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Over the Center Buckle strap for the platform

Got my boat buckle in and tried it out today. Couldn't get it right enough. My steps would move some. Any suggestions?

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The same thing happens to me occasionally. I think it has to do with the shape of the tree and the type of bark. Unfortunately, I've not found a magic bullet.
 
Eaton said:
Got my boat buckle in and tried it out today. Couldn't get it right enough. My steps would move some. Any suggestions?

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Click to expand...

It does work best on smooth trees but you can still get it tight on most trees with practice.

Pull your tag end through the buckle so that it is as tight as possible on the tree. Take the buckle and rotate it so that it goes from horizontal to vertical clockwise, and now rotate it all the back to vertical counterclockwise. That should be just enough slack in the webbing so that you can cam the lever around. I am right handed and I find it easiest to get the buckle down tight anywhere from 6 o'clock on the tree over to about 3 o'clock. You are going to have to put a little muscle into it to get the lever cam'ed around.
 
Ok thanks guys. I'll try it out. I was using it on a pecan tree. It has some bigger bark and it's uneven some to so sometimes the step wouldn't sit perfectly flat.

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So would a Rachet strap work better in that case? I haven't tried one reason I'm asking.

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A ratchet strap will work on almost any tree. The only reason guys shy away from using them is because of the fiddle factor and the noise they make. If you're not in a hurry and don't need to be absolutely silent, a ratchet strap will work great. I used them exclusively for several years and still use them when I preset spots.
 
Awesome I'll give it a try also. Thanks

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Seems like a lot of guys like the standard BoatBuckle Kwik Loc bow tie down. I'm thinking I'm going to try the Pro version: http://www.amazon.com/BoatBuckle-Tie-Do ... le+bow+pro

Seems like it's basically the exact same buckle but with a softer, overmolded grip on the metal buckle. Should be nicer when trying to pry it up with numb fingers. I remember working with the transom straps on a boat after walleye fishing in 40 degree weather growing up. Those suckers hurt when your hands were cold and they snapped over. I'm just not sure on the webbing. I mean, Boatbuckle uses nylon. The guys so far in the thread have used nylon. But I'm thinking of trying polyester. According to Strapworks, polyester should perform like nylon except without the water absorption to resist rot and mildew or stretching when wet. And it has better UV protection. I have some on the way for my Muddy Silent strap so maybe I'll wait to see how I like it first.
 
That is not the one I am using but it should work fine, it just looks a little larger.

I don't much about my strap material for my platform. Right now I'm just using the strap from a strap on ameristep because it already has the hook sewn in. If I am using a strap on platform I am bringing it in and out each hunt so if it gets wet I will dry it out. I keep an eye on my gear and if it needs to be replaced I replace it, but in this case its more likely to need to be replaced from wear for me.
 
Well look what came in the mail today! I'm amazed at the size comparison to the muddy silent strap. If the Boatbuckle is easy to operate and works well, I'll probably get another and sell the Muddy buckle.



 
I used mine most of last year and only had one issue. It popped open once while i stood up on it. My error but it still startled me. Think I'm going to find a way to put a pin in it or secure it somehow. On a good note my minimalist saddle did exactly what I demonstrated it would do.... Pushed me into the tree where i was able to get back to my stick and retrieve it. Still not sure on the long term lasting ability but so far so good
 
bowhunter15 said:
Well look what came in the mail today! I'm amazed at the size comparison to the muddy silent strap. If the Boatbuckle is easy to operate and works well, I'll probably get another and sell the Muddy buckle.



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I see you have a replacement camo strap. Are you planning on sewing it to the buckle yourself? Is that something that could be done with a speedy stitcher, or would a sewing machine be required for that task?


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It gets pretty tight alright. I sewed the loop in the buckle using a sewing machine. Not sure what the speedy stitcher is capable of. Even the sewing machine I used had some loose threads in the bottom.

On the other side, I just tied a paracord loop for now. It does have a little stretch, but not a huge amount over such a short distance. Over time if I want to, I can sew another strap loop on the buckle so it looks like the LW straps.




Another thing I love about this strap is the weight. Only 4.5 ounces for the entire thing!!! I definitely like it more than the Muddy strap/buckle. Cost 2x as much too, though.
 
I used the speedy stitcher on my strap and boat buckle. Used it all year with the Ameristeps as a platform. No sign of wear.
Sometimes when camming it over, the straps want to cock in the buckle and you don't feel that good snap shut. I feel like it isn't closed all the way even though it looks good. So I realign it and snap it shut again until it feels right.
 
Just for everyone's awareness - You can save yourself time and trouble and order a camo hook strap from Strap Works -probably not a big deal if using it for a camera arm strap like posted above and on the HB site - but for standing on as a platform I would highly recommend paying the small fee to get the folks over at strap works to sew one up as they do a really good job and their straps and sewn straps are rated.
 
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