Hobie Cat Forums

Just installed some hull cradles. I used to run a strap over the top of the hulls to eye bolts outside rubber roller mounts. Those trailer connection points are now gone. I think I have a reasonable tie down solution that does not seek to damage the hull cradles, but why try to invent the wheel when there are so many experienced helpful folks here and I may be repeating mistakes made in the past (I'm good at that ).

This was the best idea I could come up with that still arrested forward and backward motion and was a secure hold to the cradles. (front strap is in front of the corner castings, while the rear straps are in back). Front pictured here.





If this looks good, I will install eye bolts or some such connection point on the trailer frame. Should I worry about pulling on those castings?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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ScotsSailor
1986 Hobie 16

Looks good to me, that's how I tie down the Tiger

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

thats how i tie mine as well. The boat is only a couple hundred pounds so you really don't need to ratchet it down super tight. i take mine snug then 3 clicks. If you are going to install eye bolts I would place them a little further forward and aft on the trailer. that way your pulling the boat front and back with the straps rather than pulling it in.

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'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

Matt Bounds has a pretty slick setup which he describes here:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=13831&p=76858

I really like that set up. I'll be making some adjustments.

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'73 hobie 16 restored 2011
'00 Seaswirl fishin boat

Cool beans! I looked at the setup Matt Bounds has also. It is very nice. This seems to do the trick though. Also the eye bolt placement suggested by reelknotty (love the handle ) looks like an interesting idea.

Thanks to all. Great forum.

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ScotsSailor
1986 Hobie 16

The key thing to my system is that it doesn't touch the hull at all.

Wide straps flutter at highway speeds - flutter=wear (both the strap and the whatever it's hitting).

The system in your has a single point failure mode - the strap/hook can fail at any one point and you loose the entire front or back of the boat.

My system can tolerate a single failure - and give you time to notice it and have a chance to pull over and fix it.

Matt, I concede all those points. My setup will work for now. $$ is part of the equation, as well as the 20 minute ride to the launch spot. Thanks for the advice.

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ScotsSailor
1986 Hobie 16