Tiedowns

Tie downs serve three important functions:

• They secure your boat to the trailer at the bow and either gunwale or transom.
• They secure your trailer to your towing vehicle by chain or cable hooked into the vehicle from the frame.
• They secure gear inside your boat to prevent shifting while underway.

After your boat is resting comfortably on the trailer, make sure it's not only secured at the stern (by gunwale or transom straps), but also at the winch. Do not rely on winch gears or electrical winch brakes; always use bow support as an added safety measure. A heavy strap should always be used to anchor the boat's stern to the trailer. If a strap isn't used, the boat will bounce against (or off) the trailer.

The correct gunwale or transom tie down length is related to boat width and transom height. Ratchet or cam style straps secure your boat on the trailer most securely and prevent boats from bouncing and suffering chafe damage.

Tie downs must not cross sharp edges-any force will cut the strap. Unsecured gear inside the boat can severely damage fiberglass. Sudden shifting of heavy gear could tear up your boat's interior. BoatUS offers a wide range of internal tie downs to keep your gear secure!

Winch straps, rope, or cable are not tie-down devices-their sole purpose is to get your boat up on the trailer.