Does anyone use safety cables at the stern?

[Bruce]

I know we all have and use a safety cable at the bow. But what about safety cables at the stern? They might reduce the likelihood of the boat ending up on top of the tow vehicle?

 

[justason]

I know we all have and use a safety cable at the bow. But what about safety cables at the stern? They might reduce the likelihood of the boat ending up on top of the tow vehicle?

In addition to stern straps?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I think the stern tie downs won't allow any movement especially if the bow cable is attached.

 

[Bruce]

In addition to stern straps?

Yes, in addition to the straps. The straps may be strong enough that they would pull the tie down points out of the fiberglass before breaking making safety cables useless.

I always worry about the what ifs when towing with the kids in the back seat. When I was in high school I drove past an accident where a bass boat had come off of a trailer and went through the rear and front glass of the towing trucks cab. I understand that the driver was decapitated.

 

[Speedling]

@Bruce I think that would have to be a freak accident, with either bad straps somewhere, or bad tiedowns, etc. Seems like I can bounce my boat around pretty dang good and the most it will do is snug up against my not-so-fixed bow stop. Since I know it does this, before a longer trip, I do go over a set of railroad tracks once and then get out and recheck all straps. If it gets momentum, that's where you can start to have issues.
If it's that much a worry, I would throw a strap right over the top of the boat with a regular tie down strap all the way back down to the frame.

 

[justason]

Yes, in addition to the straps. The straps may be strong enough that they would pull the tie down points out of the fiberglass before breaking making safety cables useless.

I always worry about the what ifs when towing with the kids in the back seat. When I was in high school I drove past an accident where a bass boat had come off of a trailer and went through the rear and front glass of the towing trucks cab. I understand that the driver was decapitated.

Sounds like a skinny ass fishing boat or john boat. I do t fret much about odd happenstance. I use the stern straps/boatbuckles. I do feel the safety strap on the bow has too much slack but havent done anything about it. Our drive to to launch is near zero threat. Rte 95 last june had some concerns but didnt actnon them

 

[txav8r]

I agree, you can't protect against everything, especially a freak accident. I am sure your extra careful when towing anyway. I am very cautious and I don't use extra straps on the stern, just the boat buckles. I used to carry the old transom straps as extras, but gave that up when I got the 240.