yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 19, 2014 8:12:05 GMT -6
I understand the gunwale straps maybe be better in securing load but straps vibrate badly and loosen up if they are flat and extend over an open area. Make sure you put a twist in that strap, where it extends over any clear span areas. You may have to trust me on this one since you will never be able to see it personally back on the boat while traveling down the highway. Southern, I hate to contradict you here my firned, but putting a twist in the strap allows give into the braids (a strap is 10000000s of little strands braided together, it may not seem like that with the coatings that are put over them or how tight a nice new one is but thats waht they are, basically a flat braided rope) and will let the strap loosen while your on the road. Loose and twisted straps are what get vibrations on the road your thinking about. Next time you take a trip on a highway take a look at a tractor with a flatbed and the straps over the top. Youll soemtiems notice one flapping and vibrating like you are staying, take a look at the rachet, that will be moving much more than the others becuase it is loose. Straps have to be as straigh as possible and as tight as possible without compromising the structural integrity of the load (if you use the corret lb rating then this should not be an issue). Finally, the best way to know if you are still secure is the keep a constant eye on the ratchet down by the trailer. We SHOULD all have our mirrors adujusted so we have constant view of the wheel wells on the trailer keeping eye on flats, clearing turns and tie downs (.......right?). If yes, then your ratches on the end of the strap should be in view, if you see it moving or waving in the wind then you are loose. I hope this helps! |
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 19, 2014 12:33:43 GMT -6
I started it again didn't I ? Sorry. I preferred to have transom straps but my setup doesn't allow it to my liking due to swim ladder, trim tabs and trailer design. I will say the new gunwale strap ( throw it over the back of the boat strap) is far better than the old ones I've used. The old ones you hooked it up and then pulled hard from the side till tight as you could get it. This new one you snug it up near trailer and compound buckle tightens it very tight when you flip it down ! I put buckle in sight of drivers side mirror. The one foot of excess strap stores under Velcro fastener. Also I have a chain backup hook on bow eye just incase that winch strap breaks! I don't normally tie down the back as it sits well on the bunks but am hitting the interstate soon and feel better having load secured, I have seen boats in the median on I-95 before when someone had to react too fast and boat came off trailer. Don't want that to be me.
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 19, 2014 12:36:56 GMT -6
Btw, all input is good , thanks. A different perspective gives you alternatives you didn't think about.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 19, 2014 12:54:17 GMT -6
Ohhhh you were saying to use lines? Your old school and, while a bit younger than most, its just like i am  When i cannot get the eye of a boat to the block (using a bigger trailer for a smaller boat i am moving) i tie a line fron the bow eye to one of the cross members in the middle of the trailer, keeps the boat from moving forward when braking. Then people who ask me to help them get their boat off the trailer to bottom paint think i am crazy when i show up with a wrecker and a rope to lfit the bow of their boat. The differce between the big straps you see on trucks and the smaller ones you may use for a small load like a kayack is the weight they can hold obviously. My strap goes from trailer, all the way over the back of the boat, to trailer on the other side. Boat weighs 3000 dry and I use a 3000lb, a littel bigger than i actually need but works well. |
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 19, 2014 12:58:44 GMT -6
ac- made that last post before i saw yours. Your set up good now!
Ive been doing this for years and work on the "you never know what can happen" rule. Winch breaks, saftey may have some rust or snap from violent movement ect. You got the rear strap and you can watch it through your trip now, your setup good!!
Acutally a littel fun fact. One of the main parts of our business is automotive transportation and in NY, NJ and CT the winch that pulls the car up onto the flatbed is no longer recognized as a tiedown point, we have to have all four wheels secured down to the bed via rachet straps.
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Post by freezerfiller on Sept 19, 2014 13:23:20 GMT -6
I'm going to agree with SC on the twist on a bimini top strap. May not be as strong, but those things will drive you nuts if you keep em straight in the wind.....
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 19, 2014 14:19:54 GMT -6
I was talking load. No expeirence with biminis |
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 19, 2014 15:22:37 GMT -6
I will listen and look for it. I would rather have vibration than be this boat owner!  |
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 19, 2014 15:23:46 GMT -6
Yolo, your right! See the broken winch strap?
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 19, 2014 15:26:49 GMT -6
I'm going to agree with SC on the twist on a bimini top strap. May not be as strong, but those things will drive you nuts if you keep em straight in the wind..... Yes, I have to line up the Bimini straps. Eases my OCD ! Mine don't vibrate lined up straight. Maybe my boat doesnt go fast enough? |
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Post by Simple Man on Sept 20, 2014 12:16:16 GMT -6
Too much to read this entire thread. Spend the extra money and get the poly rollers.
Most every boat I have had including the current one, the weight of the boat rests on the bunk boards. I had one boat that rode in on the keel rollers. It was a royal PITA to load and I did have a roller failure once and scratched my keel. I didn't like it.
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 22, 2014 20:49:16 GMT -6
After 100 miles on the interstate I can say the strap didn't buzz or loosen. Good haulin. However the motor left me dead in water for an hour or so till i figured out that it was the starter solenoid and jumped it out with cables that I luckily kept on board. Got me home. Come to find out the solenoid ground wire was loose and there was a 20 amp fuse at battery on top that was corroded beyond use. Fixed both. Multiple issues at one time. Pros and cons of an old boat:::: no payments but ongoing problems and repairs. She's still running though!
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 22, 2014 21:01:22 GMT -6
On another note, this is the second time thread sealant has screwed me. Don't put thread dressing or thread locker on a bolt that has a ground wire connection. The loose connection that left me stranded had a LOT of thread locker on bolt further insulating it from wires on a painted block ! I had to clean bolt, scrape mating surfaces and use a stainless lock washer to terminate.
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Post by acdaddy0 on Sept 25, 2014 15:44:35 GMT -6
I worked on trailer while boat was off. I replaced the keel roller with poly and centered it on trailer. I moved bunks in a bit and squared them to center of roller. Just loaded the boat and it centered itself, drove on fully and keel roller is now just barely clear of the boat, resting on bunks! I like it! I like it!
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When i cannot get the eye of a boat to the block (using a bigger trailer for a smaller boat i am moving) i tie a line fron the bow eye to one of the cross members in the middle of the trailer, keeps the boat from moving forward when braking. Then people who ask me to help them get their boat off the trailer to bottom paint think i am crazy when i show up with a wrecker and a rope to lfit the bow of their boat. 
