Hey guys, I’ve got a question,
Are rear tie downs required by law?
I can understand on a roller trailer it would be a smart safety issue, a bunk would be depending on the length/weight ratio item.
But my question is, are they required by law and if so when?
Only a safty chain/strap on the bow to my knoledge in Iowa, I only strap my transom down if going out of town, loacaly I never put them on.
Thanks, That was what I was wondering. Gett’in a new trailer this week and the dealer seemed to think it was a law. Thinking of using ratchet straps on the new one in a perminate attachement to the trailer.
My old one was too short on the rear to use tie down straps, that made me wonder. If I had on it I would have cut them several times by now.
Anyone else got any info?
You can get the bolt on ones for $60??? They bolt to the trailer and are a retractin/ratcheting style like Ranger uses on their trailers, thinking about adding them to mine just havent yet. I load/unload about 150 times or more a year, saves time not taking them off and putting them on.
That’s kind ‘of what I’m thinking about. Don’t know the differences in the manufactures yet, but that’s the idea.
I bought the BoatBuckle tie-downs for myself last year and I love them. Unfortunately, I’m not able to fish 150 Xs a year… but if I did, these things would be a huge time saver. I got mine from Cabelas…
BoatBuckle Transom Tie-down
This retractable transom tie-down system is like a seatbelt for your boat. Self-storing straps extend up to 43″, but automatically retract to hold the boat snug to the trailer. A built-in, one-hand ratchet with SUR-Grip rubber-grip handle and release lever snugs the strap with a lift and click. Vinyl coating on the hooks protects your boat’s finish. One-bolt installation makes the BoatBuckle part of your trailer so it won’t get lost like conventional tie-downs. Per pair.
Rated capacity: 3,000lbs. – 5,000 lbs./ pair.
Available:
•Standard – 5,000 lbs./pair
•Stainless – 3,000 lbs./pair
•Universal Bracket
Are there any problems when fishing in the winter with Boat Buckles? When you pull the boat out of the water in 20 degrees, are they going to ice up?
Personally, I would not consider going even a block without the rear tie downs.
-J.
Quote:
Are there any problems when fishing in the winter with Boat Buckles? When you pull the boat out of the water in 20 degrees, are they going to ice up?
Never thought of this. Would be interested to hear what the answers are.
FDR
Well, I’ve never tied my boats down. Since I’ve owned 18 footers in glass and tin, with outboards or I/o’s. Never ever an issue. NOT TO SAY, that I could have had. I’ve only seen one accident involving a boat trailer on the highways. That was some 40 years ago and it was wraped around a tree still on the trailor and not on the hitch of the tow vehicle. Most big boats I see, I think I don’t see tie downs used. maybe I’m not looking close enough.
I won’t fish winter other than LOW in the last of Oct. Berrrr! Boat Buckles are what I’m thinking of in type. I saw they had a stainless and standard. Wonder why standard has less compasity? For corrosion that would be my choice.
Required in MN. I know a guy that got ticketed before he even pulled out of the parking lot.
Quote:
Quote:
Are there any problems when fishing in the winter with Boat Buckles? When you pull the boat out of the water in 20 degrees, are they going to ice up?
Never thought of this. Would be interested to hear what the answers are.
FDR
Water freezes below 32 degree’s. Me thinks you will get ice. 
Boat buckles are the answer to the worlds problems in my opinion. 
Just being able to tie the boat down in less then 20 seconds when it’s getting ready to pour rain is reason enough!
Every state and country has it’s own laws pertaining to how you trailer. Going into Canada you not only would need to have rear straps, but you need to have holders on your safety chains so they can’t pop off.
Research what you need or better yet just tie the boat down so it’s never an issue.
Quote:
Are there any problems when fishing in the winter with Boat Buckles? When you pull the boat out of the water in 20 degrees, are they going to ice up?
I have the boat buckles on my rig. First off the best thing since kicker hay balers. I have used mine in the winter with no issue. They will ice up some, grab them and pull them in and out a couple of times good to go.
Launched my first boat about a third the way off the trailer when we hit a unmarked dip in the road just trying to go down the road a piece, I use them all the time now. 
The racheting ones are easy to use, not sure how they do in freezing temps though.
Al
I have a story about flying down the hill on HWY 58 in Red Wing and having to take the ditch to avoid a collision. Had you seen what I saw in the side view mirror, you would be sold on tieing the boat down every time. I saw a trailer tire 3′ in the air, tilted at about 30 degrees, and by god, the boat was stuck to that thing like glue and what could have been horrific accident turned into a bouncing ball trailer with a boat on it that landed right side up. I can only admit this because I was not the driver.
Never the less. I am a huge fan of the retractable straps and they work great in icy cold water. If they get full of sand for some reason, pull them out spray them off and they are good as new. 
I know the bennifits, I will not dissagree. That is why I asked the question on leagality. We will be traveling to ND, MN, MO, AK and Canada this year. Maybe who knows where else?
My second question is, are the stainless steel worth the few extra dollars for the smaller strength for load tie down? My boat is in the neighborhood of 3500 lbs and the balance of all the gear, the new trailer has a carring load of 4900 lbs.
Again I’m getting a new trailer that will accomidate these mounted tie downs, as my old one would not without cutting them. The back of my old trailer did not extend to the back of the boat, thus leaving a sharper edge to wear excessive on the strap. That is why I have not done them in the last 11 years.
Worth the extra for Stainless steel with less support?
In your words it’s a “few extra dollars”. You bought a bigger trailer you didn’t skimp on price there did you? For a “few extra dollars” I buy the thing that gives you the most assurance the boat won’t move on that trailer no matter what. Remember the tie downs are for what happens in a “accident worse case scenario” situation. You don’t wanna be that guy with his boat skidding past the tow vehicle on the hiway. 
I think you can go with the regular ones unless you plan to dump the boat in salt water.
-J.
The dollar differance makes no differance to me. The weight differance I think is small in comparrison, maybe I’m wrong. SS might have an edge on corroision over the standard, but the SS does cost more and has less strength.
That is where my question is. Also are there other brands that you guys use, or is this one the “go 2 brand”?
Quote:
The dollar differance makes no differance to me. The weight differance I think is small in comparrison, maybe I’m wrong. SS might have an edge on corroision over the standard, but the SS does cost more and has less strength.
That is where my question is. Also are there other brands that you guys use, or is this one the “go 2 brand”?
Not sure, but considering the tie downs keep the boat attached to the trailer, it’d be the weight of the trailer that’s lighter I’d consider.
You only have to keep them together, not hang the boat from the trailer…I’d hope.
maybe?
al
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
