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.

expert reply by: John H

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!

Chris R.

5/26/2020

For your application I really like the CargoBuckle # IMF18800. These offer more than enough capacity and their self-retracting design allows for really simple, clean operation.