Boat Strap Math
WARNING: This article contains high school level algebra.
We have a pretty simple philosophy on boat straps and this article will break it down for you into two simple sections.
- The Math – Trailer and Strap Math and Budgeting
- Our Conclusions –
THE MATH – Trailer and Strap Math and Budgeting.
Let’s start by figuring some basic numbers.
- New 8+’s range from $35,000 to $55,000 depending on the manufacturer.
- Lets say the average new 8+ is $45,000.
- New boat straps range from $8 to $15.
How’s your high school algebra? Do the math with me:
We are assuming:
- Most people put 3 straps on an 8+ and 2 straps on a 4+, 2x, and 1x when trailering.
The Math for a 4 rack tall trailer typically means:
- SIX 8+’s
- SIX 4+’s
[[3 straps per 8+] x [six 8+’s]] + [[2 straps per 4+] x [six 4+’s]] = 30 straps
30 new straps x $10 = $300
$300 is 0.66% of $45,000 [remember, this is the cost of a new boat].
5 rack trailer?
5 racks high [typically] equals a maximum of nine 8+’s and six 4+’s or 39 straps.
[[3 straps per 8+] x [nine 8+’s]] + [[2 straps per 4+] x [six 4+’s]] = 39 straps.
39 new straps x $10 = $390
$390 is 0.86% of $45,000
Our Conclusion
You might think we are nuts. We operate a repair shop and rely on broken boats to make our business run, but believe it or not, we STRONGLY recommend budgeting for a trailer full of new straps each year. Yep. ALL NEW. 40 of them.
If you drive a trailer with 15 boats loaded on board, you are likely driving a trailer that is worth at least $250,000. In my mind, spending $390 on new straps each year, should be almost a no brainer. Keep some straps as extras, or back ups, but if there are any straps that look even slightly like this pictures, cut the buckle off [so no one tries to use them] and THROW THEM AWAY.
Its simply not worth the risk of driving a trailer with a broken or cut strap.