Put on the new Rod Saver tie downs - fixed a problem

[Texas Transplant]

When I had my Targa in for the spring fix up, I picked up several accessories for the boat. One, was a new set of the 'Rod Saver' transom tie-downs. The bolt on ones, that allow you to hook up and ratchet down the straps.



However, when trying to install them, I ran into a problem. The nice little 45 degree angle brackets (next to the tail lights), that are put there for the tie downs to hook to (std. or the new ones), cause a problem. If you put the rod savers on as you would normally, the ratchet handle bumps right into the tail light bracket. After thinking about it for awhile, I just mounted them on the backside.



It makes it a little more difficult to disengage and to ratchet down, but not too bad. If you happen to run into a similar problem, try them 'backwards'.



Tex

 

[gone bye bye]

How do you like the Rod Saver version? I want to get some of those....



Mini

 

[Texas Transplant]

Mini,



They work pretty well, but it has taken a couple of times working them to figure out how to 'release' them. Once I did that, they seem to work fine. The key is that it is really a two step release, not one step.



The ratchet mechanism has a short stroke on them, so you don't need to overly exert yourself. They tighten down fine, and seem to do the job. They certainly will not rub/interfere with the transom on your boat. That was one thing I did not like about my particular rig.



Only takes about 5 minutes to install (if you have a pre-existing hole on your trailer); a little longer if you must put a hole in first.



Overall, I rate them a good purchase. One thing I would make sure of, is that they don't interfere with the bottom of the boat upon loading/unloading. On mine, not even a problem, but something that I would double check.



Tex

 

[TrepMan]

Mini - I've had the "Boat Buckle" brand for 2 years and LOVE IT!! Took me about 5 minutes to install both of them and it makes it SOO much easier and quicker to load/unload!

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Hey Trep...

How do they hold up to getting dumped in the drink all the time?

I would think that all kinds of 'funk' would start growing inside that rolled-up strap...???



az

 

[TrepMan]

Andy - Not a drop of funk in 2 years. I don't even rinse them down at all. The casing seems to do a very good job in keeping them clean. I will say the only water they've been in is fresh lake/river water. No salt, brackish or heavily slimed water yet.