Winch Rope

G'day all,

I've just bought a synthetic winch rope to replace the fraying wire one that can be really nasty. Even though it says that it's got a breaking strain of 1700kg, it's only 5mm thick. Does anyone know from their own experiences if this rope is strong enough to winch my 18.5 ft Voyager? It carries a 90hp outboard.    

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Tony


just dhu it's picture

Posts: 1081

Date Joined: 14/05/09

sounds light

Mon, 2009-10-12 20:33

5 mm 1700 kg sounds to light , if you look at your boat probably weighs 900 kgs , 150 lits fuel and the motor would be 150kgs your getting close to 1500 kgs , winch it up dry would really put a strain on the rope, my rope i believe is 3000kgs and about 8 mm thick, maybe see if you can swap it for the next size

dagree's picture

Posts: 660

Date Joined: 08/12/07

Synthetic Rope

Mon, 2009-10-12 20:37

Had some on the winch earlier this year. Was strong enough to pull up an 18' Swiftcraft with a 115HP outboard... That was until the knot gave way half way up the trailer. Luckily the missus still had hold of the docking ropes.

Went back to galv but thinking about changing to stainless.
Cheers,
David

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Cheers,

David (AKA Grumps)

Location: Heathridge.  Toys:  120 Series Prado ... 5.3 Stacer Seamaster/Merc 90HP.

Posts: 9358

Date Joined: 21/02/08

Wire is for mugs =) Go

Mon, 2009-10-12 20:54

Wire is for mugs =)

Go braided or seatbelt!

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rusty lock's picture

Posts: 15

Date Joined: 29/01/07

The same "plasma rope" is

Mon, 2009-10-12 20:54

The same "plasma rope" is used to pull Austal ferries out of the sheds, the rope is only 30mm or 35mm dia. It replaced a larger steel wire rope. The vessels can be larger than 100m and weigh in excess of 900t

 I have had it on all of my boats and recon its great, its only down fall is you must not damage it.

Posts: 16

Date Joined: 01/01/70

Heavier!

Mon, 2009-10-12 21:02

just dhu it is spot on, i've owned  a couple of 18.5 voyagers over the years and the 1700kg isnt enough as SWL

I've put on heavy winch ropes on all my boats and 2500kg plus is a must. They do wear also so thicker diameter is safer!

wopjrb's picture

Posts: 1407

Date Joined: 05/03/09

sounds a bit thin

Mon, 2009-10-12 21:59

maybe ask the staff at the boat shop - or contact the dealer

Voyager's picture

Posts: 2

Date Joined: 10/10/09

winch rope

Mon, 2009-10-12 22:13

 

Cheers for that. I'll go the extra 30 bucks or so and buy some piece of mind.

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Tony

Posts: 16

Date Joined: 01/01/70

Also!

Mon, 2009-10-12 22:43

Normally the heavier winch rope comes with a heavy duty "Conector clip" which is a must!

If not, replace it with one as the "standard" stainless steel "S" clips are very week on a heavy boats so be aware!

Posts: 47

Date Joined: 11/10/09

I have some of the Spectra

Mon, 2009-10-12 22:38

I have some of the Spectra Strap on my winch. Its only a tinnie, however its been on there for over 6 years without a problem and no maintenance.

http://www.biasboating.com.au/c-448-trailer-winch-accessories.aspx

Posts: 307

Date Joined: 01/09/09

Agree

Tue, 2009-10-13 20:10

Agree with Ryan, upgrade on the connector and go for the heavier rope. I had the original "hook" that came with the rope pull itself out of the splice and break the weld on the stupid small safety chain pulling out of the boat ramp one day.. Lucky for me my deckie did a flying leap onto the boat from the jetty and managed to get the motor down and miss other boats etc ... Funny now but wasnt at the time !!!!!!

Cheers ..

ps now I have 2 big chains bolted through the upright and a stainless bow shackle tied to the synthetic rope..Works well a bit fiddly with doing up a shackle each time but worth it....

aoteroian's picture

Posts: 1

Date Joined: 11/10/09

Winch Rope

Wed, 2009-10-14 20:00

Larger diameter rope(of the non rot synthetic variety)is the go,not only is it safer as in S.W.L(safe working load) and less problems with it biting into the previouse layers on the winch drum,which smaller diameter rope and or cable is prone to doing,and as we all know is a right pain when unspooling for boat retrieval.

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Beware of idiots they will wear you down with experience.

carnarvonite's picture

Posts: 8668

Date Joined: 24/07/07

Light blue?

Wed, 2009-10-14 20:11

If its the light blue stuff its probably the kevlar product.I have used it on my 5 metre x 4mm plate ali and 60hp outboard for the last year without a problem,but your knots have to be spot on or they will slip.