4 Steps to Tie Down a Boat to a Trailer Using Boat Tie Down Straps

This quick guide will teach you how to secure your boat to a trailer using retractable boat tie down straps.

You’ve probably used ratchet straps to tie down a boat, and you might even have a few at home. But there’s a more convenient option you should know about: retractable ratchet straps. Unlike regular ones, these straps eliminate the need to thread the strap or tie off the end. Just two clips and a couple ratchets, then you’re good to go! They save you time when securing your boat and increase safety by preventing loose ends from flapping around while you drive.

Let’s dive into how to use them to secure your boat to a trailer! Here’s a step-by-step guide.

How to tie down your boat to a trailer

Step 1: Choose the right boat tie down straps

The first step in securing your boat is picking the right retractable ratchet straps. Make sure to choose straps that can handle your boat’s weight and size. Look for ones with a high weight capacity and made from stainless steel to withstand saltwater.

Step 2: Clip the straps

After you find your anchor points, clip the hooks on the boat and the trailer.

Step 3: Tighten the straps

Crank the ratchet handle until it feels tight enough.

Step 4: Release the straps

Unclip the hooks, pull the release button and the ratchet handle all the way up, and the strap will automatically retract!

How to tie down your boat using bolt-on retractable ratchet straps?

Materials needed

• Two bolt-on retractable ratchet straps
• 4 Bolt Sets & 2 Mounting Brackets (Install if needed)
• A wrench

Step 1. Measure where to put the bolt on

(Skip to Step 3 if you’ve already mounted a bracket or have a mounting hole on your trailer) Hold the retractable ratchet strap against the trailer and mark where to put the bolt. We recommend clipping the hook onto the boat first, then position the strap on the trailer to get the angle lined up and make sure the strap is nice and straight. Don’t worry about the hook leaving marks on your boat – it’s rubber-coated for protection.

(“You NEED These Boat Trailer Straps | Strapinno.” Youtube, uploaded by Goober Time Guide Service, 1 June 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44I4_kYIsAg&t=301s)

Step 2. Drill out a hole for the bolt

Prepare a 3/4 inch drill bit for the bolt.

Step 3. Tighten the nut and bolt

Slide the bolt into the retractable strap and secure it with the nut and washer. Make sure the strap can pull out straight before you tighten the retractable ratchet strap all the way down. If needed, grab a bracket to help!

Step 4. Pull the strap up

Lower the ratchet handle all the way down, push the release/white button, and pull the strap up and clip it onto your boat if you haven’t done that in Step 1.

Step 5. Tighten the strap

Crank the handle to tighten the strap until it feels tight enough like guitar string tight.

Step 6. Release the strap

When you get to the ramp, put the handle down to unlock position, unhook the strap, push the white button (sometimes it’s blue or gray button depending on the straps you get) to release the tension, and the strap will automatically retract!

(You can use this bolt-on retractable ratchet strap to tie down your jet ski on a trailer too. Interested in how to? Read more here: 5 Steps to Tie Down a Jet Ski on a Trailer)

Why retractable ratchet straps?

Retractable ratchet straps are part of the tie down strap family, but here are some cool parts that you should know about:

• They automatically retract
• No more dealing with loose ends or tangled straps
• Takes about 1-2 mins from setup to store

They’re a bit heavier than other straps, but trust me, they make storage easier and the process smoother. A set of retractable tie down straps costs around 50-70 bucks, and it’s totally worth it. If you’re thinking of upgrading from your old straps, I’d suggest giving the retractable ones a try. But if you’re on a budget, regular ratchet straps can still do the job just fine.

Final thoughts

Tying down your boat to a trailer is safer and easier with retractable ratchet straps! Grab yourself a pair of Strapinno’s retractable ratchet straps and enjoy a worry-free trip to the water.