Tie Downs serve three important functions:

• They secure your boat to the trailer at the bow and either gunwale or transom.
• They secure your trailer to your towing vehicle by chain or cable hooked into the vehicle from the frame.
• They secure gear inside your boat to prevent shifting while underway.

Winch straps, rope, or cable are not tie-down devices - their sole purpose is to get your boat up on the trailer.

After your boat is resting comfortably on the trailer, make sure it's not only secured at the stern (by gunwale or transom straps), but at the winch. Do not rely on winch gears, always use bow support.

A heavy strap should always be used to anchor the boat's stern to the trailer. If a strap isn't used, the boat will bounce against (or off) the trailer.

The correct gunwale or transom tie down length is related to boat width and transom height. Ratchet or cam style straps secure your boat on the trailer most securely and prevents boat from bouncing and suffering chafe damage.

Tie downs must not cross sharp edges - any force will cut the strap.

Unsecured gear inside the boat can severely damage fiberglass. Sudden shifting of weighty gear could tear up your boat's interior. (Use) internal tie downs to minimize this.