Safety chain???

[scott resick]

[Chexi]

I still remember the day my friend was cranking his X-star up onto his trailer from the boat launch and the strap broke at the threads. Definitely use a safety chain or turnbuckle. I have used a chain, but will probably switch to a turnbuckle. No slack is better.

[scott resick]

Will the turnbuckle that is on nautiqueparts.com work for 2005 226 and boat mate trailer?

Yes, but Lowes is half the price.

[ally505]

My old Mastercraft trailer had a steel bar at the front of the trailer that the bow eye would pass through, then you hook up the winch strap; held everything snug with minimal hassle. I liked the idea so fab's one for the Nautique. It would certainly help in the event of a forward collision and with kids in the back of the car, thats my priority. BTW the other ratchets you see keep the tent covering the boat in place!!!!!

[SkiTower]

Yes, but Lowes is half the price.

hmm...wonder why???

[todda]

I have had a winch strap break after pulling the boat out of the water (on my old Ski Brendella), felt and heard a loud "PLINK!", and by the time I made it to the top of the ramp stopped to check, the boat had slid back on the bunks about 14". After that, I use a nylon covered steel-braided cable run through the cotter pin of the bow stop with the caribener end to the bow eye as an extra backup to the winch strap. Of course hasn't happened at all on my DHM trailer, but I agree on the "ounce of protection" rule. I also tow with the retractable transom straps for extra security too.

[xrichard]

Wow...that makes me think I should hook up my secondary bow strap when we pull out...

[toddrswenson]

I always liked the boat buddies that were on the Mastercrafts we used in college. Pull on the trailer, hear the pin fire, pull the boat out of the water. No way in **** I would do that now with my own boat. Shows you how much I appreciated the team boat when I was in college. I'm a fan of a safety chain or turn buckle, and transom tie downs.