Trailering Straps

[NorthernFocus]

So what do people do for rear straps on their Rangers? Due to the location of the tie down points on the trailer, trim tabs, and tie down eyes on the boat, using rear straps on my rig is pretty difficult. Actually pretty much not doable. I'm thinking of using a large ratchet strap and go to the old school strap across the cockpit. Anyone else have this problem and/or any ideas?

 

[knotflying]

I use a continuous 2 inch ratchet strap and run it across the cockpit forward of the cleats. I wrap the strap under the I-beam of the trailer and hook it on the top flange. I made a sleeve to go over the strap to protect the gelcoat at the contact points on the hull and over the top. You can also use sleaves cut off of an old sweat shirt.

 

[Rodeo]

I use a heavy duty ratchet strap but use foam pipe insulation that is already split to keep the gelcoat safe, works perfectly.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds pretty straightforward. Some simple solutions for chaffing gear too. Which helps a lot as I have a tendency to over work things 🙁

Thanks,

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Dan

I, too, use the 2" ratchet strap over the cockpit. I use a brand of fender called "Hull Hugr" as chafe protection. Looks like this

I put the SHORT END DOWN such that the LONG END is in the cockpit. If you put it the way it would go for dock protection (long end down toward water), then it will FLAP and chafe the gelcoat. DAMHIKT 🙁

Strapped,

dave

 

[nzfisher]

On my R25sc I recently wrapped 2 lengths of about 18" of galvanized chain around the cross member at the aft end of the trailer using galvanized nuts and bolts to secure the 3/8 inch chain. I now use the factory supplied tie downs from the "extra" end link of the chains to the ubolts at the transom. If you bring in a piece of wood or Styrofoam that mirrors the cross section of the trailer member you can take it in to home depot and use it to determine the length you need. They will cut the chain to length (free) such that you can have an extra link or two after you bolt it together. Glued some heavy urethane foam to the webbing using 5200 at the pinch point at bottom of transom. These hold the boat down and tension the boat forward. They were also cheap and easily installed. Check this image (and the one following) to see how it looks rather than trying to understand the above description.

gallery2.php?g2_itemId=41139

 

[NorthernFocus]

More ideas. Thanks, guys.

NZ I considered a similar configuration though not as simple of an attachment as you chain idea. That's excellent. I was considering criss crossing them for better lateral stability. But the running gear provides challenges in that regard.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Like Mike Rizzo I use the 2 inch ratchet strap with homemade sleeves (copied from Mike) to protect the gelcoat. I'd add that I run my strap thru the rear transom cleats and attach the strap hooks onto the trailer frame. In doing so for three years I have no wear anywhere on the gelcoat and the boat has never moved in the 12,000 miles or so that we've trailered Kismet during this time. Check ratchets straps of all kinds out on http://www.ratchetstraps.com

Jim

 

[Don Cardinal]

Dan,
On my 21 ft. classic and because of the design of the trailer I have to use an over the gunwale tie down strap. I chose a 2 inch wide cantilever style tie down from WM. It is made by Kwik- Lok and is available in 13 and 20ft. lenghths and stainless or steel hooks. It has a velcro type collar at the cantilever that is used to gather and hold the excess strap from looking untidy or blowing in the wind. Too protect the fiber glass and the varnished teak on my gunwales I bought 2 seat belt shoulder protectors from the other WM. (lookalike sheepskin) I sewed the protectors with a couple of stitches to the strap so that the protector is always where I want it to be and no need to get off the boat to find it down the strap usually at the hook point on the trailer. I see no chaffing of the teak or gel coat.
Hope you find what is best for you.
Don,

 

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for the additional input. The tip on the seatbelt straps from the other WM will save digging the sewing machine out. 😀