Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
- Chris Campbell
- Candidate for Boat-Obsession Medal
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- Boat Name: Luna
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Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Hi,
I'm going to be moving Luna (and Stella, for that matter) about 100 kms (60 miles) next week, and am wondering how critical it is that I strap her down before I go. Normally I would just do it, but Luna's been shrink-wrapped and the straps may damage the wrapping, so if it's optional I'll avoid it. If not, I'll put sleeping bags between the straps and the wrapping film, I guess.
Here's a shot of her on her trailer, wrapped but not strapped:
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Chris
I'm going to be moving Luna (and Stella, for that matter) about 100 kms (60 miles) next week, and am wondering how critical it is that I strap her down before I go. Normally I would just do it, but Luna's been shrink-wrapped and the straps may damage the wrapping, so if it's optional I'll avoid it. If not, I'll put sleeping bags between the straps and the wrapping film, I guess.
Here's a shot of her on her trailer, wrapped but not strapped:
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Chris
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- Damned Because It's All Connected
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Shrink wrap can be patched. Cut holes for the straps and patch later.
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- Master Varnisher
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
The boat mover did not strap mine when he moved it to the marina to put it on my trailer 7 miles. At 60 miles if the roads are good and you went slower I see no problem. The law may see it as a different story.
Dan
Dan
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- Skilled Systems Installer
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
I'd bet that the law says yes. They may or may not enforce it though. Locals to the area would know. I strap mine for the 110 mile trip to/from the lake. Even if you can stand to loose the boat, can you stand the damage to others if it causes an accident.
I recently hauled 10,000 lbs of cast iron machinery to Texas and one item, a 2500 lb jointer, had 3 straps. I could see the shiney wood on the deck where this thing moved about 6" even with the straps when I had to lock up the brakes to avoid a collision.
I agree with Figment
Dave.
I recently hauled 10,000 lbs of cast iron machinery to Texas and one item, a 2500 lb jointer, had 3 straps. I could see the shiney wood on the deck where this thing moved about 6" even with the straps when I had to lock up the brakes to avoid a collision.
I agree with Figment
Dave.
Never finish all your projects or you'll be bored.
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- Skilled Systems Installer
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- Boat Type: O'day Mariner, Pearson Triton
- Location: Canada
Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
I would use the straps. I think you have to prepare for the worse case....just like being on the water.
"The more you know, the less you need."
Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard
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- Master of the Arcane
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- Boat Name: Quetzal
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Cut holes and strap her. If you don't have an access into the tent, perhaps you can fish the straps through padding and then fish them through w/o huge holes in the wrap. The point about chafe during the tow is important.
Let the adventure begin: congratulations!
Let the adventure begin: congratulations!
- Chris Campbell
- Candidate for Boat-Obsession Medal
- Posts: 422
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:18 am
- Boat Name: Luna
- Boat Type: Yankee 30
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- Contact:
Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
There is definitely a trend developing here in the advice - and it's not unexpected. I've always thought that what you need to do is to make sure the trailer stays stuck to the boat (it being the lighter of the pair), so I'll do as advised and stick straps through to hold it on. And I have shrink-tape, so I can seal the hole in the wrap around the film to avoid it tearing open on the highway (not that I'll be going very quickly).
Pictures to follow once I get the straps in place.
Pictures to follow once I get the straps in place.
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- Skilled Systems Installer
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Hey Chris,
Good luck on the road trip!
Good luck on the road trip!
"The more you know, the less you need."
Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard
- Bluenose
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
I strap Bolero almost as well as Tim did for her cross county trip for her twice a year 2 mile trip to the travel lift.
We live in a pretty small community so I find it best not to add reasons to make the front page of the local rag.
Cheers,
Bill
We live in a pretty small community so I find it best not to add reasons to make the front page of the local rag.
Cheers,
Bill
- preserved_killick
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Here in NH & Maine, I understand it is a law.
- earlylight
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
I would not attempt the move without straps. Should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident the insurance company will be immediately looking for an excuse not to pay any claims and I'm sure the lack of straps would be a great starting point for their attorney.
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- Master of the Arcane
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
I was given an old Flying Dutchman on its trailer, about 12 years ago. It was south of DC and had been under a pine tree for a couple decades. I had brought spare trailer tires and a light bar and license from another trailer. I got it out from under and found the boat about half full of composted pine needles. I didn't wish to sully their neat garden, so I towed it the couple hundred miles up I 95 to Philly. Didn't even need the tires!
Once in my back yard I transferred the compost to our compost piles, lifted the boat off the trailer and found that the U-bolts holding the axle onto the springs were either broken or nearly rusted through. The axle stayed in place because of gravity, the compost surcharge, the locating pin between springs and axle flange...and pure dumb luck.
The cheapest repair was to replace the whole axle, complete with hubs and tires. And I still use the trailer.
Once in my back yard I transferred the compost to our compost piles, lifted the boat off the trailer and found that the U-bolts holding the axle onto the springs were either broken or nearly rusted through. The axle stayed in place because of gravity, the compost surcharge, the locating pin between springs and axle flange...and pure dumb luck.
The cheapest repair was to replace the whole axle, complete with hubs and tires. And I still use the trailer.
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- Bottom Sanding Grunt
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Re: Trailering - how crucial is it to use straps?
Very Crucial!! You can never tell what you will find out there. Having just moved my boat about 3000 miles straps are a must! I had two blow outs and a couple of my straps parted. In the end I had to replace all my trailer tires and two straps. Then you have to think about the road conditions and the other drivers around you.
Stephen
Stephen