Need help replacing winch strap

[strokeoluck]

I would like to replace the winch strap on our trailer as the end (closest to the boat) is starting to gently come apart at the stitching. A few questions:

- is it easy to replace this strap?
- can I do this w/the boat in my garage on the trailer?
- how do I order the correct replacement strap? Do I need to marry it to the trailer mfgr/specs?...or just look at the one I'm removing and order one that looks just like it?
- I'm assuming they sell these things on iboats?
- any other tips you can offer?

Thanks.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

It's easy to replace the strap, just unhook it from the bow eye and unwind it, do the reverse for putting the new one on, width of the strap is a standard replacement.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

If you don't want to wait for the mail or UPS, any department, home improvement, or farm store that sells boating supplies has them. They are standardized so there are no choices (except maybe gray or black).

 

[ziggy]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

my winch strap got so bad it let me down at the ramp one day. had to tie it in a knot on the bow eye to retrieve my boat. don't let it get that bad..
after that, i found my strap was pretty darn long. longer than i needed. so i cut off the bad part and took it to my local tent and awning shop who sewed my hook back on to my strap. been like that for quite a while now and works just fine... just food for thought if your strap is longer than ya need...

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

That's good advise, you could also add some filler material to make up for lost space, I only use about 3' of my strap, I don't even know how long it is.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Hmmm, that's a good point guys. I never thought about taking it to a tent & awning shop. I'm sure I have plenty of strap with which to do it. Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Repairing the strap will likely cost you more than a new one.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Repairing the strap will likely cost you more than a new one.

it's about some small change for sure, but me personally. when my strap broke, i don't remember even researching a new one. my tent and awning store is within a mile i reckon (which is only good fortune for me of course). they were able to fix me right up. in a day or so. 5,10,15 dollars, i don't remember, but it wasn't to much. took them the cut off strap and the hook. my guess would be that something like a winch strap today would be made in china. phooy on that. i supported my local economy. my strap works, and i got it done asap so i could be ontoit in short order. no issues the next weekend... just my take...

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

My trailer is from the 80's. When I got it there was a frayed metal cable that kept cutting my delicate fingers! I got the shortest strap & hook at the marine store for about $20. It's still longer than my trailer.
The only thing that makes me wonder is that the cable was anchored to the spool with a loop and I had to get a bolt for the strap. The bolt is a little bowed from the force against it. I'm going to have to inspect some other strap style winches to see if I can improve my attachment.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Walmart has a strap for relatively cheap. I bought one at Boaters World for $10 more, and it was the same thing, but I needed bad when Walmart was out of stock.

My question is, how do you attach it to winch when there is no screw, clamp or other device. I just sprayed contact cement on a few inches so it would wind on itself then proceeded puting the mile-long strap on the winch. It should never reach the end and doesn't slip.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

First you have look at what type of strap you have. There are two types. If you do not know the difference, than go to a boat supply store and the will show you the difference. The cost is under $10.00 and they can tell you how to install it. It is easy, but the post above that stated he just glued the end has to be unsafe. Going to Walmart to safe a few $$$ and not knowing how to install a part the helps keep the boat on the trailer while going down the highway makes no sense to me.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Thanks guys. In the next few weeks I'm going to remove my strap and check it out. Then I'll look for replacements online and stop at the marine store near my office and ask them for some guidance. They have a tendency to be way overpriced on stuff, but I'll at least give them a shot.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

Mine broke in 2006 while at the ramp. There were others waiting to use the ramp, so even though I have a spare strap, I cut the sun-damaged part off and re-attached the hook with a bowline knot, which took about a minute. I was going to replace it, but the bowline knot works fine and it's been like that ever since. My boat weighs 6000 lbs, my trailer has bunks and my two-speed winch uses a 3" strap. I winch the boat up the trailer at least 20 times per season.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

when i replaced my winch strap.. i bought an entire winch, with strap already sewn in... it was only $40 from northerntool.com And the nice black winch looks better that the rusted old one.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Need help replacing winch strap

when i replaced my winch strap.. i bought an entire winch, with strap already sewn in... it was only $40 from northerntool.com And the nice black winch looks better that the rusted old one.

hum, so where was that made at?????

i'll keep my made in USA, shelby 5470. 2 speed w/ brake, freewheeling neu. 2800lb. any day. never been painted either. black as the day it was sold. got it off my dad's '72 trisonic trailer. they're even still in biz. had me a broke part on mine and googled them up, got their number, called them up. they sent me the replacement for my broke part, for free!!!!! via a phone call, verbal description of part only too. they sent me the right part too. made in America.....
oh, and if ya ain't got freewheeling neutral. ya ain't hip. i got wrist wapped with the winch that came with my aristocraft trailer. once... freewheeling neu. is the best thing since sliced bread...