cable vs strap

[Marty Niner]

Re: cable vs strap

....just to add to that.... I do think that the strap is more likely to be harmed by UV rays....

 

[skargo]

Re: cable vs strap

....just to add to that.... I do think that the strap is more likely to be harmed by UV rays....

Just the outer wrap, if that. You can certainly throw a bag or towel or whatever over your winch to easily prevent any UV damage.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: cable vs strap

....just to add to that.... I do think that the strap is more likely to be harmed by UV rays....

and the cable by oxidation. The boat's hull is harmed by UV rays, as well.

-E

 

[salty87]

Re: cable vs strap

cable

i've had a strap break, not at the stitching and it didn't show any signs of being about to break.

cable 1 less thing that is going to need to be replaced, or at least not as soon. my cable hasn't given me any problems binding or fraying but i am careful with it.

 

[NYBo]

Re: cable vs strap

I replaced mine today. My local WalMart had Attwood winches with straps on sale for $19 so I replaced my 21-year-old winch with cable rather than just buying a strap for $10.

 

[grahamh]

Re: cable vs strap

My trailer came with a rope....

Is that really bad? It would seem like it from the discussion here. I don't ever use the trailer on the street though, only from where it's stored over to the launch ramp (less that 100 yards)

Still, it sounds like I need to upgrade.

 

[Handegard]

Re: cable vs strap

My new Bayliner/Escort has a rope. I can't put my finger on it, but for some reason I really don't like it.

I plan to buy a strap winch for it as soon as I can...

 

[cribber]

Re: cable vs strap

My boat winch/wench has a strap and that's backed up by a chain. Hopefully we're good to go...

 

[walk-on]

Re: cable vs strap

I never had a cable, but I've broken a couple straps. I think I'd probably rather break the strap instead of the cable - at least I can tie the strap.

 

[Floatsum]

Re: cable vs strap

My trailer came with a rope....

Is that really bad? It would seem like it from the discussion here. I don't ever use the trailer on the street though, only from where it's stored over to the launch ramp (less that 100 yards)

Still, it sounds like I need to upgrade.

Had rope on my lil 14' aluminum.
Saw nothing wrong with it at all.
If it was bigger / heavier I'm be concerned.

 

[grahamh]

Re: cable vs strap

Yeah, mine's on a 16 1/2 foot trihull, and it's pretty heavy, so I think I'm going to change it out immediately.

Thanks!

 

[wwcj101]

Re: cable vs strap

i use the strap. i got a nasty metal splinter from a cable it festered for a week before i did the old self operation with the gerber.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: cable vs strap

I'd prefer a strap, but my trailer has an electric winch and I don't think it will accept a strap. Once it dies though, I'll replace with a hand winch and strap.

That said, I have a question I'll ask here rather than start a new topic for a simple question. For the few of you that use cables, do you lube them in any way? Mines getting a bit oxidized. Not damaged in any way or frayed. But it's surface is rough and it sort of grinds on itself as it winds in. I'm thinking some lube may prolong it's life.

 

[rbh]

Re: cable vs strap

trailer has strap, BUT the stiching let go and had to tie a knot in clip.
thinking of going with power braid.
rob

 

[salty87]

Re: cable vs strap

I'd prefer a strap, but my trailer has an electric winch and I don't think it will accept a strap. Once it dies though, I'll replace with a hand winch and strap.

That said, I have a question I'll ask here rather than start a new topic for a simple question. For the few of you that use cables, do you lube them in any way? Mines getting a bit oxidized. Not damaged in any way or frayed. But it's surface is rough and it sort of grinds on itself as it winds in. I'm thinking some lube may prolong it's life.

i don't but the ramps near me allow me to get nearly all the way up the trailer before winching....less cable being let out each time, less winding back up.

i don't mind being careful about frayed ends. they might be there and i know it, easy to stay away. buying a high quality cable helps too.

straps don't last long in the heat here, 4 years tops. maybe less if you keep a load on it all the time.

 

[jonesg]

Re: cable vs strap

Hmmmm, good post, with interesting points for each.

I may re-think my original comment about replacing w/ strap when needed.

Never really had a prob w/ a well maintained cable.
Never like the slinky effect of rope.
Straps twisting, slipping, etc. are good (remembered) points.

But, the roped cable sounds good!

Thanks jonesg. (where did you find that stuff?)

Ace hardware, rig the hook with a pinch clamp.

 

[wingtime]

Re: cable vs strap

I had a strap on my last boat and I loved it at first. However I found it was almost impossible to get all the salt water rinsed out of it. Sure enough the drum on the winch rotted out. Also the UV here in FL ate up the stitching and eventually the strap.

My latest boat has a slightly rusty cable on it. I have the ability at work to make either a replacement cable or webbing strap. I plan on replacing it with another cable since it's WAY cheaper than a new winch.

 

[insanity]

Re: cable vs strap

I use a strap it is what came with the boat, steel cable scares me.

It may be off topic but I have read that there are a few of the posters here saying they have winches on their off road vehicles and all the claims that synthetic winch line when it breaks it fall to the ground. Read on about the account of synthetic winch line breaking on my old wheeling buddy's rig. I would still use synthetic odds are you would get a bruise over a cut or worse.

http://torc4x4.org/index.php?topic=3262.0

 

[Y-Guy]

Re: cable vs strap

Very helpful thread for a newbie... thanks for the education folks!

 

[mphy98]

Re: cable vs strap

Strap here as well. I pulled off the electric winch with the cable. It is sitting in the garage. One less battery I have to carry. I had 3. two for the boat and one for the winch, never wanted to direct wire the winch. The strap is quicker and safer as far as I am concerned.