I spoke with another sailor who said he ties a line from a stern cleat to the trailer. What's the best method for securing the boat to the trailer?
Thanks
Thanks
Securing the boat to the trailer (H260)
- Thread starter Claudia
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Add safety chain at bow,I added a 2" strap over boat just behind fenders on trailer,not a good idea using mooring cleats as they tend not to take alot of strain.Trailered boat from Pennsylvania to Indiana this way when i got my 23.5,Never moved a bit.
I also use 2" straps. One over the bow just behind the stanchions. This keeps the anchor hatch clear for maintenance. I also use one on each stern quarter.
I do use the stern cleats. On the HJ260 they are very robust. If I can't trust them while the boat is on a trailer, with all the weight already supported, how can I trust them on a dock? Under normal trailer conditions there is very little strain on the straps. If there is enough stress to cause a stern cleat to fail, the boat is going to be damaged by the cause anyway.
Be sure to put several twists in your straps to cut down on wind harmonic vibration. Also ensure none of the strap hardware is anywhere near the hull to prevent scratches and chips.
I do use the stern cleats. On the HJ260 they are very robust. If I can't trust them while the boat is on a trailer, with all the weight already supported, how can I trust them on a dock? Under normal trailer conditions there is very little strain on the straps. If there is enough stress to cause a stern cleat to fail, the boat is going to be damaged by the cause anyway.
Be sure to put several twists in your straps to cut down on wind harmonic vibration. Also ensure none of the strap hardware is anywhere near the hull to prevent scratches and chips.
I use a 2" strap and rachet at the stern. I had problems with them moving around on the trailer and loosening, so I put a hefty eye bolt on each side to secure it. I removed one of the 4 bolts holding the "goal posts" to the trailer, and put them there. Works like a charm!
I use a chain from the bow eye to the trailer and keep the winch strap tight. Two rachet straps from the cleats to the trailer frame to keep the stern down. I also use two light rachet straps from each stern cleat to the mast where it sits on the support post, I tighten each one so the mast is held tight and straight. If you do not have these the support post will move around quite a bit, not much of a problem on a short haul but needs to be solid on longer trips.
Bob
Bob
Here's some tips on towing:
http://h260.com/travel/travel.html
There is lot of stuff that could come loose back there, so I use straps to tie the boat down at the stern, the rudder up, the engine from bouncing, and keep the mast from swaying. I learned how important it was to keep the mast from swaying when one owner reported that the crutch snapped off when towing.
http://h260.com/travel/travel.html
There is lot of stuff that could come loose back there, so I use straps to tie the boat down at the stern, the rudder up, the engine from bouncing, and keep the mast from swaying. I learned how important it was to keep the mast from swaying when one owner reported that the crutch snapped off when towing.
These straps are strong and cheap. Got mine from Home Depot but I notice they are available at most hardware stores. I got the yellow boat tie-down pads to protect the hull from scratches. The pads are made of durable PVC material and are high visibility yellow for greater visibility. Available in most boat outlets. Sold in pairs in several sizes. Google "Boat Pads". At the bow I clip a heavy duty chain to the "U Bolt" as a back-up to the winch cable. Also, I coil the shrouds and tie them to the lifelines with cable ties. Finally, I use lots of bungees. This is all cheap insurance and makes a much neater package.
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