Trailer Cable

[Sean Coerse]

I plan on adding a backing plate / pipe to the bow eye on my H240 like posted on this forum earlier. I also plan on switching from the trailer winch strap to a cable. What size cable is needed. My strap says it's rated at 5000 lbs. The replacement cables I saw at Boat US say 600lb. I'm wondering if they are rated in a different way. The reason for the switch is the ramp I use is very steap. Even when I drain the boat and refloat it the boat slides back several inches from the bow stop. I think alot of this is contributed to the strap stretching and sinching down on itself.

 

[Mike B.]

Mine came with a cable

and it measures 3/16" diameter, on a 2-speed winch. If it's 7x19 stainless it should be good for at least 3,700 lbs. according to West Marine info, or 4,200 lbs. if galvanized.

 

[Bart]

Source

Check with Northern Handyman, used to be Northern Hydraulics. they have the best selection for trailer equipment around. Another source maybe Tractor supply.I put a pipe inside my Hunter 240. I had to use 3/4" about 18" long to get it to fit. Be careful taking the nuts off, stainless steel nuts will strip easy. When I pulled the board in the bow out, I found only one screw holding it in place. I used a cats'paw nail puller and eased the the board forward. It may have some silicone on it.

 

[ross]

cable size

1/4" galvanized cable should be more than adequate, thats what I have. It works MUCH better than a strap. the working load is about 800 lbs, the breaking strength is 2400 lbs, with a safety factor of at least 2, depending on the grade of cable. I don't think you would ever want to pull that hard on the bow eye anyway.

 

[Bob]

3/16"

Mine is also a 3/16" cable on a two speed winch. I says something about 1300# at full drum and 3000# at end of drum. Works fine on my 260.