cable vs strap

[oceansbreeze]

Re: cable vs strap

My first 3 boats had cable on them, I had bad splinters, and never heard of a strap... My new boat came with a strap on it, love it! I can keep it straight, it ratchets tight, and I can hold it up while winching without getting cut.

I would definitely prefer strap if I had a choice again.... and always have the bow safety chain on!

 

[redeye1962]

Re: cable vs strap

What happens when the cable breaks? does it snap and fly back poking your eye out?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: cable vs strap

Had a rope, winch stripped out while loading, not fun.
Have a new winch and a strap now. No real reason other than its not a rope.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: cable vs strap

When I bought my boat (used) 12 years ago, it had a rope attached to the winch. I always wondered whether if it was going to break. Couple of years later, my brother bought a boat with a strap. WOW! So I bought a strap, removed my rope, and...no place to attach the strap! Seems you have to have a different kind of spool on the winch. Put my old rope back on. Worried every time I hauled my boat out of the water. (Shoulda just replaced the rope, I guess...)

At WalMart last June, saw a NEW winch with a strap for $20. Bought it, installed it in a half hour, and I felt SO much safer every time I pulled my boat out of the water this summer. Best money I've spent, besides a new Bimini.

Dave

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: cable vs strap

Right now I have a cable but not for long.

 

[TojosMojo]

Re: cable vs strap

Strap is easier to work with when pulling out slack, no tangles lays down neat on the spool and gets tight without digging in like cable can.

 

[refuse2]

Re: cable vs strap

How does one attach the strap to a drum? I ask because my rope broke and need to replace it with something and I'm thinking the strap but not if there is no spot to attach it to.

 

[Stachi]

Re: cable vs strap

Strap for me,... never got a splinter from one........

 

[kartman]

Re: cable vs strap

mine has a 3/4" rope. wheres the option for that?? i will be changing it to a strap this winter tho.

 

[Darren Nemeth]

Re: cable vs strap

My trailer has a strap. The trailer has lots of problem. Among them is the strap is tied on to the hook. Will fix before it snows, however.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: cable vs strap

Trailer came with a strap, so strap it is!

 

[salty87]

Re: cable vs strap

How does one attach the strap to a drum? I ask because my rope broke and need to replace it with something and I'm thinking the strap but not if there is no spot to attach it to.

the drum on the winch should have round openings in the sides. the end of the cable has a round fitting, thicker than the cable (similar to the end of a guitar string if that helps any). stick the round part of the cable thru the hole and start winching, it will stay in place.

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: cable vs strap

has anyone ever had a strap break on them?

 

[109jb]

Re: cable vs strap

has anyone ever had a strap break on them?

Not when replaced when needed. When I had my Starcraft it was stored outside. I replaced the strap about once every 3 years or so.

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: cable vs strap

I feel bad for you guys with the salt water and UV problems... gotta be hard on the strap for sure...

I just replaced my cable with a strap and as I went to collect the cable off the ground, got a nice stab in the finger with a steel strand, even with gloves on!! Glad I made the switch is all I can say.

 

[Big Pete]

Re: cable vs strap

Why not use rope . just good old fashioned rope ,on the winch ?

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: cable vs strap

Very good point Big Pete, that's what the big ships use...

I think the only advantage of a strap over good old fashioned rope is the fact that a strap winds up on the winch better.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: cable vs strap

The clown that had my boat before me had nylon rope & it had several breaks that were retied with knots. This was the first thing I replaced. Only issue I have right now is: I really was not paying att. when buying the new winch strap I got one that is too long. It fits on the winch, but if I need to "winch" the boat up a bit it slips around itself. I undid the strap yesterday (funny seeing this post today), & was just going to cut it down. I forgot that at the end where it attaches to the winch is a bolt loop. So I just need to buy a shorter one today. In responce to the question: Strap all the way.