Trailer Issues

[Timj]

Hi Poodroo,

Used to have the strap and had one break on me as well. Two things shorten their life dramatically - getting salt water on them and leaving them exposed to the sun all the time. When I first got the boat I would unwind the strap and clip it towards the back of the trailer before backing in to retrieve so that it was nice and close when I bought the boat up to the trailer. This gets it all wet with salt water and because you can only wash the outside layer it causes premature failure. Once I started leaving it on the winch until the boat was pulled partly on and then unrolling it and keeping it out of the water I found that it stayed in good condition. Now I am back to a cable though with the new trailer and it is fine but I don't really like cables as they kink and get damaged too easily. Perhaps I need to look at the Dyneema rope as well. A question for anyone who has used it - does it get effected by salt water?

Tim.

[Poodroo]

Hi Poodroo,

Used to have the strap and had one break on me as well. Two things shorten their life dramatically - getting salt water on them and leaving them exposed to the sun all the time. When I first got the boat I would unwind the strap and clip it towards the back of the trailer before backing in to retrieve so that it was nice and close when I bought the boat up to the trailer. This gets it all wet with salt water and because you can only wash the outside layer it causes premature failure. Once I started leaving it on the winch until the boat was pulled partly on and then unrolling it and keeping it out of the water I found that it stayed in good condition. Now I am back to a cable though with the new trailer and it is fine but I don't really like cables as they kink and get damaged too easily. Perhaps I need to look at the Dyneema rope as well. A question for anyone who has used it - does it get effected by salt water?

Tim.

G'day Tim, long time no hear. Hope all is well with your family. I hear what you are saying about salt water and sun affecting the strapping but I could probably count how many times it has been used on one hand so even under the sun and salt exposure should it have been affected that fast to have broken already? The Dyneema rope is sounding like the best option.

Regards,

Poodroo

[murf]

Hi Poodroo

I have had a strap break on me right at the moment when I put my hand on the strap (yes I know better and as I did it I was thinking wrong) it ripped a lovely piece of flesh from my hand Lesson don't always do as skipper says

Always beach launch and when retrieving we pull boat up beach and reverse under part way. this causes boat to be not in line with winch most times and staps will not wind on straight pain in the rear or hand in my case.

I have a strap on my boat atm and am waiting for it to require replacing or money to come so can replace it with the spectra type rope which IMO is the best for me

it looks wrong as it is so thin and flexable but works a treat

all the best with it

Cheers Murf

[gone_fishing]

have heard quite a few stories of straps snapping because once they fray the strap loses strength the straps ive seen on new trailers are rated at 500 or 700 kg personally would go a rating close to boats wieght
most people seem to be reverting to a rope style i think spectra as Heath suggesteed or going back to wire as tthe strapping twists to easily and once frayed it needs replacing

[Luc]

I've had spectra rope on my winch for 4 years wthout any problems.

I don't give it any special treatment.

Mine's is an overkill, rated to 1500kg for a 4M tinny. Got it at a very good price as it was the last few metres of a spooll.

I would not go back to anything else.

Luc

[Wayne_Red]

Go the spectra rope, never look back. Had mine on for 5 years or so. Mine is about 10-12mm dia. 2 tone rating i think it was when i bought it. I skull drag my 15ft glasss boat up the beach with it then winch it off the sand with a fast power winch. cops a flogging, great stuff. Fades over time but keeps its strenght.
Wayne

[Scalem]

There is one of these guys virtually at my work's back door - very convenient. Is this the stuff? http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_it...rch123=spectra

Scalem

[finga]

Besides the way. What was the verdict about the bearings??

[whiteman]

There is one of these guys virtually at my work's back door - very convenient. Is this the stuff? http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_it...rch123=spectra

Scalem

My rope is blue. All the boat shops have it and it comes with a hook for the boat. Put it on your ratchet like new line on the reel. Works a treat.

[Scalem]

Besides the way. What was the verdict about the bearings??

Hey Scottie,

Mark has helped me out, I'll drop the hubs off for a final fitting when I get time, was hoping this week, but flat out at work which is the only hold up. Everything is set. The boys where I bought the trailer have done absolutely nothing, and I bet if I go back with this issue, they will give me the same support. - NOTHING!! Even after 3 visits and one suggestive e-mail... Nothing!! I will avoid them like dog poo, don't want to be anywhere within cooey!! The smell is almost the same in my books!

Scalem

[bootyinblue]

If the trailer is say less than 24 months old then YES take the broken end etc to the retailer and take up the issue with them. Notice I said retailer and not manufacturer as it is the retailer you speak with and they in turn deal with the manufacturer.

Politely but assertively explain the situation to them, and inform them that you would llike either a repair, replacement or a refund on the trailer/trailer item. Just remember that it is you, the consumer who makes this choice. Dont be bullied or coerced into sending stuff away for inspections and repairs. Legislation states..... goods must be of merchantable quality....... must be fit for the purpose intented.... etc etc

If you do no good, walk away with butting heads too hard and tell them you will be back with your reinforcements.

Then send me a PM......LOL

[finga]

That'll make the trip to the dealer a double whammy.
The bearings and the strap.
Don't forget to let me know when your going so I can take a video camera.
That'll be worth a segment in the Video section I'm sure.
Even if you do the videoing and I get off my horse for you Brian. I'm good at that apparently

[stevos]

I agree with most - spectra is deffinately the way to go. Had the strapping break on the winch just last week at the ramp (lucky the boat was 90% on the trailer) because it had a slight nick in it. Not sure why but wire scares me if it actually does break.

However if you do have the old strapping and want it to last as long as it can try unrolling it and giving it a rinse when you clean the boat (dont forget to let it dry).

Cheers,

[cooky]

I had my seatbelt winch cable snap at boat ramp - lucky my rollers aren't that great - ended up wrapping a tie down strap around winch and winching boat up the last metre.

had spectra rope since - i agree it's scary, but it's been great - I like it better than cable - don't trust wire cable and strands can be painful.