Tim, I have hauled my M17 around the country also but always preferred the belt and suspenders approach. For the strap I have used any number of Walmart available tiedowns. One each side, I just hook one end into the boat and the other the trailer frame. I make sure to twist the strap as I attach it to the frame. That seems to deaden the tendency for the strap to vibrate against the hull. Happy trails. Tom B