cable or strap?

[JSP]

I know most use straps on their winches but after having two snap on me (the second was due to it getting ripped up on the gearing) I'm wondering if cable would be better? What are the pro's and cons of both?

[willk]

Originally Posted by JSP

I know most use straps on their winches but after having two snap on me (the second was due to it getting ripped up on the gearing) I'm wondering if cable would be better? What are the pro's and cons of both?

Cable...
... is a PITA, it will either be not greased, rust and be filthy, or be greased, not rust and be filthy. When a strand snaps, it will be a hazard and you'll end up wearing winch gloves. It will snarl up in the drum - at the worst possible moment.

Webbing...
... is a PITA, etc.

My plan is change the webbing every second season - it's CAC (cheap as chips).

Oh, and I try not not run it via the gears, in my plan.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by willk

Cable...
... is a PITA, it will either be not greased, rust and be filthy, or be greased, not rust and be filthy. When a strand snaps, it will be a hazard and you'll end up wearing winch gloves. It will snarl up in the drum - at the worst possible moment.

Webbing...
... is a PITA, etc.

My plan is change the webbing every second season - it's CAC (cheap as chips).

Oh, and I try not not run it via the gears, in my plan.

Bugger Cable then (is that possible BTW?)
Never planned to get the strap on to the gear cog but it happened a bit back and I just wound it back out and then seated it right. Forgot all about it. Trouble is it chaffed enough for it to suddenly rip open on me when I was winching the boat back on the trailer. Fingers are fine this time though.

[PeterM]

I hired a trailer with a cable last year - HATED IT - wa filthy & stabbed me at the ends all the time & you cant get any grip on it if you want to pull by hand ( out or in ) .

Stick with straps - much nicer to handle .

Pete

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Blackroady

I hired a trailer with a cable last year - HATED IT - wa filthy & stabbed me at the ends all the time & you cant get any grip on it if you want to pull by hand ( out or in ) .

Stick with straps - much nicer to handle .

Pete

You and Willk and sold me the idea of staying with 'em. Cheers

[codprawn]

I also hate cable on these cheap winches - it never sits right and gets forced between the layers.

A strap is fine but you must keep the UV off it - if the trailer is stored outside put a bucket over the winch to stop the sun getting at it.

In Wales put a bucket over it to stop the strap from rotting...........

[JSP]

Originally Posted by codprawn

I also hate cable on these cheap winches - it never sits right and gets forced between the layers.

A strap is fine but you must keep the UV off it - if the trailer is stored outside put a bucket over the winch to stop the sun getting at it.

In Wales put a bucket over it to stop the strap from rotting...........

My boat covers big enough to go over the winch as well.

[spartacus]

Stick with the strap. I've had a couple break on me too. They get wet, then tensioned when retrieving the boat and then dry out in the sun. Even if it snaps, (assuming there's plenty strap left), you can normally tie on the hook for it still to work.

Assuming the worst, I always lash the boat with a couple of old climbing ropes through the bow ring. Don't won't the boat to launch itself on the road home.

[Simon B]

As above, it's a bit harder and more skill is required to do a good repair if it breaks. The hook can be sewn back on the end of a strap with doubled up whipping thread.

There's also a good deal less whiplash in webbing straps than cable.

[Jizm]

I always use straps, had nothing but trouble with cables on boat trailers. No problem on the car trailer though due to no salt water....

[Rogue Wave]

because if a cable breaks and hits you in the eye your's in a bit more trouble

Also make no doubt about it either only fail because of overload or bad maintenance/inspection replacement. It's a bit easier to see that a starp is iffy

[jyasaki]

Another vote for strap. Don't use the wimpy seatbelt material, though; get the heavy duty tow stuff (fairly coarse weave, about 3 times thicker than the seatbelt stuff.) Often found in hardware stores and auto supply shops as tow straps (well, not exactly what you need, but you'll see the webbing, anyway.)

jky