R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
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R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Hello all, new to this forum.
I recently purchased a 2023 R6 Surf. How is everyone using transom tie downs with the surf gate and trim tabs? With current set up, I am worried there will be too much stress put on the trim tab if go down to the designed trailer hook. The surf gate blocks ability to attach to the outside of the trailer fender.
I've always used transom straps in the past, and would assume they're still necessary. If there's newer information out there I'm all ears. Just surprised with all the thought Cobalt puts into their designs, I see something as simple as this quite a flaw.
I recently purchased a 2023 R6 Surf. How is everyone using transom tie downs with the surf gate and trim tabs? With current set up, I am worried there will be too much stress put on the trim tab if go down to the designed trailer hook. The surf gate blocks ability to attach to the outside of the trailer fender.
I've always used transom straps in the past, and would assume they're still necessary. If there's newer information out there I'm all ears. Just surprised with all the thought Cobalt puts into their designs, I see something as simple as this quite a flaw.
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Yes, terrible set up. I can’t see any way to solve except for disconnecting the trim tab.
What does the dealer recommend?
Thanks
Andy
What does the dealer recommend?
Thanks
Andy
2016 R7 VP 380
2014 220S Merc 5.0L (sold)
Columbus, OH
Chautauqua, NY
2014 220S Merc 5.0L (sold)
Columbus, OH
Chautauqua, NY
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Is there a gap between the boat and the surf gate? Seems like the only way would be to go out there to the outside of the trailer. Not ideal, I know my R7 Surf is tricky, there is a small cutout on the surf tab but unless it's on the trailer perfect it will put pressure on the surf tab.
I would look at other trailer brands too, one of the brands may of figured out a good way, or they have an option for this. Are the trim tabs in the same spot for non-surf boats?
I would look at other trailer brands too, one of the brands may of figured out a good way, or they have an option for this. Are the trim tabs in the same spot for non-surf boats?
- jhnmdahl
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Looks like there was space to move that trim tab a bit to the right - not sure why the guy bolting them on didn't see what we all seem to see...
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2015 210 (Volvo Penta 5.7L V8-225)
2015 210 (Volvo Penta 5.7L V8-225)
Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
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So glad you found us KM...and thanks for posting that pic. You definitely do not want to put stress on that aluminum tab. We shall mull this one over. Hopefully this challenge can be overcome with some member ingenuity.
In the meantime, welcome aboard mate.
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So glad you found us KM...and thanks for posting that pic. You definitely do not want to put stress on that aluminum tab. We shall mull this one over. Hopefully this challenge can be overcome with some member ingenuity.
In the meantime, welcome aboard mate.
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496 MagHO
(sold )
Erie, PA
Currently boatless (for now)
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
It looks like the angle that the hydraulic ram is on, it is already pretty tight at the top end. It might not install correctly if the tab was moved over (towards the centreline). I don't have a surf model but to be honest, when the dealer comes to haul my boat out for the season, I can't recall if he uses the tie downs.
2019 Cobalt R3 - V8/350 - Ebony Hull w/ Knock Out Red Edge Stripe
- jhnmdahl
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Good eye. It gets crowded with the surf gate there too. I wonder about moving the tie down to the right of the trim tab? Not ideal, and there may not be the same reinforcement/backing in the boat to have it there, but that seems easy enough to change in production if Cobalt were so inclined.BobRae99 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:48 pmIt looks like the angle that the hydraulic ram is on, it is already pretty tight at the top end. It might not install correctly if the tab was moved over (towards the centreline). I don't have a surf model but to be honest, when the dealer comes to haul my boat out for the season, I can't recall if he uses the tie downs.
Administrator of the www.cobaltchat.com Cobalt boats community forum
2015 210 (Volvo Penta 5.7L V8-225)
2015 210 (Volvo Penta 5.7L V8-225)
Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Have a welder put an attach point further to the outside on your trailer
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Big Bear Lake, CA
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Northridge, CA
Big Bear Lake, CA
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
this is what you need... we have an R8 surf and did the same.
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- jhnmdahl
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
Good idea. If the attachment on the trailer were on the outside of the red beam we see in the photo it might be close. I don't think I'd feel terrible about trimming back the outside edge of the trim tab just a bit if the tie-down strap still made just a little bit of contact.
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2015 210 (Volvo Penta 5.7L V8-225)
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
I looked at other trailers, they tie down towards the outside, and some have the ratchet attached to the trailer higher up, and some are putting pressure on the tabs unfortunately, see below.
But ya, some geometry and a new attachment point. If the dealer sold you this trailer with the boat, I'd be asking them.
But ya, some geometry and a new attachment point. If the dealer sold you this trailer with the boat, I'd be asking them.
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Re: R6 Surf Transom Tie Downs
By looking at the OP picture posted, I was thinking similar to what dsthomas said. See if you can add an attachment point to the outside of that trailer frame rail first. I would use a boat buckle (like what some of these other pictures have posted, and use the kind that bolt to the trailer, with a hook on the boat's transom end) that could be bolted to the outside of the trailer frame rail. From there if it were my boat, I'd probably trim that outside edge of the trim tab, as close to the transom as possible, if the tie down rubbed that part. That or put some rubber hose around your transom strap where it comes in contact with the trim tab.
Not an ideal situation, to say the least, but looks to be solvable.
Not an ideal situation, to say the least, but looks to be solvable.
Greg,
Nauti Weasel
2014 Cobalt 242 w/380hp Volvo Penta
SOLD: 2007 Rinker Captiva 192 w/200 hp Volvo
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Nauti Weasel
2014 Cobalt 242 w/380hp Volvo Penta
SOLD: 2007 Rinker Captiva 192 w/200 hp Volvo
SOLD: 2005 Beachcomber Islander 26 pontoon w/90 hp Merc.
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