Anyone use Boat Buckles, or similar

[TheRodFather]

Like the title states, do you use them or any of the other brands that make a similar product?

 

The Boat Buckle brand is quite a bit more expensive than a standard set of straps, but some of the other brands (Reese) are just a bit more than a set of standard straps, so is the extra price worth the convenience?

[Bucky205]

Mine Aren't Boat Buckle brand, they were on the trailer when I bought the boat.  I like them.  Makes strapping down, or unstrapping very quick and easy. I don't have to keep up with them since they are mounted on the trailer.

[Al Wolbach]

Will never be without them again. Love them. They are pretty much a one time purchase, I bought mine in 2004 went I went to work at BPS. They need a shot of wd40 every year or so but no other maintenance.

[iabass8]

I have boat buckles on my new boat and had some random brand on my previous boat. Awesome addition for launching. Will never go without them.  New boat came with them but I put them on my old boat. Took maybe 5 minutes per side. I got my last pair for 45$ . No issues with them or boat buckles. 

[gim]

I have a pair of boat buckles that came with the boat when I purchased it.  They are not mounted to the trailer.  I tighten them down and "fold over" the metal part to finish.  There is a Velcro cover for the loose end so its not blowing in the wind when I drive down the road.  This is the only the second year I've had them, but I have not had an issue with them yet either.

[S Hovanec]

After using the cam lock style straps that came with my boat for 12 years, I broke down and got a set.  They are the Boat Buckle but rebranded for Overtons.  Don't know why I waited so long.  I love them.

[TheRodFather]

Thanks for the replies gents, I will pick up a pair since they seem to be worth the few extra dollars.

 

TRF

[tcbass]

Well worth the extra money. 

 

I bought a pair for my Crestliner and 4 years later when I sold it I transferred them to my Stratos. Love them. Will never have a boat without them. 

 

They also make a special bracket if ur boat needs them. 

[WIGuide]

Definitely worth the investment. Regular cam style straps don't seem bad until you have ratchet straps and then you'll realize you'll never go back. I've put them on my last two boats and don't see myself ever going back. 

[Further North]

On 7/24/2017 at 10:38 AM, Al Wolbach said:

Will never be without them again. Love them. They are pretty much a one time purchase, I bought mine in 2004 went I went to work at BPS. They need a shot of wd40 every year or so but no other maintenance.

Couldn't possibly agree more.

 

I don't use the Boat Buckle brand, but what use is the same concept.

 

I will not own another trailer that does not have them...or if I do the first stop on the way home will be at Farm and Barn to get a new set and they'll be mounted an hour after I get home...

 

[Bluebasser86]

Trailer I have now is the first one I've had with them, I'll never own another without them. 

[Russ E]

have them on my new boat. 

greatly simplifies loading and unloading.

can't believe it took me this long to get them.

 

[3dees]

like everyone says, once you have them, you will never switch back.

[TheRodFather]

It definitely seems unanimous!

[jeffh129]

Best upgrade to my rig that I did this year. The old fashion removable ratchet type used to drive me nuts !

[tcbass]

Think about this, the fact that premium boats put them on their trailers as standard equipment tells you something. 

[DINK WHISPERER]

I only buy the boat buckle brand because I've had bad experiences with the Reese brand. I just scored a new set on eBay for $45 shipped! 

[Further North]

12 hours ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

I only buy the boat buckle brand because I've had bad experiences with the Reese brand. I just scored a new set on eBay for $45 shipped! 

Dunno why I didn't think of E-Bay...I get all kinds of stuff there...

[TheRodFather]

Looks like they make a "mini" set now as well, they don't seem to get the same outstanding reviews though.  I did see that they had a problem with a spring breaking in an early version of the Mini, that they have since fixed.  May be worth a shot, I don't need the full size, or stainless version for my tin boat.

[JustinCT]

After reading this thread and reliving the wrestling match every time I try to loosen or tighten my regular straps I bought a pair.  Easy to install and they work awesome.  Not sure why I didn't figure this out before but I won't own another boat with them.  Thanks to all who helped educate me on this great trailer/boat upgrade.

[tcbass]

On 8/15/2017 at 6:55 AM, JustinCT said:

After reading this thread and reliving the wrestling match every time I try to loosen or tighten my regular straps I bought a pair.  Easy to install and they work awesome.  Not sure why I didn't figure this out before but I won't own another boat with them.  Thanks to all who helped educate me on this great trailer/boat upgrade.

 

Great! Enjoy them!

[Bulletman20XD]

Bass Pro has a set about $20 cheaper than the Boat Buckle brand. I have "Heard" that they will not last as long as the Boat Buckles but do work great as well just not as long. That being said, if your only on the water a few times a year the Bass Pro brand will work, but for $20 more they should last a lifetime if they are taken care of. I personally have had my Boat Buckle brand for many years and they have worked flawlessly.