WINCH STRAP - Help, Installing a new strap

[Jeff Quigley]

OK so now you're laughing. But honestly here is my problem. I'm in the driveway this morning getting the boat cleaned up and ready to put away for the winter. My winch strap is getting old so I go to replace it with a new one. I unwind the winch, the old strap is a bolt thru - off it comes with some sweat. I open up the new one (that I bought 4 years ago when I bought the boat and never replaced it) and the end that connects to the winch is different to the one I just took off. This one has a tapered strap end. The old one had a stitched-end that a bold fits thru. <br /><br />So, is there a certain way to thread the new one thru the slots on the side or what? I dunno, are there different types of winch connector-thingy-ma-jigs?<br /><br />Stop laughing.<br /><br />Quig<br />(I still can't believe I'm posting this ridiculous question)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: WINCH STRAP - Help, Installing a new strap

Some winch hubs have a metal plate that screws into the hub trapping the end of the winch strap between it and the hub. If your's doesn't have that plate, make one or simply stop at a canvas or upholstery shop in your area. They can sew a loop at the end of your strap in a matter of minuts. Do it yourself if you can borrow someones sewing machine (use upholstery thread).

 

[Silvertip]

Re: WINCH STRAP - Help, Installing a new strap

I just remembered that in my earlier boating days I ran into the same problem and solved it rather simply. Cut the end of the strap square. Fold it over and use a couple of quarter inch bolts and flat washers to create the loop. Then run the bolt through just the original. There will be slight bump in the layers of strap as its wound but that bothers nothing.

 

[rwidman]

Re: WINCH STRAP - Help, Installing a new strap

And the obvious: Take the strap back and get the correct one. <br /><br />OK, you can't take it back but they are not that expensive.