Tie down straps

[NiceAft]

It was pointed out earlier that lawsuits do not belong in these posts. I am glad this was stated by Trout

1. In any accident, even if your not at fault, people will look for the slightest reason for you to be culpable and not having your boat secured could be one issue, even if it had nothing to do with the accident.

That was my point exactly, but then it disappeared

You can do all of the defensive driving you wish, but things happen. It's naive to believe otherwise.. The question then is does it make sense to be proactive and use tie down straps, or believe your defensive driving will overcome all problems that will come your way.

And I do believe the example of the Mac bump is a good one. If we can overcome the friction of the boat to make it move forward, something unexpected can happen to make it go sideways. Even forceful enough to sever the bow strap and make the boat go backwards. Again, good luck to those who believe otherwise. This is not meant as sarcasm. I mean it, good luck.

Ray

[pokerrick1]

Well I didn't use a strap but there was the safety line going from the eyelet to the trailer in case the winch cable broke.

A safety line from the bow loop to the trailer is NOT a bad idea for long trips, since I know the strap CAN let go.

Rick

[Hardcrab]

I have a length of chain bolted at the winch post to the bow eye. A shackle on the chain allows for easy, quick boat connection. Does not interfere with the winch hook at all.
In any accident, the whole winch/ladder support thingie will prolly rip off and go skidding along with the boat, but I tried.
I also use a 3" ratchet hook strap with towels (very important) on my trips. Hooks to the trailer frame as far back as the trailer allows.

[Mac Ziggy]

I use a safety chain from the winch post to the bow eye.


Safety is the most important reason. If anyone has any doubt about the safety of their boat being secured, then that is all the reason they need to use a strap. They need to use a wide strap with sufficient strength for the job. Ratchets should be used to secure the boat, being careful not to over stress the contact points. Especially on the M’s, they need to provide some padding on the rails. Be careful around the pedestal. It may be subject to wear or damage too, depending on the placement of the strap and movement of the boat. Inspect for damage after any trip or known impacts along the way.

[tangentair]

The chain idea is good, we had one with a shackle on all our 14-18 foot power boats when I was growing up, it also had a lock for obvious reasons.
But to depend upon the bow eye - well I like my M but I have no illusions regarding its manufacturing process.

[pokerrick1]

The chain idea is good - - - But to depend upon the bow eye - well I like my M but I have no illusions regarding its manufacturing process.

I agree with that - - - I've seen the manufacturing process. The bow eye would be OK as a backup (you would probably discover the breach in the winch strap before too many miles (less than 180/200), but probably a safety strap(s) from the bow cleat(s) to the trailer would be better? You think? Advise please.

Rick

[Hardcrab]

Rick,
The cleat idea might be going a little bit overboard, but why not?
Strap it down,add the chain, and the bow cleat lines, drive carefully in off peak times (the 405), and most importantly, get dam good, (triple-checked for small print) insurance.
After that, ease up and enjoy the trip!

[Kelly Hanson East]

Your Mac should be pinned down on three 'corners' for trailering

Both aft cleats and the bow - you can use the bow eye for this. Dont just use the winch (which pulls the boat forward and up slightly) - run some line or a strap down to the trailer and pin the boat's bow to the trailer.

Ta-da!!

[parrothead]

Here's Blue Heaven with the recommended 3-point tie-down system.

The short black bow tie-down is hard to see, but is essentially vertical. The orange straps from the rear cleats to the trailer are a pair of 8' ATV ratchet tie-downs. http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm ... goryID=233 These straps are the perfect length and include loops [described as "Soft Ties"] that easily wrap around the trailer frame.

Also of possible interest, given other recent discussions:
* The furler overhang is supported by a 2x3 board that is strapped to the mast.
* The furler drum is covered with a car wash mitt - which protects it and also keeps it from scratching the foredeck while the mast is being stepped.
* The mid-point of the mast is supported by a carrier made from PVC pipe.
* The spreaders are unbolted from the mast and strapped to it.

[thanks dad]

Nice Aft
I use the same type of strap.
Used to drive Flat bed truck. More tie down is better. Have you ever witnessed a boat fly off a trailer? Looks like paper in the wind. That was a flat bottom boat, I doubt Macs would do the same. But a good bump around a corner, or other emergency who knows what can happen. If I am in the ditch, upside down. I would like to have the trailer still attached to the boat. Mine came with rope tie downs form the factory, for good reason.
Stop at a scale or ask a state trooper, or look it up on your state dmv codes. I have been told(?) that Arizona now wants a line from the bow hook to the trailer, and the winch strap.
When driving truck I stay away form 4 wheelers and there trailers, just what experience had taught me. Speed limit may be 75 but 65 will only take a few minutes more.
Towing a trailer is kind of like sailing, almost any one can, but some end up in the ditch or on the rocks. MacGregor sailors form has helped me so much. I am still learning and enjoying it. Not on the rocks yet.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Ive found my trailering rig has a 'magic speed' of 60 mph.

At 65 mph or faster it trailers fine, but I need to drive it attentively and make more corrections for passing trucks, wind, etc.

At 60 mph it tows solidly behind me and the car is essentially immune from the blowbys...

A few years ago I talked the Admiral into taking over the highway driving, and she was the one who discovered this. Now my trailering duties to Cape Cod consist of getting the boat ready and having her wake me up when we hit Westport 3 hours later

[NiceAft]

A few years ago I talked the Admiral into taking over the highway driving, and she was the one who discovered this. Now my trailering duties to Cape Cod consist of getting the boat ready and having her wake me up when we hit Westport 3 hours later

Stephen, I don't know what magic words you used, but please pass them on. I have not yet found a way to have the Admiral even think about driving while pulling the boat. She will pull the trailer out from the ramp, and then go through the parking area to park, but in no way will she drive while the boat is on the trailer. Hey! In thirty four years of marriage, I can't complain if that's my biggest problem

Tell me your secret wording anyway. I can still learn from the success of others

Ray

[Retcoastie]

Stephen, I don't know what magic words you used, but please pass them on.

Yeah Stephen, what's the secret. After forty eight years, mine has yet to pull an empty trailer and Kentucky to Biscayne Bay is about 26-28 hours wheel time.

[baldbaby2000]

I tie down from a bow cleat to the trailer. I also generally put a line from the aft cleats to the trailer with dock lines. I used to not tie down the back until I started lubing the bunks with silicone spray to make the boat slide on the trailer easier when pulling it. One day I as following the admiral, I watched the boat pivot along the axis of the length of the trailer everytime the road curved. The M bottom is pretty round and it pivots easily. I don't think it would have gone anywhere but it was stressing me out watching it go one way and then the other.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Yeah Stephen, what's the secret

Chanel No. 5

Share the fantasy.



Also, 10 years of grad school and postdoc poverty, where she became expert at pulling my broken down VWs home with a tow rope in upstate NY winter.....funnily enough, her Volvo froze up on us on Friday in downtown Albany at 11pm, so we got a cab home, then went back on Saturday and towed it home just like the old days, sans $350 tow bill.....