cable or strap?

[ghamby]

Re: cable or strap?

I work in the theatre industry and have seen nylon slings lift very heavy loads. My curiosity is more about the longevity of straps vs. cable when exposed to saltwater use. Ideally I would not be putting the strap or cable in the water, but things happen and it would be nice to know.

So do I. For overhead rigging steel is required due to fire safety issues. If we put something overhead on polyester slings we have to back it up with steel
fire safety's
For a trailer winch I vote strap all the way. No tangles and no meat hooks.

 

[dingbat]

Re: cable or strap?

In response to Alpheus post.
There ya go. The poll results sez it all. I'm in the majority too.....

The problem with the poll is it bears no correlation to the size of the boat. Just becouse the average board memeber has 30 hp motor doesn't mean that a 30 hp motor works well for a 28' boat.

#4200 Electic winch + Stainless cable = no problems after 8 years.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: cable or strap?

I primarily use cable on a power winch; I didn't know you could put a strap on them. Also, am I correct that using a strap cuts down on available length? I need to reach to the far end of the trailer, since I don't dunk it.
However, on a larger trailer/boat that I have to dunk, I need to replace my winch, so if i don't go with a power winch, I think I'll go with a strap.
Around salt water, even if you don't put your cable in the water, the salt air eventually gets to it.
As far as straps or cables breaking, the good thing about a power winch is that you can stand clear of the most dangerous zone. However, you will tend to put more strain on the power winch than a hand crank. Just something to add to the pro/con list.

 

[skargo]

Re: cable or strap?

The smart and safe choice is to use a strap.

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: cable or strap?

Strap. I had another boat with a similar winch and a rope which held for 20+ years but in restrospect that was pure luck. Don't use that boat anymore and it sits in a barn as an oversized engine stand for the Merc on the back, but I like my new trailer with the strap.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: cable or strap?

Many years ago a friend and I were loading a wood boat and the cable failed at the hook. I was on the wench when it broke. Cable came back, struck me in the face and ruptured blood vessels in my eye. Spent 2 nights in the hospital.