How to Choose the Correct Tie-Down for a Boat and Trailer
Question:
Hi, you explained WLL OK but how do I determine my needs? I know the total weight of boat, but what WLL is needed to safely secure the bow onto trailer? Thanks
asked by: Paul J
Helpful Expert Reply:
When choosing tie-down straps like the BoatBuckle G2 Retractable Tie-Down Strap, # IMF14220, you will want to keep a few things in mind. Boat tie-downs are designed for normal highway driving. The purpose of most boat tie-downs is to strap the lightest object to the heaviest object, meaning you will want to choose a tie-down with a break strength that exceeds the weight of the lightest object.
For example, if your boat weighs 4,000 lbs and your trailer weighs 2,000 lbs, you will want to choose a tie-down strap with a break strength that exceeds the weight of the trailer. This ensures that the boat does not jump off of the trailer if you run over bumps or potholes. You could always go with straps that have greater break strengths, but if you are in a severe accident, very few straps could handle the forces that are created when the boat tries to leave the trailer, especially with bigger and heavier boats.
The G2 tie-down, # IMF14221, has a break strength of 2,500 lbs. I spoke with my contact at BoatBuckle and he said they frequently use G2 Bow, # IMF14221, and G2 Stern Tie-Downs, # IMF08893, on boats up to 26ft long. He also said the working load limit (WLL) is a spec that most strap manufacturers must list, but in this situation, the break strength is what you will want to use.
If you can tell me the weight of your boat and the weight of your trailer, I would be happy to recommend a set of tie-downs that will work for you. I have also attached a link to all of our boat tie-downs for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Transom Tie-Down Straps - 43" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 2
- Boat Tie Downs
- S-Hooks
- 2 Straps
- Retractable
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Ratchet Strap
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 501 - 850 lbs
- BoatBuckle
more information >
BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Gunwale Tie-Down Straps - 38" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 2
- Boat Tie Downs
- Double-J Hooks
- Retractable
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Gunwale Strap
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 501 - 850 lbs
- BoatBuckle
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Bow Tie-Down Strap - Steel - 43" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 1
- Boat Tie Downs
- S-Hooks
- Retractable
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Bow Strap
- 1-1/8 - 2 Inch Wide
- 501 - 850 lbs
- BoatBuckle
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Transom Tie-Down Straps - 43" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratchet Transom Tie-Downs - Stainless Steel - 43" - 500 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Gunwale Tie-Down Straps - 38" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: BoatBuckle Heavy Duty Ratchet Transom Tie-Down Straps - 2" x 4' - 833 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: CargoBuckle G3 Retractable Ratchet Tie-Down Straps - Bolt On - 2" x 6' - 1,167 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Safe Working Load For Transom Tie Downs
- Shop: Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Video: BoatBuckle Tie Down Straps - Trailer - IMF08893 Review
- Shop: BoatBuckle G2 Retractable, Ratcheting Bow Tie-Down Strap - Steel - 43" Long - 833 lbs - Qty 1
- Video: BoatBuckle G2 Retractable Ratcheting Transom Tie-Down Straps Review
- Video: BoatBuckle Heavy Duty Ratchet Transom Tie-Down Straps Review
- Article: How to Measure the Bolt Pattern of a Trailer Wheel
- Search Results: boat trailer brake kit
- Search Results: marine electric brakes
- Q&A: Retractable Strap Recommendation for Transom Strap for 5,000 lb Boat
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Dutton-Lainson Single Speed Hand Winch Review DL14527
- Search Results: boat transom straps
- Video: BoatBuckle Tie Down Straps - Trailer - IMF17632 Review
- Search Results: 23~26~27
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Replacement Hydraulic Brakes and Hub/Drum Assembly for 3,500 lb Boat Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Are BoatBuckle Ratcheting Transom Tie Downs Strong Enough To Secure 2023 Sea-Doo Switch to Trailer?
- Article: Boat Trailer Guides: Which are the Best?
- Video: CargoBuckle G3 Retractable Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Review
- Shop: Spare Tire Cover
- Search Results: spare carrier
- Search Results: tire cover
- Search Results: tire carrier
Bobby I.
5/23/2020
John can you help me pick out tie down straps? I have a 2006 Sea Ray 185 sport. The boat weighs 2100 lbs. the trailer weighs 500 lbs. what is the break strength you recommend? Thanks for the help!