Fellas, what is this skinny black cable coming from trailer and did I connect it in right place?

[NewBoater]

Fellas, what is this skinny black cable coming from trailer and did I connect it in right place?

Thanks!

Also when going in water for dropping off and retrieval should I disconnect the plug for the lights and then plug in once out of water? Wouldn't it still get wet inside regardless?

 

[jawsf16]

It's the emergency brake cable if your trailer jumped the ball. Looks good where you have it. Just needs to be hooked to a post like your chains.

I never unplug lights. Some swear by unplugging but if you do then the brakes will activate in reverse.

 

[NewBoater]

Thanks a bunch for the reply.

Another question. Does this strap go on top of yellow thing or under when connecting to boat?

 

[Andy S]

I always go under the yellow thing (which is called the bow roller). This reminds me of the debate of how to put toilet paper on the holder.

 

[NewBoater]

Lol I'm new to boating and just don't want to mess anything up

 

[bronze_10]

I always go under... I like the strap to pull the boat down in the bow stop and hold it there.

 

[SColby7]

Watch for the emergency brake cable falling off. I noticed shorty after we picked up our boat a few years ago that the hook fell off and had road rash on it from dragging. Simple fix for me was to use a small zip tie once I hook it to the truck.

 

[Bennie]

@NewBoater - I have to agree with everyone else so far.

Hints/cheats/reasons:

• The thin black line (brake line) has a rather large hook on it. I took a set of pliers and squeezed the hook till it was a smaller diameter, making it harder for it to simply fall of my truck.
• I always place the strap below the bow roller. You're aiming to get the bow eye (the silver u-bolt on the front of the boat) just under that roller. If you got it on top then that would make launching your boat very difficult.
• Unplugging your lights were required when incandescent bulbs were used. The hot bulb would become submerged and blow. Also useful to unplug in salt water. The lights being on creates an electric charge which attracts the salt in the water - speeding up corrosion on your trailer. In fresh water with LEDs on your trailer it's your call. Best practice - always disconnect.
  • Just remember to plug them back in before you hit the road.

Just my 0.02

 

[BlackandTan]

I usually run the emergency brake cable through one of the holes on the holes on the post and hook it on the other. Seems to keep it from falling off that way.

 

[NewBoater]

Another question. This may be a personal preference one also. Which side of this transom tie down strap attached to boat and which to trailer? One side is black and kind of a rubbery feel and one is metal. Thanks

 

[jawsf16]

I use the rubbery side on the boat. The give is better for accidental knocks on the boat.

 

[NewBoater]

I use the rubbery side on the boat. The give is better for accidental knocks on the boat.

Makes sense, and that's where my thoughts were as well. Thanks!

 

[Gym]

Lol I'm new to boating and just don't want to mess anything up

Then make sure the toilet paper always goes over the top.

 

[OperationROL]

Another question. This may be a personal preference one also. Which side of this transom tie down strap attached to boat and which to trailer? One side is black and kind of a rubbery feel and one is metal. Thanks

Welcome!

It is designed that the the rubberized side hooks to the boat. However, do yourself a favor and get Boat Buckle G2's. These are attached to the trailer and retractable and very easy to use. Other companies have competing products that are similar as well.

https://www.amazon.com/BoatBuckle-Retractable-Transom-Tie-Down-Pair/dp/B01JIJS1MM

 

[Jebinok]

I always go under the yellow thing (which is called the bow roller). This reminds me of the debate of how to put toilet paper on the holder.

Welcome
and remember the paper goes over the top

 

[haknslash]

toilet paper = always make a waterfall! My wife disagreed but when I tell her to pull the paper from underneath of course only one sheet comes off . Then we try it over the top and she finally realized how much easier it is .

For your boat the bow strap always goes under the roller.

I also would eventually replace those transom straps. They clam shell type clasp is a pain to deal with and they are so cheap (just like the stock plastic bow roller). Either get some ratcheting straps or better yet, some boat buckles. Boat buckles are sort of like seat belts for your trailer. They retract out of the way when you're ready to launch and when you're ready to use them you just pull them from the trailer like a seat belt and give them about 2-3 ratchets and you're done. They are pricey but well worth it in time and hassle!