Suggestions for anchor points

Observer · 07 September 2009, 10:54

To secure the stern of the boat on the trailer, I have traditionally used a single 50mm ratchet strap round the trailer beam on one side, through two D-rings on the transom, round the beam on the other side and back up to the ratchet, which hooks on one of the D-rings. That method holds the stern down firm and seems nice and secure.

I've just fitted Smart tabs to the RIB (which work really well, but that's not the point of this post) and they get in the way of the strap, using the above routing. Possible alternative is strap over the top of the tubes, but this doesn't seem so secure as strapping to a 'hard' point and I'm not sure how tight I should ratchet up.

Any comments or suggestions?

9D280 · 07 September 2009, 12:18

I assume the problem is that the "vertical" legs of the strap run now go straight through your trim tabs?

Three thoughts come to mind:

Could you "cross" them i.e. Trailer LH beam to RH D- ring, then LH D- ring, down to RH trailer beam? - You'd need a longer strap, but then you could get one that has a short strap on the ratchet, and the long web with a hook for the other side of the trailer.... if that made any sense?

Thru' bolt something that will allow the strap to divert round the end of the tabs. (i.e a long bolt or bolt with eye nut (will be less chaffing on that) Will need to make sure it's properly sealed as it will be underwater & taking a sideways force)

Other option might be (although I imagine a Metric fine threaded stainless eyebolt isn't going to be cheap) to replace the bolts / nuts (whichever is on the outside) holding your engine on with eyebolts. than you get your anchor points further inboard and clear the tabs?

Observer · 07 September 2009, 13:40

Thanks 9D280. Some good suggestions there. I'll give them a go.

Knot Yet 2 · 15 November 2009, 06:59

The sea bed is a good anchor point.

Steve_B · 15 November 2009, 10:54

I too had this problem after fitting smart tabs.

I now fit two shorter straps fitted with hooks from the engine mount to the trailer. When the engine is is trimmed right up, there are several suitable holes in the back plate fixed to the transom that you can use. I will see if I can get a picture to show you.

Steve

tonymac · 15 November 2009, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Observer

Possible alternative is strap over the top of the tubes, but this doesn't seem so secure as strapping to a 'hard' point and I'm not sure how tight I should ratchet up.

Any comments or suggestions?

Going over the toobes and hoping to hold things down is not a good idea!

Zubenelgenubi · 15 November 2009, 19:48

I know this is about securing your boat to the trailer but im more interested in the Smart Tabs! I have looked at the website.
Which ones did you get?
Do they actually stop your boat chine walking & what if any other benefits have they shown?

Steve_B · 16 November 2009, 15:48

As promised see pictures of my arrangement, seems to work and quick to do.

Sorry about quality, it was starting to go dark

Steve

Knot Yet 2 · 16 November 2009, 18:46

I guess the joke wasnt appreciated then...............Ill get me coat !!!!!

9D280 · 18 November 2009, 10:04

Looks like it went down like an......

.....I'll see you outside!

Observer · 18 November 2009, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kts

As promised see pictures of my arrangement, seems to work and quick to do.

Sorry about quality, it was starting to go dark

Steve

Thanks for that. I took 9D280's tip and used crossed straps (ie from each external D ring diagonally across and down to the opposite trailer beam). I had to buy new straps but it works well.

Observer · 18 November 2009, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zubenelgenubi

I know this is about securing your boat to the trailer but im more interested in the Smart Tabs! I have looked at the website.
Which ones did you get?
Do they actually stop your boat chine walking & what if any other benefits have they shown?

I bought the Smart Tabs SX (from the website, cheaper than UK supplier). I haven't done full "with and without" trials yet but they've certainly reduced minimum planing speed. Now ~10kts whereas more like 15kts before. I never had a problem with chine walking but the instructions do say that can be eliminated. Improved top speed is also claimed but I haven't confirmed that either.

I also bought the PR500 retractor kit (allows the tabs to be raised manually) but I couldn't fit them because they interfered with the auxiliary bracket on the transom. If you go ahead with Smart Tabs and wanted to fit these as well, let me know.