I was wondering what is recommended for loading the trailer winch either a cable, strap, rope, etc. Also, what is the recommended length? I have a 20 foot boat.

Thanks

Don't know what is recomended, or better

I have a Cable on my HydraSport 212 Walk Around About 3K pounds.

No problems,
As for length, I think the ramp would dictate that. I use well developed ramps, and never let out more then 10 feet MAX.

Usualy only 6 feet or so.

Hell most of the time the boat sits almost perfect, and I am just pulling up the last foot or two.

I find if I put the trailer deep, the boat might not sit right when you pull it out. so I guess it's a toss up

I've found that my cable works fine, 21 ft boat ,like angler management said ,you shouldn't have your trailer to deep
or your boat will not set right on your trailer, bunk or roller style.
There is a guy at work that uses a strap on his winch and he found the twist on the strap makes the boat shift a little when pulling. The strap may be safer than cable meaning the wire on cable might fray and you might get a nasty punture from it and let me tell ya they hurt like a BASTAGE, but I'll stick with cable and I carry a spare one just in case.
later LINK SR.


:cool:

I dumped the cable after it rusted and jabbed/sliced my fingers over and over. I also have a 20', I replaced it with 2" strap, plenty strong enough. But the winch spool was too wide and the strap wandered. I shimmed either side with pieces of ply wood (1/2 circles then a small screw to hold the halves together. Seems like alot of bother, but I dont't miss that freakin cable binding, fraying and rusting. I think the strap length is 20'. I never pull it to the end.

I am using a power winch also. so the spool might be wider than a hand crank winch.

good Luck.

My cable is rusted and has some loose wires(hurt like hell if they jab ya) so I am also thinking of going with a strap 21' boat fig I need 20 strap as we usually only use about 10-15' of the cable. I have a hand winch but the ramps I use allow me to back the trailer down near a float and walk the boat on to the trailer most of the time then just snug up with the winch.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll wait to see how wide the spool is on the winch and then decide on the strap. Van that's good info.

Thanks

Thinking back now I remember I had an issue attaching the end of the strap to the spool. I think the spool has a hold in it which is fine for cable not strap. I had to drill and tap a couple of holes in the spool and kinda bolt the end to the spool or else it would spin. I see if I can get a pic and post it.

I have a 23 foot HydraSport on a alum. I beam, bunk trailer which came with a strap. I have not had any problem with the strap, I did add a safty chain just in case. I trailer from western Mass. to R.I. a number of weekends from June thru October and even a couple of trips to western N.Y. and Lake Ontario without any problems. Most of the time I power load on, but I have had to crank it on a few times. Unloading I undo the strap and use a rope to pull the boat back to the dock.

Good Luck!!!
Hope this helps.
Chris

Check out something like Cabelas, they have some strap type listed on there web site starting around $25 and going up to 300 for an electric.
I'm sure if they have it, local shops might as well.

I found an electric unit with cable and all on ebay for around $160 that hauls up to 5 tons...

I have a 12,000 pound strap. Much better then any cable out there! Will not cut your hands, and it is 3 inches wide so it fits the spool just fine on most winches.
You can get it here at Champion Trailer parts. I think it is $28 + shipping.
I have had mine for 2 years and the only thing is when you have it at home cover the winch cause the sun bleaches out the strap. I don't see any weaking from this yet but I cover mine now.

I have a 20 foot Wellcraft

Good Luck!!

http://www.championtrailers.com/

Here at the bottom right corner

http://www.championtrailers.com/cat2005%20screen%20pdf%20groups%20secure/20_05.pdf

Thanks again