Rear Trailer tie down straps

[rdradu]

Hi all!
I just bought my 2001 Utopia 185 a couple of weeks ago and am not real jazzed on the rear hold (tie) down straps that came with the trailer as I have already scraped the underside while tightening them up. Just wondering if anyone has any comments or better recommendations.
Thanks,
Richard

 

[Cid6.7]

Where did it scrape..? try flipping the strap the other way so the "tightener" thinger is down by the trailer instead..

 

[RFoster130]

I dont really like the racheting type on the rear. I use the ones you pull tight. I got a set of 4 at Home Depot for like $15. They are all rubber coated, so no scrapes. I will try to take a pic tomor.

 

[sporsterjoel]

:agree: just flip them. Thoughs are the factory straps so i cant see why there would be a problem.

 

[rookie101]

Might just be my eyes, but it looks like the boat is too far back on the trailer........

Are the straps touching the back of the boat, or is that just an illusion in the picture. I have the same cheap straps, and have not had a problem (they are junk though).

You can get some really nice ratchet straps that bolt to the trailer and then just quick connect to the boat. I put a set on my brothers trailer, and they work slick. I think they were about ninety bucks though. Nicest thing about them is you can't lose them, they are always bolted to the trailer.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[Chief Engineer]

I had the bolt on ratchet type on my previous trailer. I believe overtons.com carries them. They are well worth the money - quick and easy. Plan on getting a set for my new trailer.

 

[rdradu]

Good catch Aaron - the straps are touching the hull but I do have the front sucked right up against the bow bumper. This is the first time that they have touched though so not sure what has happened.
I really like the (way too obvious) idea of flipping the straps over - it's just that was how the previous owner said to do it and I didn't want to mess things up.
I like that overtons.com site but I need a few other more important items before I upgrade the straps.

 

[bcarpenter]

I use ratcheting straps on my C180 but I keep the ratchet end closest to the trailer. I did have a hard time finding some that were short enough. (Distance from ratchet to hook) The bolt-on retractable type are on my wish list.

One safety note if using ratcheting straps, make sure you have a couple turns on the ratchet before it is fully tight, otherwise, they can come loose. I've had it happen to me a few times. Fortunately, I always tie the free end of the strap to the eye on the boat, so I haven't lost any straps.