makami asked this question on 5/28/2000:
Should I use the mooring cover when trailering and should i use additional rear tie downs when trailering a 22 foot i/o
cetaylor gave this response on 5/28/2000:
A mooring cover is generally too light to use as a travel cover. The wind generated by a vehicle driving the speed limit, would rip it up in short order. A travel cover is one that has reinforcement at all stress points and straps that either go all the way around the hull or attach to the trailer. There are a number of good travel covers in the catalogs, running about $125-$200, with a 5 year warranty. They are very light and strong. Good luck....Charlie....
makami asked this follow-up question on 5/28/2000:
Thanks. Also would you suggest I strap down the rear for this 22 foot I?>O I have heard pros and cons. Probably the weight is enough to keep it on the trailer. One guy said he would rather it come off the trailer in an accident vs causing the tow vehicle to turn off. What do you think?
cetaylor gave this response on 5/28/2000:
Tie down straps are only good to keep the boat from bouncing on the trailer. The weight of the boat will keep it on the trailer except in the event of an accident. At that point, I want the trailer and boat in one package. Rear tie-down straps DO NOT WORK! I have had various models of these straps on various boats and when an accident occurs, these straps break instantly. The straps currenly on the market are rated for up to 5,000 pounds, however, the hardware is only rated for 1,000 pounds. Conversely, I found 5,000# hardware on 1,000# straps. There are just no quality tie-down straps on the market. There is, however, a solution. The only way to assure your boat and trailer remain as one unit is to use a strap that goes from one side of the trailer to the other, across the top of the boat....or....a long racheting mover's strap, going all the way around the rear of the boat and trailer. These straps will prevent the boat from moving on the trailer or from coming off the trailer. Don't worry about the boat causing the tow vehicle to overturn. The trailer coupler will go first, breaking the trailer free. Using the moving strap, I have had boats involved in no less than 6 accidents and have not yet had any damage to the boat or tow vehicle. I have had a little trailer damage, but nothing a new coupler and cables wouldn't cure. On that note, if you haven't already done so, please do yourself a favor and replace the safety chains on the trailer coupler, with coiled aircraft cable. These are stronger and will not accidently drag the ground, causing them to give way with no warning. They are very inexpensive and are very safe. The added piece of mind is worth every penny. I trailer my boat about 20,000 miles per year and don't enjoy surprises. These tips are things I had to learn the hard way. Good luck....Charlie....
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