New Winch or Winch Strap?

[l008com]

The other night, in the middle of some crazy shenanigans, my winch strap snapped. It has been looking a little iffy lately but it snapped before I got around to addressing it.

And no I didn't lose the boat on the highway

I'm just wondering, is there any reason NOT to replace just the strap? Is there any reason I should replace the whole winch instead? I can't think of any. The winch itself seems fine to me?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have replaced the strap about many times before the winch itself ever needs replacing.

get a new strap, lube up the winch axle, good to go for about 5-8 years.

the fishing boat on its 1958 trailer is on its 5th or 6th strap that I have been involved with it. I think Dad changed it 2 or 3 times prior.

 

[redneck joe]

Scott is correct, strap and oil. Just did mine. Like when getting to need glasses one doesn't realize it is needed until a bit past the fact.

 

[Chris1956]

The sun rots out the winch straps. You can replace them periodically with the same or once with a galv steel cable in freshwater or SS cable in saltwater. Smaller boats can use nylon rope, which lasts quite long.

You do have a safety chain from the winch stand to the bow eye, right?

 

[nola mike]

The sun rots out the winch straps. You can replace them periodically with the same or once with a galv steel cable in freshwater or SS cable in saltwater. Smaller boats can use nylon rope, which lasts quite long.

You do have a safety chain from the winch stand to the bow eye, right?

IIRC from his shenanigans he does, and is why the boat isn't on the highway

 

[Pmt133]

I don't know how it happened but I am on my 3rd winch on this trailer. The prior two failed. One the gearset ground itself to nothing and the other bent/twisted itself to death... boats centered on the trailer and the winch pulls flat and straight. The current one is so oversized for the boat I suspect to not have an issue but we're not even at a year yet. Time will tell on that. Yes, I would just do the strap. Much cheaper than what I have to do.

 

[mike_i]

Get a new strap.

 

[JimS123]

If you have a spare tire on your trailer, naturally you put a tire cover on it. If you store the boat outside naturally you put covers on the tires. Cover the winch outside and the straps will last a lot longer.

The appearance of the strap will tell you it needs to be replaced.

 

[airshot]

Many winches that fail are cheapies or not rated for the load being pulled and get worn out. Lack of cleaning or lube ( maintenence) is another factor. In the past couple years I replaced my winch for a better, easier to use winch. The winch on the trailer was in great shape but my shoulders have worn down from age and overuse. I went with a Fulton two speed winch. Normally I drive on and the winch is not needed descent for the last foot or so. One day, I had a motor issue and needed to crank up my boat on the full length of the trailer. Almost didn't make it.....was in pain for days after (torn rotator cuff) have had for years. Do cider a two speed would be good if I ever needed to do this again in the future. This winch is rated for 2500#, way over what I really need, 1500# would be overkill, but did not want to go thru that misery again. Of course I had to try it out and see if it actually helped.....and yes it does ! Might be slower, but can easily crank it up with one finger, and no pain ! A quality winch makes a big difference !
Even though the excess weight rating may not be necessary, but when you need it, it is great to already have it !!

 

[redneck joe]

I've thought about making mine work with my drill. Anyone ever done that?

 

[Pmt133]

I've thought about making mine work with my drill. Anyone ever done that?

I'd imagine you would need a pretty serious drill.... or a good gear reduction.

 

[redneck joe]

Yeah gears like he mentioned on the two speed.