Traffic Compliance Officer

[Moonlighter]

We heard about the planned crackdown by Transport on loads not secured properly mid last year. They emailed most med and larger buisnesses to let us know that they would be taking the existing regs seriously and enforcing them hard.

For boaties, that means properlly tied down loads front and rear. Not just winch cables and safety chains at front, the expected turnbuckles or something similar to hold it down. And straps holding the stern down.

I guess the prop thingy is just more of the same compliance. I usually have a flag on the prop but admit I dont use it all the time, will have to check if I can still find it and remember to use it all the time.

No big deal, just have to get into the habit of doing these things as part of the standard routine.

[fisho8]

News to me thanks for posting or asking the question Trev I thought you need tie down straps if you did not have 3 areas of securing the boat to the trailer I have the winch and 2 3/8 saftey chains connected to the trailer with a turn buckle between the 2 connected to the car really cannot see how the boat could fall off really. Might invest in a prop guard though I have the police behind me from time to time and have never had a drama??.

[wayno60]

I dont know the $$ but i was thinking about one of those Hi vis vests, they even comes with the reflector strips.

[captain rednut]

I met one of the new local traffic compliance officer today as they are doing the rounds around boat dealers letting them know of there intention to crack down on boat trailers in this area.
i personally think its been a long time coming and support it if they keep a bit of common sense in there campaign as i get to see some very scary trailers and loads.
cheers cr

[Luc]

Now if we could have an on water blitz for correct lights!!

I usually have an apple green canoe on my ute's racks. Although the rear overhang is well within the limit, I have one of those bunings red flags hanging off the end. It hasn't stopped those walking on automatic (busy texting, talking or looking at the canoe) from walking into it.

[WalrusLike]

I complied because it was law and I didn't want to cop a fine... but I found out its a good thing.

I keep the two back tie downs and the over the side tie down and a bungy I use for the Bimini cover in it. So when I get to the ramp I take it off the prop and put all that in as I remove each item and throw the full bag on the ute front seat. Means I can't ever forget to reassemble it all after retrieving the boat at the ramp.

The bag has saved my noggin from a prop cut when I was bent down looking at the transducer too.... still hurt but didn't cut. Also early on before the bag I've seen pedestrians walk around the stern when parked outside a shop and nearly hit the prop. With the bag on I don't think it would have happened. I don't want any stupid person interfering with the prop shape.....

So all up this is one of those little rules that I am happy to live with... Some niggle me, but not that one.