[AirTool]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

Has anyone used a gunnel strap and still seen their boat bounce? ....maybe having someone follow from behind?

[srock]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

Dont use the platform brackets go over the boat with a full transome strap instead. You definately need the straps for emergency situations. Everyone knows a good tap on the brakes will bring the boat forward if the bow is not all the way forward. Also whats the difference between hitting your boat with a 2x and bouncing it on the bunks. I want the trailer and boat to move as one package.

[Hollywood]

RE: Transom Tie Downs

Transom tie downs are going to snap like a string in any real "emergency". They keep the boat from bouncing up and down, that's it.

[east tx skier]

Re: RE: Transom Tie Downs

Has anyone used a gunnel strap and still seen their boat bounce? ....maybe having someone follow from behind?

I use one and have not noticed it bouncing. It can shift a bit, but does not appear to bounce.

I have always been a big believer in extra tie downs. A careless driver caused me to have to do some aggressive maneuvering with boat in tow once. Older tow vehicle's brakes locked, and the boat started to go sideways before I was able to get things worked out and reduce the pucker factor. Gunnel strap was on and likely had a hand in keeping things intact on the trailer. I also have a pretty robust safety chain on the bow eye in addition to the winch strap.

Like people have said, the boat weighs thousands of pounds. All the more reason to try to secure it from more than one location when it comes to my boat. YMMV.

[morfoot]

RE: Re: RE: Transom Tie Downs

After watching my 88' glide side to side against the guide posts ( during 90' turns) after spraying the bunks down with silicone spray, I use the outer platform brackets to strap down the stern. I use some short racheting type straps and loop them twice around the trailer and where the platform bracket attaches. She ain't going nowhere!