In 2024 I bought a new Continental trailer [for my c.1960 13-footer]. The [winch] strap and its hook do not like the Boston Whaler [bow towing eye]. The [diameter of the winch strap hook] is just too big and the internal bend radius is not big enough. The result is the [winch strap hook] constantly wedges (jams) into the bow eye. At times to unjam the winch strap hook becomes very difficult—and usually when I am at a busy dock of course.
Q1: what brand and model of winch strap [of unspecified width, length, and weight rating] will have a hook that won't jam and be easy to use?
c.1960 13-footer Bow Eye Too Small for Winch Strap Hook
c.1960 13-footer Bow Eye Too Small for Winch Strap Hook
A stainless steel carabiner could save you the expense of installing another strap.
Butch
Re: c.1960 13-footer Bow Eye Too Small for Winch Strap Hook
Tried that but ends up being too long with the hook causing the hook to back up into the winch. As the bumper is fixed to the winch mount, even if I moved the post to the front, it would only mean the boat is further to the front of the trailer and for that matter too far up on the bung rails. Wish there was an option to have one made with a carabiner. That would be perfect. Thinking I may use an angle grinder to cut off the hook and then slip a carabiner in the loop of the tow strap.
Re: c.1960 13-footer Bow Eye Too Small for Winch Strap Hook
Maybe you can cut off the existing trailer winch strap hook like you said but add a shackle with removable pin. Not as easy as a carabineer but most likely stronger.
Re: c.1960 13-footer Bow Eye Too Small for Winch Strap Hook
Look for a strap with a smaller load rating; the strength and size of the hook will proportionately smaller.
For a 13-footer a winch strap does not need a 5,000- or 10,000-lbs rating.
For a 13-footer a winch strap does not need a 5,000- or 10,000-lbs rating.