Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by rsxsguyk20 on 05/06/13 - 5:06 PM

I'm looking for a gunnel strap that won't leave a mark. The one I have left a black mark on the top and down the sides of the boat. Any suggestions?

Posted by contender250 on 05/06/13 - 5:28 PM

I think any strap will leave a mark after a while, I wrap mine with a towel, or if you have access to a piece of fire hose, works just as good also...

Posted by Silentpardner on 05/06/13 - 5:37 PM

Get a hay strap from your local hardware store. They work great! I used one for a year and a half with my Outrage 18, it never left a mark. These straps are about 2 1/2 " wide and are made with a ratchet end strap and a matching binder strap. Tractor supply has them if there is a local one, also try feed stores.

Posted by aeriksen on 05/06/13 - 9:32 PM

Need a model and lenght, I went through that with my 1984 18 ft Outrage.

Posted by Weatherly on 05/07/13 - 6:27 AM

I do not use gunnel straps because of the damage they can do to a rubrail. Instead, I only use transom straps.

Posted by CES on 05/07/13 - 8:14 AM

Weatherly wrote:
I do not use gunnel straps because of the damage they can do to a rubrail. Instead, I only use transom straps.

Wise choice.

Posted by rsxsguyk20 on 05/07/13 - 8:25 AM

aeriksen - I have a 1996 Outrage 17

I do not prefer a gunnel strap, but I don't have brackets on the rear of the trailer to attach to.

Posted by tigermc on 05/07/13 - 8:43 AM

The gunnel strap does stain the rubrails. I changed to the transom tie-downs. Bass Pro has the BoatBuckle brand, they are the very best. The cheap ones will not stay tight.

Edited by tigermc on 05/07/13 - 8:43 AM

Posted by blacksmithdog on 05/08/13 - 5:09 AM

rsxsguyk20 wrote:
I'm looking for a gunnel strap that won't leave a mark. The one I have left a black mark on the top and down the sides of the boat. Any suggestions?

I've found the difference to be the cheap ones leave a mark and the more expensive ones don't. The first one on my 13' Whaler was from WalMart, and left black marks. The one I have on the boat right now does not leave marks. If I had to guess, I bought it at West Marine.

Posted by zappaddles on 05/08/13 - 5:40 AM

#10

When road grit gets under any strap it'll scuff the gelcoat and leave a mark. Having brackets welded onto your trailer or installing welded eye-bolts and using with transom straps will put an end to maring your hull.