Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

[jwalt]

Typically the rear lift rings are used for trailer tie-downs. My recently acquired 2003 216 Air Nautique does not appear to have lifting rings on the back of the boat.
Suggestions? Am I missing something obvious? If a full strap across the boat which attaches to the trailer is the answer - How do you protect the boat or cover from the inevitable rub marks?
Would very much appreciate any advice fairly quickly - trailering next week.
Thanks in advance - Jay

[DougPhillips]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

Slip a strap though, or hook onto, the under bracket supports of the swim platform.

[AirTool]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

The gunnel strap works well on my 206...no marks. Can't say on the cover because I tow with the cover OFF.

[Quinner]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

You should have a single lift ring at the stern deck between the trunk doors, very much the same as my 206 has. You could also use the grab rail just below the rub rail or the platform brackets as previously mentioned.

[SkiTower]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

Ok, so you guys tie down your boats at the rear? The dealership has told me repeatedly that the boat won't move. The Gekko had tie down locations so I still used them, but my CC doesn't (I don't like using the platform brackets to hold the boat down) so I don't.

[ffmedic74]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

I would suggest a strap around the boat towards the back. I actually got a piece of 1 3/4" fire hose to put over the webbing to help protect the gelcoat around the gunnels and the bottom sides of the boat. If you live in a big city ask for the fire department maintenance facility. Many times they will have quite a bit laying outside and will give you 15ft or so.

[ffmedic74]

RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

I would suggest a strap around the boat towards the back. I actually got a piece of 1 3/4" fire hose to put over the webbing to help protect the gelcoat around the gunnels and the bottom sides of the boat. If you live in a big city ask for the fire department maintenance facility. Many times they will have quite a bit laying outside and will give you 15ft or so.

[ZZZDR]

Re: RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

The dealership has told me repeatedly that the boat won't move.

My dealer didn't supply rear tie-downs with my ski Nautique either. Always used them with other boats. I have a feeling if something so extreme happened that would separate the boat from the trailer, a tie-down strap isn't going to help much.

[tadelfio]

RE: Re: RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

NOT NEEDED! My new EZ Loader Trailer came with them but they loosen up while being towed everytime. The boat is gonna shift on the trailer no matter what you do to tie the back down.

[AirTool]

RE: Re: RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

Just use the gunnel type to help the boat land in the propor location when you accidently bounce it or speed around a corner. It would probably help even if you slid off the road or something minor.

Locking down the rear with straps and the front with a turnbuckle just binds the boat up too much IMO. Give it some room to do its thing.

[Carnes99]

Re: RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

Ok, so you guys tie down your boats at the rear? The dealership has told me repeatedly that the boat won't move.

Sure on small roads. I can guarantee that the dealer is wrong though. Here in CA on Hwy 40 there are some spots where the trailer wheels are almost coming off the ground. Doesn't hurt to use the swim platform brackets so might as well use them.

[wake_fun]

I use this going up to my swim platform brackets. Works perfect!

[ffmedic74]

If you all are using a gunnel strap. What brand and design are you using? My old one for my 196s does not fit my 216.

[AirTool]

I got mine at Bass Pro....can't remember the brand. It fits perfectly.

I'll check next visit to the barn.

[harddock]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Rear tie-downs for a 2003 Air Nautique 216?

NOT NEEDED! My new EZ Loader Trailer came with them but they loosen up while being towed everytime. The boat is gonna shift on the trailer no matter what you do to tie the back down.

It should not.