Safety Chain/Cord

So i noticed my new to me Axis did not come with a safety chain/cord. Any recommendations on what is strong enough/wont be the snot out of my trailer like a normal chain would?

This looks like a pretty good option http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...e-Down&i=73278

Over time I think that weather would be tough on the ratchet mechanism. If you launch in salt for get it.

They get used extensively as transom tie-downs (so are dunked repeatedly), so can't imagine they have that many problems with the mechanisms. Spray some lube in there every now and then, and they're probably fine.

Either get a plastic coated chain, or do what I have done for our last 2 boats, feed the chain through a section of tubing.

Originally Posted by TomH

They get used extensively as transom tie-downs (so are dunked repeatedly), so can't imagine they have that many problems with the mechanisms. Spray some lube in there every now and then, and they're probably fine.

This. Zero issues with my fixed transom tie downs.

I installed a safety cable years ago. I got the cable from my local trailer shop and the hardware from R&E Fastner. About $25 out the door.

Sorry about crappy pics. That phone sucked.

Pic two

That outside the box thinking is what I was looking for! I knew there had to be a better way than the old standard chain that beats up the trailer.

Not to thread jack but our boatmate trailer came with a safety strap hook. Last weekend I was in the boat organizing some things and what not and my buddy goes to back the trailer in the water. Forgets to undo the safety strap. Slowly backs me down the ramp, I begin to float and boom that hook snapped on that strap with next to no force applied. Didn't even have time to start up the boat before it snapped. Thing was so damn weak it snapped off without me even feeling a thing, only reason I knew it happened was the sound.

Needless to say make sure you get something strong. And to those of you with the boatmate safety strap, don't bank on it holding anything more than an inflatable dingy to your trailer

This is what I bought:
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/18-lo...ap-hook-latch/

That and a bolt/nut from HD and your set

^^^Thats the same one I installed.

Originally Posted by viking

This is what I bought:
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/18-lo...ap-hook-latch/

That and a bolt/nut from HD and your set

This is the one i had been eyeing but didnt know if it was beefy enough or not.

Those are plenty beefy enough (braided steel cable is crazy strong). The important part is to make sure you use large enough washers on the attachment where there is no way the loop can come off the bolt point.

^^^Exactly right on the washer. This is also another reason I installed another bolt through the winch stand. It should direct the force laterally against the anchoring bolt instead of vertically against the washer and also give the cable something to wrap around to soak up some of the initial "hit". Of course that's just my theory. Fortunately I've never tested it.

I wouldn't go through all that in the name of safety and use just any old Home Depot bolt. I'd look toward a grade 8 or 5 at minimum. If the cable failed In the event needed it you could live with that because you can only go so far there, but if the bolt failed it would've been pretty easy to go beyond standard with it.

^^^Also correct. I used all grade 8 stainless. You need to go to a quatlity nut and bolt shop. I use R&E Fastner.