Got my Boat Buckles installed

[jbmaine]

Hi all,

A few day's ago I posted about getting Boat Buckles for my boat. The response was very favorable, so I ordered some. Two for the sides and one for the bow. I installed them this A.M. As many have said the included hardware was not the best, so I used different bolts, nuts, etc.

Installation was easy, just drill holes and install.

In my case I found the perfect spot for them.

They are out of the way when not in use. They don't rub on the painted sides, and there is just enough room to use the ratchet with out pinching my fingers on the light bracket.

 I have not had a chance to use them yet but I'm looking forward to a simpler and faster prep to launch and recover.

Here's a few pic's

Thanks for looking

               Jim

[Fishing Rhino]

Well done.  Kudos.

[BassnChris]

You will love them.....quick t o load and quick to unload.

Looks good!

[Bluebasser86]

Never had a boat with them until my current boat. Now I'll never own another trailer without them. Looks very good. 

[Further North]

That'll work!

I have always seen them used at the back of the boat with smaller hooks going to the U shaped transom tie downs.

[WIGuide]

That looks like it should work! Definitely an improvement over the standard straps that's for sure. My last boat didn't come with them so I ordered and installed them. When I upgraded boats it had them on the trailer already. If they hadn't It would have been one of the first things I would have changed. I won't own a boat without them. 

[Further North]

2 hours ago, WIGuide said:

That looks like it should work! Definitely an improvement over the standard straps that's for sure. My last boat didn't come with them so I ordered and installed them. When I upgraded boats it had them on the trailer already. If they hadn't It would have been one of the first things I would have changed. I won't own a boat without them. 

Couldn't agree more - it's the first thing I do when I change boats.  When I bought my current boat, I stopped on the way home and bought them...It took a week tot get the adapters made and installed, but it was the first thing I saw that needed changing when I picked the boat up!

[J Francho]

That looks awesome!

I agree - I'll never NOT have retractable buckles.

[kjfishman]

That setup will save stress on your hull. I had a 14 foot aluminum deep V and the strap went across the boat like your original set up. When I tore the wood floor out to replace it i found stress cracks in the ribs from the strap pulling the sides in when it was tightened down.  I am sure it was from the strap because none of the other ribs were damaged.