Is adding a U bolt to stern rub rail section a good idea?

[SoCalAngler]

Hello-
In a previous post I asked how many used stern tie downs and found most of you do. I want to add them to my toon/trailer. I purchased the retractable transom BoatBuckles. They appear to be a good product and work slick!

I need a point of attachment on both the boat and trailer. In order to get a straight run from my retractable BoatBuckle to the boat, I need to add a U bolt. In my previous post, someone added a U bolt added to the rear section aluminum rub rail. This would be a perfect spot, as it is directly below the rear cross member of the trailer (where the BoatBuckle will be attached). It would allow for a completely vertical path of tie down.

1. Question....On my Tracker Fishing Barge, the rear section of rub rail attaches to a piece of angle aluminum which acts as a mounting surface for the rub rail. Neither the rub rail or angle aluminum attaches to any frame cross member. I am not sure how strong this would be for a tie down point. Is this section adequately strong enough for a tie down point? Thoughts?

NOTE: I have attached a pic showing the new path I am considering. The red line was old path and the white line is NEW path.

Thanks!

2. Trailer attachment....I can either drill 7/16" holes (2 holes for two tie downs) in rear cross member of trailer and attach BoatBuckle to cross member OR fabricate a flat bracket (1" wide x 7"-8" long X 3/16" thick) that is attached with a 3" square U bolt to cross member. I would drill a 7/16" hole at top of the flat bracket and attach BoatBuckle here. Why the bracket? To avoid a hole in trailer cross member which could weaken that section of cross member? I'd love to just drill a hole in cross member but I am concerned with that large of a hole in a 3" cross member that is not that thick to begin with (Trailstar Trailer). Thoughts?

Thoughts?

[Ray Jr.]

I think I would add a U-bolt to each side of the transom, and strap down from the u bolt to the attachment point already on the trailer

[SoCalAngler]

I think I would add a U-bolt to each side of the transom, and strap down from the u bolt to the attachment point already on the trailer

I tried that but the BoatBuckle will not fit on the existing tab/attachment point on trailer. It would reguire adding and bolting a strap bracket and attaching BoatBuckle to bracket; an extension of of a few inches, if you will. Not sure if that is a better route than my current plan of directly below the U bolts.

Still not sure of U bolt location.

[lakerunner]

My rubrail attaches to frame on my Tracker. I am adding boat buckle yo my trailer in front to hook to pontoon nose eye's

[SoCalAngler]

My rubrail attaches to frame on my Tracker. I am adding boat buckle yo my trailer in front to hook to pontoon nose eye's

I checked mine and at first thought it connected to frame, but upon closer inspection, it is a C channel piece of aluminum that runs across stern and rub rail attached to this flat part of C channel. The C channel only is attached to rub rail, not to frame/cross members.

I wonder if my first idea is better.....use an eye bolt in place of the last engine pod bolt....(engine pod is through bolted to cross members)....i was thinking of replacing the last bolt (closest to stern) with an eye bolt and using this as my stern tie down connection point.

See bolt at top of red line (attached pic)

Thanks for all input

[lakerunner]

Ok here is how mine bolts up this pic is behind the rub rail. The rub rail attaches to frame

[SoCalAngler]

Lloyd...Thanks for the detailed pic. Yours is a little different than mine. My C channel is butted up against a cross member, but is not welded to it. I'm a little concerned about the strength of rub rail as an attachment point for a tie down. I may have to consider using an eye bolt to replace the rear most engine pod bolt (one on each side).

[lakerunner]

Here is how we did the front tiedowns. Used the same U boweye bolts and drilled through trailer.

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks Lloyd....that eye bolt looks like a great idea. I've decided to add the eye bolt to my rub rail just as yours. I believe it should be plenty strong. I'm also going to add the Boat Buckles in the corners of the trailer (near tail lights) off the factory tabs. Should make tying off the stern a breeze!

[lakerunner]

Thanks Lloyd....that eye bolt looks like a great idea. I've decided to add the eye bolt to my rub rail just as yours. I believe it should be plenty strong. I'm also going to add the Boat Buckles in the corners of the trailer (near tail lights) off the factory tabs. Should make tying off the stern a breeze!

Those Boat Buckles are pricy little buggers. Our local marine dealer wanted $108.00 for a set. I just got the same ones we us in the back. $59.00 for them and Ubolts

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks Lloyd....that eye bolt looks like a great idea. I've decided to add the eye bolt to my rub rail just as yours. I believe it should be plenty strong. I'm also going to add the Boat Buckles in the corners of the trailer (near tail lights) off the factory tabs. Should make tying off the stern a breeze!

Those Boat Buckles are pricy little buggers. Our local marine dealer wanted $108.00 for a set. I just got the same ones we us in the back. $59.00 for them and Ubolts

True, they are a little pricey...I paid $79.00 for the non stainless set. Figure they will help with not having to hassle locating tie downs each and every launch/retrieve. They are more about convenience than anything else.