Do you tow with tie-downs?

[TwinTip]

I was wondering if anyone here uses tie-downs to secure their boat during towing? For those that use them, where do you secure them to the boat and/or trailer?

I'm sure the guide posts provide some sort of assurance that the boat is not going to completely get off of the rear of the trailer but do they also provide enough assurance that the boat will not be damaged by hitting one fo the fenders for example? I have seen boats that were not properly loaded onto the trailer and they were sitting on parts of the fender.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Do you tow with tie-downs?

I modified the rear lifting ring covers over the winter so that I can use tie-downs. I;ve only towed once with them so far, but they worked well. The boat used to bounce around a little bit, but now it stays perfectly centered on the trailer.

[bkhallpass]

We just put the straps around the metal support posts for the
swim step. works fine. Doesn't seem to mangle the metal.
Occasionally does scratch the metal supports, but I paint those once
a year anyway when I do my throrough refurb of teak swimstep.


Even with the tie down straps, the boat can move an inch or so etiher way,
or a couple of inches forward or backward. However, holds the boat in
place enough that no worry about trailer damage.

BKH

[AirJeff]

We'd love to, but haven't quite figured out how to make them work without using one of the big straps across the boat. The boat really slides around when you're on a bumpy road and go around a curve. The boat can slide to the fender if you're not watching! Our Air Nautique (DD) sits on a Ramlin and hangs over the back by a couple inches and Ramlin didn't include any easy place to attach straps. So, with the boat past the end of the trailer causing a weird angle and the lack of places to attach to we've been stumped.

[wake_fun]

Tie Down

I use the rachet type. They work awesome! Push a button, lift the hook up, hook it on swim platform bracket, rachet tight. When I get to the boat ramp, push the button, lift it off, it spools tight, and it just sits there.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Tie Down

Tie downs would be nice, but my prestige trailer has no provisions for them. Come to think of it, my MC trailer didnt have them either. I think I remember my friends Boatmate having them, but he didnt use them on his Bu.
In my opinion, the nautique trailer design is horrible. This is another item to add to the ever growing list of poor design features of the trailers. Most Nautique owners seem to turn a blind eye to the terrible design features , such as no tie downs, no bow support, bow crash pads, wishbone hull support.
Sorry to rant, but I have had far supperior trailers to what is under my Nautique. Glad I dont have to tow far now.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Tie Down

My Ram-Lin came with tie-down locations at the rear.

[Onthewater]

RE: Tie Down

88, we go from the rear lift ring down across the stern to the outside the platform brackets and wrap the strap and hook under the trailer and hook it into the channel. works quite well.

[wake_fun]

Re: RE: Tie Down

I have regular tie down hooks on my trailer, but I like the rachet ones better. I have bow support, and crash pads. Are these bad things? I'm asking for real. Also what is wishbone hull support?
Thanks.

In my opinion, the nautique trailer design is horrible. This is another item to add to the ever growing list of poor design features of the trailers. Most Nautique owners seem to turn a blind eye to the terrible design features , such as no tie downs, no bow support, bow crash pads, wishbone hull support.
Sorry to rant, but I have had far supperior trailers to what is under my Nautique. Glad I dont have to tow far now.

[TylerO]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

I use tie downs on my SV211 but I don't think it needs them. I went 6 years with my old boat and never used them or needed them.

Wakefun,

I use the rachet type. They work awesome! Push a button, lift the hook up, hook it on swim platform bracket, rachet tight. When I get to the boat ramp, push the button, lift it off, it spools tight, and it just sits there.

Where can I get my hands on a pair of those? Those look too easy.

[BASC]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

When I have to trailer I use a ratchet strap system similar to 'wake-fun' that fits all the way over the boat. The trailer is twin axle and made by De Graff and is fitted with hooks on either side for tie downs. Works well and is quick to fit and release.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

The wishbone trailer is the basic design that has been used by CC on almost all trailers they spec. It is two carpeted runners supporting the entire weight of the hull. No additional bow support, no additional bunks to support the hull, just two supports shaped like a wishbone.

The crash pads are the carpeted stops that the bow of the boat stops against. This would not be a bad design, if there was additional bow support, or if the transom was tied down. The boat will porpoise on the trailer wearing the rub rail on the bow as you are towing.

If your dealer puts your boat on trailers that dont use this design then you are fortunate. There is a reason that you do not see any other boat manufacturers using the outdated poorly designed wishbone trailer without proper bow support.

MC seems to have the best boat/towing designed trailer, back up lights, swing tounge, disc brakes, actual hull support come standard. I still prefer my ski nuatique to my last mc though. "rant off".

[TwinTip]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

I see that Ramlin has three locations where one can attach the tie-down to. There is a ring on the frame, around the rear step plate, just at the level of the trailer guide posts. There is another ring at the rear of the trailer and below the end of the bunk. Finally, there is another ring on the prop guard (vertical support) and at a couple of inches below the reflectors.

The ones around the step plate seem to make the most sense if you are going over the boat at both ends. The one on the prop guard frame look like the best option if one is securing the boat to the lift ring.

[83sn2001]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

I have towed for 16 years and have never used a tie down in the back.Granted I don't tow far (5-10 miles) most of the time but have towed good distances before with no trouble. None of my friends use them either. I guess it depends on the condition of the roads you are towing on.

[mrese]

RE: Re: RE: Tie Down

We use a gunnel strap. I grew up on a lake in VA near interstate 85. Over the years, I have seen 5 boats of various types that have come of the trailers and ended up on the interstate or in the ditch along side the road.