Steadymate Offer Safety Tips For Transporting Boats Back To The Lake.

For Immediate Release

January 29, 2007

Toronto, ON…Spring is just around the corner, which means cottage owners are about to start the annual process of opening their cabins, lowering their docks and filing their waterfronts with boats and toys.  Since many owners store their boats in the city or at marinas, spring is bound to bring many trailers on the road towing watercrafts back to the lake. Improper trailer securement is a known cause of many avoidable accidents.  The experts at Steadymate – manufactures of premium tie-downs and accessories for all powersport equipment – offer their advice on how to safely secure a trailer to protect the roads and the boats during the journey back to the lakefront.

Here are just a few of the tips Steadymate has to offer:

•    Number of straps: If securing a boat less than 16 ft long, a minimum of three tie-down points are required – one at the front and two at the back.  This is in addition to any chains or winches on a trailer. If hauling a boat over 20 ft, there must be a securement point every 10 ft.  This method may mean your straps exceed the weight requirements for your load; however, this will secure your boat and protect the body from bouncing, destroying the gel coating.

•    Tightness:  One common mistake owners make is tying-down straps too tightly. This can damage the boat’s exterior and allow tiny cracks to develop.  Tie-downs are made to hold the boat in place – preventing swaying and bouncing.  Straps are not meant to weight the boat down, gravity will do that. Steadymate suggests tightening a strap until you can hear a “twag” when plucked.

•    Flat vs. “V” Shaped Haul:  For optimal securement, tie down the back of a flat haul boat by positioning the straps vertically on either side of the engine.  For a “V” shaped haul, cross the straps diagonally under the engine.  Look for straps like Steadymate’s Transom Trappers that include snap hooks to meet the new government regulations and webbing to protect the gel coat from the metal clamps.

•    Carrying Cargo:  Many cottagers will use the bed of the boat as extra carrying space, but beware.  Extra weight may increase the load over the maximum amount your tie-down straps can hold putting your boat and other drivers at risk. Baggage can also fly onto the road creating another hazard if not properly secured. Make sure you buy tie-down straps with ample weight capacities and netting to safely cover the extra load you are trailing like a Steadymate Bungee Net.

•    Check points:  Even owners who secure their boats to perfection can occasionally have their load loosen.  Steadymate recommends stopping every two hours to adjust your securement points.