New Winch Hook

lakelandterrier · 18 November 2012, 16:30

The spring-gate on the trailer winch-hook has corroded after 2 seasons, I think it's only mild steel.

What's the best replacement - would a Stainless carbine clip be better or would the harder metal cause wear on the bow U fitting?

If I can avoid cutting the stiching on the webbing and resewing in so much the better

Pictures of current hook attached

AJ. · 18 November 2012, 17:50

Think I paid a tenner from Banbury trailers for a new winch with hook. Think I would rather pay for a new winch than trust my sewing skills and risk causing a weakness and having it break and the boat roll of the trailer

Trailer Guy · 18 November 2012, 17:58

Agree with above - winch straps aren't dear.

Although, just a quick thought about it; if you wanted to have stainless gear on the end of the strap, then cut the mild steel hook off with a grinder and fit a stainless D-shackle through the sewn loop and fit a stainless hook to the D-shackle. That'll save you worrying about the quality of your seamstress skills!

jyasaki · 18 November 2012, 18:33

I've been using the heavy yellow 2" webbing (unless a new winch comes with something else, then I use that until I replace it with the HD yellow stuff.)

On the custom straps, I usually sew in either a heavy SS ring, or slip in a SS shackle, then use a hook like this:
Clevis Slip Hook - Stainless Steel T316 (though generally not in stainless.)

Makes it easy to swap out the hook. You do have to inspect the webbing on occasion.

BogMonster · 19 November 2012, 01:18

Getting rid of the stupid webbing strap and replacing it with Dyneema synthetic rope was the best thing I have done on both my trailer winches, fit and forget. It's easy to splice in whatever hook you want, though as the old winch hook now has corrosion on it, I've also been thinking of a replacement in stainless.

Limey Linda · 19 November 2012, 02:58

Spray with wd 40 and continue on. No big deal, it is still as strong as the day you bought it.

Peter_C · 19 November 2012, 06:09

^ I will agree with that.

As to continuing to use the webbing, that is the one part I have had fail. From then on I made it a routine every so often to cut the exposed couple of feet off and resew the end. If you are not comfortable sewing you can just buy a new hook and webbing unit ready to go.

I have seen people tie the hook back onto webbing without failure.

lakelandterrier · 20 November 2012, 22:00

Thanks for the replies,

I wonder if I should just cut off the corroded spring gate - the hook is always under tension once it's attached.

On anther point, I always leave the boat winched hard againsed the snubber in the trailer. I wondered if I was leaving the boat for any time I should relax the tensionn on the winch strap a tad to reduce wear / strain.

mick · 20 November 2012, 22:04

When I got mine the clip was missing it was a pain kept dropping off until under tension so i got a new strap

PeterM · 20 November 2012, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Thanks for the replies,

I wonder if I should just cut off the corroded spring gate - the hook is always under tension once it's attached.

On anther point, I always leave the boat winched hard againsed the snubber in the trailer. I wondered if I was leaving the boat for any time I should relax the tensionn on the winch strap a tad to reduce wear / strain.

I think you can buy a new hook with spring take the rusted spring off and clip the new one in. (I'm sure I did that when I lost the spring one day a few years ago) .

I always take tension off the winch and tie down straps when the boats just sat going nowhere. I just dont like the idea of it all being tensioned up for no reason.

YOu can see the UV fade of the colour on your strap which is also weakeneing the fabric/ stitching....defo one to watch.

Limey Linda · 20 November 2012, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Thanks for the replies,

I wonder if I should just cut off the corroded spring gate - the hook is always under tension once it's attached.

On anther point, I always leave the boat winched hard againsed the snubber in the trailer. I wondered if I was leaving the boat for any time I should relax the tensionn on the winch strap a tad to reduce wear / strain.

Leave the gate on if you can. Yes release tension when stored, particularly if there is any downward moment to the tension as this may hog the hull. protect expose part of strap from elements by wrapping with an old T shirt.