Can Boat Winch Cable be Swapped Out for Strap

Published 02/14/2020

Question:

My electric winch cable keeps cross winding and winding so tight it is hard to get it to reel out. Can you replace the cable with an appropriately rated strap on an electric winch.?

asked by: Mike B

Expert Reply:

It's very possible for you to swap out your cable for a strap on your electric boat winch, but you first need to make sure that your winch is rated for use with a strap as some haven't been tested and approved for this. You should be able to verify this in your instructions/manual, but if you can't find it just let me know what winch you have and I can help you figure this out.

For example, the 3K Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch # DL24870 has a 7/32" diameter x 25' long cable but you can swap it out for a 2" strap per Dutton-Lainson.

If your current winch isn't compatible with a strap just let me know what the weight rating is and I can help you look for a similar option here at etrailer that can be used with a strap.

expert reply by: Jon G