Transom Tiedowns

[DuckBoat]

New boat and I am having problems with the transom tiedowns coming loose during travel, even on relatively short trips. The ones that came with the boat were relatively cheap so I bought a new pair and I am having the same problem. Boat & Motor weigh approx 2,000 lbs so I purchased 2,400 lb rated straps since I figured they would only be holding down a portion of the boat.

Anyone run into this problem before. I have always used gunwale tiedowns in the past and never encountered this problem.

[PatrickG]

I think transom tie-downs are a hassle. I don't use them anymore. They don't hold the boat to the trailer. They hold the trailer to the boat. In the event of a serious accident they aren't strong enough to hold the trailer to the boat. They will snap and only the bow will be connected to the trailer. I think small boats should definitely use them, but they don't seem necessary to me on a boat over 2000 pounds. Just my personal opinion. I'm not even sure if it is legal to tow without them.

[The Business]

I don' t think that they work. How big was your previous boat?

[kerno]

I'm pretty sure that some states, like Florida, require them. I use 2 inch wide race car tiedowns. You can buy 10,000 pound straps on eBay for about $20.00 each. They WILL keep the boat and trailer together.

[Murphinator]

I think transom tie-downs are a hassle. I don't use them anymore. They don't hold the boat to the trailer. They hold the trailer to the boat. In the event of a serious accident they aren't strong enough to hold the trailer to the boat. They will snap and only the bow will be connected to the trailer. I think small boats should definitely use them, but they don't seem necessary to me on a boat over 2000 pounds. Just my personal opinion. I'm not even sure if it is legal to tow without them.

I think they help. I don't leave home without them.

[165Striper]

I have been using the ratcheting-type tiedowns and they have worked well for me. Make sure that you are attaching them in the shortest path between the transom eyes and the trailer attachment points. The only time I've had mine get loose is when the boat wasn't loaded exactly straight and it shifted a bit on the ride home. I usually stop and check the straps after a short drive from the ramp if I have to travel any distance just in case.