BoatBuckle Gunwale Tie-Downs: Lengths, Buckles & Load Ratings

A gunwale tie-down runs across a boat's side-to-side upper edge to help secure it to a trailer. BoatBuckle offers hand-adjusted Kwik-Lok straps and ratchet straps in different lengths. To choose the right version, compare the route across your hull, the buckle style, the web width and the exact safe working load (SWL).

Three BoatBuckle gunwale strap families

Regular Kwik-LokF13114, F13115 and F13116 use 2-inch webbing in 13-, 16- and 20-foot lengths. Each has a 400 lb SWL.
Stainless Kwik-LokF12069–F12072 use 2-inch webbing in 10-, 13-, 16- and 20-foot lengths. Each has a separate 333 lb SWL.
Stainless ratchetF12597 and F12598 are 1-inch ratchet tie-downs in 12- and 18-foot lengths. Both carry a 333 lb SWL.

BoatBuckle gunwale strap length and working-load chart

The manufacturer's specifications distinguish regular Kwik-Lok, stainless Kwik-Lok and stainless ratchet tie-downs. The 10-foot regular Kwik-Lok F13113 is not included here because there is no matching product listing in this catalog.

MPN Buckle Web width × length SWL each Break strength
F13114 Kwik-Lok 2 in × 13 ft 400 lb 1,200 lb
F13115 Kwik-Lok 2 in × 16 ft 400 lb 1,200 lb
F13116 Kwik-Lok 2 in × 20 ft 400 lb 1,200 lb
F12069 Stainless Kwik-Lok 2 in × 10 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
F12070 Stainless Kwik-Lok 2 in × 13 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
F12071 Stainless Kwik-Lok 2 in × 16 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
F12072 Stainless Kwik-Lok 2 in × 20 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
F12597 Stainless ratchet 1 in × 12 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
F12598 Stainless ratchet 1 in × 18 ft 333 lb 1,000 lb
Understand the load rating: SWL is the manufacturer's safe working load for each individual strap; breaking strength is not the usable working-load limit. The complete boat-and-trailer securement must also meet the applicable manufacturer instructions and anchor-point ratings.

Measure and select the gunwale strap

  1. Measure the entire route. Follow the intended path between the trailer anchor points, over the boat, allowing for tightening and safe release. Nominal strap length alone does not confirm proper fit.
  2. Check the buckle mechanism. The F13114 and F12069 groups use the manufacturer's Kwik-Lok style. The F12597/F12598 models use a ratcheting buckle.
  3. Compare web width. The Kwik-Lok models shown are 2 inches wide; the stainless ratchet models are 1 inch wide.
  4. Use the stated SWL. Do not substitute a 333 lb model for a 400 lb model based only on a matching length.
  5. Inspect hull contact and anchors. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for suitable contact protection, hardware and securing the entire boat to the trailer.

Shop the exact gunwale tie-downs

These products are linked by their exact manufacturer numbers in the NewRVParts catalog. Orders ship from supplier warehouses; viewing and pickup at the warehouse are not offered.

Also securing the boat's transom?

Gunwale straps and transom tie-downs serve different positions on the boat trailer. See our BoatBuckle transom strap selection guide for those separate products.

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