Boat Cover Tie Downs

The boat I bought last summer came with its original travel cover (boat is lund pro sport, cover is a taylor made) but it did not have the straps anymore. Its got the web loops for attachment points. Looking around for a new set of straps, I’d prefer to have actual straps (previous owner used baler twine) that I can use while traveling. Anyone have any recommendations? There was a set at cabelas that loops thru the loop on cover and the trailer frame with a plastic buckle that I like that concept, but the reviews were really poor (buckles coming undone). Would gladly hear recommendations on what anyone here has used that has performed well while in tow. I don’t plan on covering it on most of my short trips and it stores inside my shed, but for those long hauls up north it would be nice to cover the boat.

Have you ever thought about adding snaps? Very easy DIY project, just make sure the snaps are stainless steel. My last 3 covers I’ve added my own snaps and are the only way to go. Very inexpensive also.JMHO

Mine are rubber bungee with rubber hook on both ends. I cant find one on the internet quickly but they are common.

Same here. They’ve always worked fine for me and are cheap. Got mine at Fleet Farm.

I have used rope rachets for years with good success. I use a 1/4″ rope tied in a loop to the cover loops, feed through the rope ratchet and feed through holes in the framing. I had to add an eye bolt on each side of the trailer near the front, other wise they go into existing holes on the trailers. Not sure how your trailer looks for attachment points, but really like them on mine

Anyone have experience with these from boatbuckle?

http://www.boaterbarn.com/boatbuckle_snap_lock_boat_cover_33228_prd1.htm

I like this concept (if they work). The bungee cord options I’m a bit hesitant on, use them on the work truck, granted they are in the elements 24/7 but if they last a year that was a good run before they crack and fall apart.

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Anyone have experience with these from boatbuckle?

http://www.boaterbarn.com/boatbuckle_snap_lock_boat_cover_33228_prd1.htm

I like this concept (if they work). The bungee cord options I’m a bit hesitant on, use them on the work truck, granted they are in the elements 24/7 but if they last a year that was a good run before they crack and fall apart.

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These are exactly what I use for my travel and storage cover. When I go to take the cover off, I make sure I just leave them attached to the cover and I roll it up with the straps. ONE THING TO KNOW – these buckles are very susceptible to UV, and can become brittle and break. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen very often, but I have had to buy some new buckles from time to time….

Had several sets of straps go by breaking at rub-points. Going to be hard to explain without pics, and the boat is in storage, but here goes. Thanks to a buddy’s tip, bought a 50 ft. length of cord (nylon blend, I think). Tied one end to the loops for a permanent knot , feed under the trailer frame,and back up to the loop plus a foot or so of cord, where you cut the cord. Then, about half way between the cover loop and the trailer frame, tie a loop in the cord itself, which will be used to thread the tag end of the cord thru the cord loop, to snug the cover as you cinch down on the tag end. The cord loop only needs to be big enough to easily run the tag end of the cord thru before snugging.Then the key part is to use the correct knot after tensioning the cord to snug. My buddy called it a sailors knot, but I’m not sure that that’s it’s proper name. Bottom line, after snugging and tying the knot, all you have to do is pull the tag end, and the knot comes undone, even after trailering. And they don’t come loose while trailering. I find myself replacing a cord or two every 2 or 3 years, but it’s easy and it’s cheap. Melt the tag end to keep it from fraying. Maybe some IDOer can chime in with the knot I’m referring to.

That’s another idea, I can picture what your saying. I think my brother has enough parachute cord to be part owner of whatever company he buys from, might be worth trying.

I’m probably really only going to cover it for 1-2 trips a year, everything else is close enough that I wouldn’t bother and its parked inside the shed otherwise.