It occurred to me from the tie down thread posted earlier that this thread might be a great idea. If we help each other avoid one accident or one injury this year, it will be worth it. So, post up your best safety advice. We have hundreds of years of boating experience between us. Let's share our knowledge and experience for the common good.

Here's my contribution:

Your winch strap on your trailer is not a tie down; it's just a winch strap. It pulls the boat forward but does not tie it down to the trailer. Use a proper tie down to secure the boat to the trailer at the bow eye and at both points on the transom.

(Let's try not to fill this thread up with posts containing comments only. You can add comments to your post as long as it also contains a point about safety. Thanks!)