How Much Clearance is Needed to Tighten the BoatBuckle Kwik-Lok Bow Tie-Down Strap?
Published 05/11/2026
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Question:
My question is about the bow strap, not the transom tie down. Regarding the 1inch wide strap, there is a concern there is not enough distance between the bow eye and the trailer frame to properly tighten the strap. My boat is a 2016 Tracker 195TXW.
asked by: Billy H
Expert Reply:
Welcome back Billy. Not sure how much clearance you have on your 2016 Tracker 195TXW but the BoatBuckle Kwik-Lok Bow Tie-Down Strap with Loop End item # IMF12811 requires 2"-3" around the quick-locking buckle to tighten it down.
How much clearance do you have?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
BoatBuckle Kwik-Lok Bow Tie-Down Strap with Loop End - 1" x 3' - 400 lbs
- Boat Tie Downs
- S-Hooks and Loops
- 4 Straps
- Manual
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Bow Strap
- 0 - 1 Inch Wide
- 351 - 500 lbs
- BoatBuckle
more information >
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Billy H.
5/11/2026
My clearance around the buckle is fine. What I'm talking about is the distance between the eye bolt and the horizontal frame member. If the buckle is too far down (top strap section too long) the buckle will hit the horizontal frame and not allow the bottom strap to wrap around the frame and tighten properly. I guess I need to know the distance from the top of the hook to the bottom of the buckle. For example, in your picture it shows there might be a foot of strap below the buckle which is great. With my boat the buckle might actually hit the horizontal frame or even protrude below part of the frame with no free space to wrap the strap around the frame member.