Has anyone used the trailer mounted retractable transom tie down straps? I was wondering about them always getting wet ?? do the last very long ? Thanks in advance..

Every one of my 9 bass boats has had them on ti. They are fantastic.  It helps to occasionally spray some wd40 or something om the mechanism, but I use them in both fresh and tidal water.  I doubt I would trailer a boat without them.  You simply release the strap attach to the boat ratchet it down  and you are done.  Always hook the bow strap first so the boat is settled on the trailer, and then do the back.  The longest I have had a set on a trailer was around 10 years.

First thing i switched to on my boat

Both the boats I've had them.....3yrs and counting.

How tight do they get?  I am thinking they would be awesome mounted on the trailer i use for my kayak but i would need a decent amount of tension on them to make sure the kayak wouldn't slip.  

2 hours ago, flyfisher said:

How tight do they get?  I am thinking they would be awesome mounted on the trailer i use for my kayak but i would need a decent amount of tension on them to make sure the kayak wouldn't slip.  

 

Guess it may depend on the model - most of the quality products like this I've seen get very tight.

Enough in fact that they could possibly damage (dent, deform, crush) a kayak if tighten too much.

I'd recommend some type of quality 2-Piece Retractable Transom Tie Down strap system for the portable crafts.

Perhaps like this https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Powersports-2060300-2-Piece-Retractable/dp/B00P3IAYSC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1492748651&sr=8-8&keywords=buckle+tie+down+straps

I use something similar (a pair) to secure the Old Town to the trailer.

A-Jay

 

15 hours ago, NitroTom said:

Has anyone used the trailer mounted retractable transom tie down straps? I was wondering about them always getting wet ?? do the last very long ? Thanks in advance..

 

I installed mine in 2004 and they still work fine except when launching the boat, I sometimes must ratchet up the slack now instead of it retracting on its own. I purchased the stainless steel version. Not sure if it matters, but I would highly recommend them.

I will not own a boat without them. They are not all made the same. some of them are crappy and wont last long. I opt for the "Boat Buckle" brand and I get the largest ones available. I have had good success with them and they don't wear out as quick as other brands.

The boat I have now is the first one I've had with them, I will never own another without them.

I may look into getting a set of these with the positive reviews.  The cam-over ones I have on it now are about due to be changed out.  

Dang, where was this thread 6 weeks ago!  I just replaced mine with another set of cam overs....  thought about the trailer mounted ones but hadn't seen them on many bass boats and I take anything i see on a ski boat with a huge grain of salt. 

 

Oh well, in about 6 or 7 years when these new ones bite it, I'll upgrade.  ...lol