TOPIC: Tying down boat to trailer question

I have a 14' Whitehouse, runabout on a galvanized trailer.
I am getting ready to paint the boat, and want to stop using a strap, to hold the rear of the boat down to the trailer. Don't want to wear the paint of the fins!

The trailer frame doesn't stick out past the boat, to allow tie downs from the transom.
The 2 pivoting bunks, stop 1 foot, from the transom.

How are small boats usually tied down?

A friend said to use transom straps down and under the boat, attached to the end of the bunks. But this will allow the boat to rise off the trailer, going over a big bump.

So, how do you other folks secure your boats?

Thanks

It sounds like not enough trailer under the boat. In most situations the bunks supporting the boat should go far enough back (Or the boat moved forward) so that the transom sits on the rear edge of thebunks.

The Transom is the strongest part of the boat, holds the weight of the motor and thus needs to be supported. Damage to the hull is more likely if the transom is not properly supported.

Roller trailers and special circumstances may require other measures but for bunk type trailers this is the accepted rule.

Agreed. Get longer bunks under that boat. They should extend beyond the edge of the transom. You need to support the end of the boat and the weight of the motor.

Andreas

I may even go as far as to say to think about a longer trailer. Get some support under the transom. Even the bounce will be the worst in the back. Do you use a chain from the frame to the Bow eye? Something other than your winch rope/strap? Mine broke going up a launch a few years back and I could have dumped the whole boat.