www.iFourWinns.com

I'm hoping to get my 6000lb Liberator 261 out this weekend and want to order something some rear tiedown straps. I think I'm going to find something from RatchetStraps USA
http://www.ratchetstraps.com/?gclid=CIv ... nAodklropg

I am guessing that something with a working load limit of 3200lbs each should work (break limit of 10,000 lbs each).
My 261 Liberator riding on a roller's trailer, should I use transom tie down straps, or gunwhale tie down straps?

It looks like the previous owner was using the gunwhale tie down strap method because I can see some rub marks near the trailer hook points.

Thanks,
Scott

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1988 Four Winns 261 Liberator Twin 460s

I would use the transom tie down straps. It will hold it down better, but thats just me.

I look at it as, you are keeping the trailer to the boat. Have you ever seen a boat on a trailer and then hit a good bump. The boat goes up in the air and since the trailer is 4 to 6 times lighter! You want that trailer to fellow the boat back down on the road.

Paul's exactly right. You aren't trying to hold the boat down, you're trying to hold the trailer up.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Agreed with all above, as I travel down a hilly, bumpy road every weekend. It will shift quite a bit. Fact is, the boat would never be level in the drive if I didn't have that road to fix it!

I am also plugging Boat Buckles, as they have been great! Very easy to install, use and stow away well and out of the way when launching/loading. The GF loves them as it's something she can take care of while I am getting stuff arranged in the boat. A little pricy (about $100 for 3), but IMO they pay for themselves after just a few uses.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

The first thing I've done with both the FW boats I've had is replace the factory tie down straps... FW likes to give you straps that come in a looped configuration. These can get quite boogered up and piss you off after a long day at the ramp. It is much easier to use heavy duty normal ratchet tie down straps... cut them to proper length and always completely remove strap from the ratchet every time you get ready to launch... I also agree that it is only necessary to get what you need to hold the trailer up... you can buy decent 1000lb ones at walmart if you want...

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2007 FW Horizon 200 5.0GXi/SX-A

I use the Boat Buckles as well and they are very easy. Just attach and flip the lever.
Rob

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Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180

I like the boatbuckle system... especially the retractable ones that mount on your trailer... problem is, they are expensive... I usually have to replace my straps every few years because the rubber coating on the S hooks wears away leaving a rusty piece of steel... usually the straps and ratchets are fine (just need a little wd-40 on ratchet mechanisms) It would be nice if you could get extra replaceable coated S Hooks somehow....

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2007 FW Horizon 200 5.0GXi/SX-A

Instead of replacing them why not try some of this. Have used it on several things & it works good.

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

Thats great!

I was going to suggest the same; or getting them powder coated.... but why not both!

If you just want a quick, short-term solution, use some heat-shrink.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

Late to the reply, but here is my +1 for the above. We went from ratchet straps that were starting to dig into the gelcoat to these. I like these alot. No extra long straps to deal with and hook up is fast and easy.

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1999 180 Horizon OB Fisherman Pkg
2013 Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi
San Antonio, TX

same here, this is what I have always used, quick and easy

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

I have the trailer mount rachet straps...have worked well but starting to have to manipulate them to get retracted...I will try the wd40 in the mechanism to see if that helps......I always loosen them when stored so rubber ends have held up well.

I like them cuz that's two less things to put up at each use....assuming I can keep them working.

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi