What retractable transom strap do you recommend?

[Bruce]

I have always felt that BoatBuckles were very nice but overpriced. Fortunately their prices have come down as competition has emerged

Fulton is now offering zinc and stainless options. Their stainless option is stronger than the stainless BoatBuckles.

Ericsson has brought out value priced offering at less than $35 with 50% greater capacity that the zinc options from BoatBuckle and Fulton. I frequently use Erickson ratcheting straps to secure loads and my tractor. I would choose the Erickson option if I only boated in fresh water.

Attwood offers an option rated for 2,400 pounds per pair. I feel this is insufficient for our boats.

I am probably going to try a pair of stainless Fultons for the best combination of strength and longetivity. Has anyone tried them? Am I missing a better option?

 

[Glassman]

Jeesh, there you go...reading my mind again Bruce?

I was just thinking about replacing my time tested (read "old") manual straps - the Velcro that wraps around the loose end finally gave up the ghost.

I saw this one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Powersports-2060300-2-Piece-Retractable/dp/B00P3IAYSC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433871795&sr=8-2&keywords=retractable+transom+strap

 

[Bruce]

Jeesh, there you go...reading my mind again Bruce?

I was just thinking about replacing my time tested (read "old") manual straps - the Velcro that wraps around the loose end finally gave up the ghost.

I saw this one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Reese-Powersports-2060300-2-Piece-Retractable/dp/B00P3IAYSC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433871795&sr=8-2&keywords=retractable transom strap

I saw the Reese version when I started shopping but I could not find it or remember the brand name. I believe the version you linked to is made from zinc. They offer a stainless version with the same specs as Fulton as well.

I guess my big question is whether to buy a stronger zinc product or spend twice as much on stainless.

 

[robbo3]

I picked these up at Overtons originally for about $70 for the pair. One broke and I bought a replacement pair at Gander Mountain for $20 this spring. I'm not sure if I got a deal, if they're in the computer wrong or what, but I wasn't about to complain.

 

[Glassman]

I have mixed feelings about going with the less expensive models. While they get fairly good reviews, a few say it loses it retractability after a while. I know my son in law's straps just kind of dangle and don't retract all the way. Not sure what brand he has.

Whichever one I end up with, I'm sure I'll spray some Boeshield all over the mechanism to keep it happy.

 

[BoaterGuy]

The Fulton ones that came with my Shorelandr stopped retracting on one side last year. They are the zinc buckles. No big deal as I just wrap it around the trailer 1.5 times when in the water.

 

[SCSTWG]

I have Boat Buckles. They have worked great and I think they (or something similar to them) or the best mod you can make. The factory straps are a nightmare.

 

[Bruce]

I ordered the stainless Reese model from Amazon Reese Powersports (2060200) 43" 2-Piece Stainless Steel Retractable Transom Tie Down



The Reese, Fulton and lots of non marine straps are based on this patent http://www.google.com/patents/US7503736

I will review them and detail the install once I receive them.

 

[ScarabMike]

These are the ones that come standard on the Scarab trailers. They are awesome, and very high quality.
http://www.starbrite.com/item/heavy-duty-retractable-tie-down?category_id=549

 

[maboat]

I am the poster child for buying the cheaper-but-just-as-good (or so I think) products, only to have them fail and end up buying the original top-name-brand in the end.

Clearly the factory "manual" straps are a pain compared to the ratchets. So when my boat was new I quickly replace the factory straps with Tie-Down brand ratchets. They gotta be just as good at Boat Buckles for half the price, right? Well, OK they were junk after 1 year but the REESE should be just as good for 3/4 the price, right? Nope. They crapped out after 2 years. So I bit the bullet and bought the real BOAT BUCKLE ratchet straps. Been using them for about 7 years now and they have been flawless.

I could tell a similar tale regarding the traction mats (hydro-turf/sea-deck) but thats for another thread...

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Have boat buckles on my Yamaha for almost 10 years....not one problem.

Have StarBrite ratchets on a Mastercraft for 2 years.....both sides have issues with releasing. Not sure what's wrong but they didn't last long before having issues.

 

[veedubtek]

My 242 came with Starbrites, and they constantly come loose and sometimes jam when trying to work them. I don't know if they are original or what, but definitely old. I plan on replacing very soon.

 

[bobbie]

Love my boat buckles but they are the first set of retractable straps i've owned. never have had an issue with them coming loose.

 

[DieselCamel]

I have boat buckles. Have had them for a little over a year no issues.

 

[PEARCE]

I've got the Boat Buckle stainless set that I've had for at least 3yrs if not 4. The original straps were getting hard to operate and I thought it was time to upgrade. I still kept them as backup since they still function. @Bruce I hope you have good luck with your new set.

 

[Glassman]

I am the poster child for buying the cheaper-but-just-as-good (or so I think) products, only to have them fail and end up buying the original top-name-brand in the end.

Clearly the factory "manual" straps are a pain compared to the ratchets. So when my boat was new I quickly replace the factory straps with Tie-Down brand ratchets. They gotta be just as good at Boat Buckles for half the price, right? Well, OK they were junk after 1 year but the REESE should be just as good for 3/4 the price, right? Nope. They crapped out after 2 years. So I bit the bullet and bought the real BOAT BUCKLE ratchet straps. Been using them for about 7 years now and they have been flawless.

I could tell a similar tale regarding the traction mats (hydro-turf/sea-deck) but thats for another thread...

I'm waiting.....

 

[Kevin1741]

Whatever the brand of ratchet strap that comes with the 24 footers gave me problems the first time out. I replaced them with stainless boat buckles. Thay work flawlessly!

 

[farrelltravis]

I really need to get a set of these.

 

[txav8r]

Boat Buckles baby. And I didn't go with the weaker stainless version. But you don't need a big rating, the winch is only 1500 pounds for petes sake! What you need is a quality ratchet strap, not a knock off.

 

[maboat]

I'm waiting.....

The Cliff's Notes version is "skip everything else. buy the Boat Buckles and the SeaDek"