Watercraft
Accessory Review |
Easier hookups with the DuraSafe Coupler Connect
(continued)

Operation
cont'd: With the “Plus” version
once the V-bracket is removed a quick insertion of a protective steel "hold down"
provides extra security for the trailer. It is important to note that this
design is primarily implemented to prevent unexpected and dangerous separation
of the trailer and tow vehicle, the theft deterrent aspect is a secondary and
added benefit.

...or use a lock for more security
A perpendicular rod keeps the hold down
in place and an included pin can be inserted to prevent the rod and plate from
moving or a lock can be used for additional security. I view this implementation
more of a theft deterrent than anything else because it is still possible to
steal the boat and trailer without undoing the lock. All a thief needs to do is
unscrew the bolt on the bottom and lift out the entire assembly then position it
back over an empty hitch. Sound crazy? It actually happened to me on the Delta
about six years ago. For that reason I welcome any theft deterrent and have even
gone so far as to weld the bolt on subsequent hitches since that incident.

Locked up and ready to go
Price and Applications:
Overall my initial positive thoughts of the Coupler Connect were realized after
this abbreviated test. While I need to wait a year to see just how well the
accessory holds up to continued use and corrosion my experience with the
installation and performance has been very good. Like the company’s code-able
locks the Coupler Connect is a well thought out product that is designed to make
things easier for anglers.

When not in use the trailer coupler can be used
as a chock
The Coupler Connect and
Plus model can both be found online now, and the standard version retails for a
very reasonable $41.99 while the plus version costs only 10 dollars more. For
that extra 10 dollars I think the Plus version is definitely worth it, and even
if it isn’t 100% foolproof the extra level of deterrent is probably enough to
make would be thieves pass on your rig for an easier target. In terms of short
term durability the metal never bent on any of the pieces and the zinc plated
steel should hold up well to the elements. The metal is so strong that when the
V-Plate is not in use it can even double as a handy wheel chock.

Faster hookups mean getting on the water faster
and when your trailer is left alone at he launch it is better protected with the
"Plus Protect" version
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
DuraSafe
Coupler
Connect
Ratings
(?/10)
|
Construction/Quality |
The
Coupler
Connect
is built
with
steel
and made
very
sturdy
to
handle
direct
impacts
with
your
trailer
tongue
(at low
speed of
course) |
8 |
Performance |
The
Couple
Connect
performed
exactly
as it is
intended.
It is a
simple
yet
ingenious
idea
that
just
plain
works.
The Plus
Protect
version
does
make it
harder
to steal
trailers/boats
but
isn't
foolproof |
8.5 |
Price |
This
product
is
priced
extremely
reasonably
and for
the
extra 10
dollars
over the
standard
version
the
"plus
protect"
version
is
definitely
worth it |
9 |
Features |
While
both
versions
are
great
for
hitching
the Plus
version
has the
added
benefit
of
increasing
trailer
security |
8 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Easy to
install
and just
as easy
to use.
The
V-Bracket
is heavy
so be
careful
no to
drop it
on your
foot but
on the
plus
side it
is
durable
enough
to
double
as a
wheel
chock |
8 |
Application |
Especially
good for
anglers
that fly
solo
often
and need
to
constantly
hitch
their
rigs.
Not an
absolutely
necessary
product
for
boaters
but one
that
does
make it
easier
to hook
up and
get
going,
teh
added
benefit
of
providing
extra
security
to
prevent
trailer
separation
is a
major
plus |
8 |
Total
Score
|
8.25 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus
|
+ Makes
it
easier
to hitch
the boat
when
solo |
- Still
possible
to steal
trailers
even
with the
Plus
Protect
but it
does act
as a
deterrent |
+
Designed
to provides
extra
protection
from
unexpected
trailer
separation |
|
+
Protects
your
bumper
from
accidental
dings |
|
+ Easy
to
install |
|
+ Very
reasonable
price |
|