Boat Tie Downs

[pdhj1990]

Any advice on rear boat tie downs? On my 24V, the tie down hooks are above the swim deck and there's not much room between the deck and the boat.

I just pulled the boat about 200 miles and didn't have the boat tied down - front or rear (only the winch). Although there were no issues, I'd feel better the next time I tow the boat on longer distances.

Also, since the boat will be stored for the next three months, does it make any sense to loosen the winch?

Thanks.

Paul

[embo]

Unless there is less then 1/4" between the swim deck and the back of the boat, you should be able to use typical transom tiedown straps. There are manual and then some that are retractable as well. I would think they would work just fine. Just a thought. Overton's is one place to find them. This brand is called Boatbuckle.

s7_011073_999_alt01_01[1].jpg

[pdhj1990]

I don't think these will work because the tie down hooks are above the swim deck and the space between the deck and the rear of the boat is very limited. Also, won't the tie downs rub the gel coat? The rear of the 24v slopes outward. (Although this is an old pic from the previous owner, it shows my dilemma)

[dingleberry]

To prevent rubbing of the gel, some folks have used fuzzy seatbelt covers or even just cutting the toe out of a tube sock.

[robert theisen]

get some motorcycle tie downs that have a sewn in loop and a hook on one end and a hook on the other end.use the hook and loop on your bottom red angle bracket and the regular hook end behind the deck and into the hook.

[Iwndr]

I use the fuzzy Seatbelt covers from Wal Mart and Installed the Boat Buckles, Gel coat is doing fine

[somebodyelse5]

yea, definitely NEED tie downs. Gel will be fine, we got some of these yellow rubber sleeves that are designed to keep the strap off the gel, but cant remember where we got them. But get the straps, and worry about the gel later. It will take a pretty long time for the gel to get hurt from those straps.

loosening the winch while storing wouldnt hurt, but its not that big a deal. just remember to crank it back down again.

[Ewok]

yea, definitely NEED tie downs. Gel will be fine, we got some of these yellow rubber sleeves that are designed to keep the strap off the gel, but cant remember where we got them. But get the straps, and worry about the gel later. It will take a pretty long time for the gel to get hurt from those straps.

loosening the winch while storing wouldnt hurt, but its not that big a deal. just remember to crank it back down again.

X2

[Coop]

I have the same boat as you ('05), and my Extreme trailer came with tie-down straps similar to what is shown in the pic attached by embo. Those fit between the swim step and the transom, and after 6 seasons and lots of towing, I've never had a problem with the gel coat rubbing. I do have the fiberglass swim step. I don't know if the teak has less space between it and the transom, but those straps are pretty thin. I would think they'd fit.

[canuck]

I use these straps.

Have had them for over 6 year's now. No issues with the gel coat.

[pdhj1990]

Canuck,

I believe the straps in your pic would work just fine. Any advice on where I can locate/purchase a pair?

Thanks.

Paul

[chpthril]

I'm a fan of using transom straps, as well as the OH-Chit chain on the bow eye as a backup to the winch strap.

[embo]

Search for Transom Tiedowns or Boat Buckle on the web. You will find them and they will fit between your deck and back of the boat. Overtons, Cabela's has them for sure. I know they are all over the place online. The retractable ones are more expensive for sure but that is convienence you are paying for. Otherwise just get the manual ones. They work really well.

[laserfish]

Mike has a good point as well. I have the safety chain that I hook to the bow eye every time. Have had the nylon straps give way after quite a few seasons. Our Texas summers will take their toll on the nylon.

[canuck]

I got mine for Westmarine up here in Canada.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=10771

Not sure if the link will work. They are $36 - $40.

I asked my dealer about the permanent retractable ones. He told me that over time issues may arise with them retracting. Essentially the simple straps will last longer.

A couple of my friends with a Mastercraft and a Nautique have the retractable ones and they haven't had any issues.

I also use a short chain at the bow.