Ok the strap win's but why?

[Fl_Richard]

The strap on the winch wins by a huge margin in the previous poll. But why? (This is multiple guess so it's easy!)

Personally I'm a cable user, a 2-6-7 to be exact. I feel it supports larger loads better (my boats 6000+ lbs), it came with the trailer and I'm old and 'I've always had a cable.

It will be interesting to see the results and why!

Cheers! Richard

 

[skargo]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

None of your options are why I use a strap.

I use it for the safety aspect.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Unless you've ever guided a winch "cable" without leather gloves on and been stuck or cut by a frayed cable you would not understand why your poll is meaningless.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Because its a boat trailer and not a crane or come~a~long ?

I hate frayed cable ends...........

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

didn't the other poll include responses as to why we voted for our choice?

 

[outkast7222]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Yup there should be one other choice...the reason we all use straps is because we hate that cut or sliver you always seem to get from the cable!!!

 

[htv]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Cable sux! End of story.
My come-alongs are strap too.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

I use a strap cause my old wich with a rope stripped off the teeth and i had to buy a new one.
Cable splinters suck!!!!!!!!!

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Cables get criss-crossed, i.e. wrap over each other and they kink and don't feed properly.

 

[109jb]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Hmmmmmm. Lets see:

Cables can cut you.
Cables get tangled easier.
Cables get dirty and so do your hands.
Cables get kinked.
The load doen't require cable

Your poll is useless and one sided because it has no choices for the REAL reasons that straps are prefered.

 

[skargo]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Also, under load a cable can rip your face off if it breaks.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

None of your options are why I use a strap.
I use it for the safety aspect.

Same here. Strap failure scenario versus cable failure scenario.

-E

 

[dingbat]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Once a single strand of a cable breaks its strength has been compromised and it should be changed immediately.

I?m totally amazed that the numbers of people readily who admit to using dangerous worn out cables. Wonder if they use old worn out, frayed and torn straps as well?

 

[skargo]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

I bought my first strap in April, and changed it already because I messed up and caused it to be frayed, and bent the safety catch on the hook.

I change the straps on my car hauler every 2 years or so as well.

 

[Thad]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

There are too many to quote to agree with here, so here goes.
I agree with anyone who uses a strap. Regaurdless of their reason. I personally use a strap beacuse it winds (in and out) better. It is easier on the hands. It is safer. And it just plain looks better!

And I agree 110% that even a frayed strap should be replaced AS SOON AS it is seen! NO if's, and's, or but's.

Safety is number one on every forum posting I have read on this site since joining, why on earth would you dare to tempt fate and use something that you have less control over than the drunk barreling down on the skier behind your boat?

Another thing, as long as we're at it, would you tow a heavy boat with a worn out rope and let your kids sit in the back seat in front of the line?
No!
Why?
Because ropes break, and when they do...you can not control where they go and the damage that they cause.
But yet, you will stand directly in front of a cableand spool to crank the handle with nothing between you and the boat. I don't get it.

Sorry I rambled/ranted. I was happy with the first pole and to let well enough alone, but you DID ask.

 

[sparticus]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

To be honest I'm not sure why anyone would use a cable after the safety concerns have been pointed out. I have delt with flight control cables my entire adult life and they are a never ending source of grief. They will hurt you in a heart beat. Either with splintered strands or outright breaking. They are much less forgiving to abuse and neglect. Not that straps are perfect but they are easier for the average guy to work with. As a "trained professional" I would not use cable unless it was my last (and only) choice.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

Man you guys are tough! You'd think I called your wife a bad name.


Sorry for the worthless post.

Get over it!

 

[skargo]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

No need to be so sensitive, I don't see anyone being mean or malicious.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

I was rebuilding my trailer the new winch came with a strap.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Ok the strap win's but why?

I'd venture to guess that the most common reason to switch to a strap is that its easier on your hands and they don't fray or rust.
I agree, none of the above pole choices match this option.

Pretty much for me, if what is on the winch is still good, I leave it, when it goes bad, I decide then. I tend to opt for a cable on larger boats, a strap on smaller, really light boats. I don't like how a strap can fold over or fray on the edge of the winch spool, which always seems to happen sooner or later.
Also, as I said in that other pole, I've seen a few straps break under load with no real warning. A bad cable is usually pretty obvious to spot.

From what I've seen, as per the pole above, if your looking for cheap, a strap is cheaper than a cable and easier to attach. I do like the fact though that you can get more cable on the winch than strap too. All too often a 20" strap just isn't long enough to reach the boat if you don't want to get wet.
With my cable winches, I can walk the cable up on the courtesy dock, hook the bow eye, then use the cable to guide the boat in the trailer. Once between the guide ons, the boat comes right up the rollers. With a strap, which most only reach 5 or so feet past the trailer, I have to get the boat to the trailer, hook the strap on, and start winching. This all too often means getting wet, especially when the ramp requires the trailer to be in deeper in the water to reach the boat.
(On a shallow ramp, I've had a few boats that would bottom out on the ramp if I didn't back in way farther than normal. I had one Trophy that I had to back in to the point that the back bumper of my truck was wet just to get the trailer in deep enough that the bow of the boat was higher than the first row of rollers).