Boat Trailer Question

Sam

Sam

Active member
The nylon rope on the hand winch on my boat trailer needs to be replaced. I have a nylon strap from a tie down kit but it wont fit.
Is there any reason not to use steel cable?
 
Steel cable is fine. That's what's used for bigger boats, I don't see why it would be a problem on a duck boat. Sometimes it's a little more difficult to unwind, but I found if you keep it covered with white lithium spray grease it works easier. And won't rust when in the salt marshes either. If you have a cable use it, but if you we're planning on a purchase, buy a new nylon strap.
 
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Cable gets all caught up. That makes it hard to pull the cable down to the boat. after a while it starts to fray and cuts your hands. Scratches the galvanize off the trailer causing rust. I have cable on my big boat and it is a pain. You should try to go synthetic if you can.
 
Sam,

For around 30 dollars you should be able to buy a brand new winch complete with a nylon strap. You will be happier in the long run using a nylon strap for a small boat.
 
If the winch is in good shape, Amazon lists a couple straps from $11 to $20 & Cabela's lists one for $14. I believe I've seen one at Wally World. Straps work well, are easy on the hands and are simple to replace.

Scott
 
I have a strap but it is very long and the winch won't fit it and doesn't come apart to allow installation of a strap.
I may look at the new winch route.
New rope will do in the mean time if it has to. I rarely unwind more than two or three feet off it.
 
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All I ever use is rope, usually 3/8ths nylon or whatever dock lines I "find" in the marina after the boats come out.
Yes,.. that's where your lines went, lol.
 
Wire is stiff, rusts and frays, can be tough on the hands.
I would go with either a good braided rope or a pre-made winch strap.
 
I am a huge fan of nylon straps for the winch. Doesn't rust, lays nice and flat on the winch. The winch is just one more thing that can piss you off at O dark thirty if it screws up, get it set up so it works in the dark. I really hate sticking a cable sliver under a fingernail on my way out to a hunt. Good Luck.
 
I never use my winch during launch. I unhook from the boweye, have a buddy hold the bowline and back her down and spike the brakes.
I sewed a new eye in the nylon strap tonight after cutting ten feet off of it.
 
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