Cabling for power winch

[Ben Had]

I have a used Powerwinch 912 that I've repaired. I want to put it on my trailer to pull a 20' center console. Is it necessary to use the double cable with pully or just the single strand with hook? The cable is 7/32" Just want to make sure prior to buying new cable either 25' single or 50' double. Your thoughts...

Thanks,
Ben

[JALICHTY]

I would think that, if you have the option, you might consider getting a strap to pull your boat onto the trailer. My father-in-law had an electric winch with cable and I was constantly getting "stabbed" by the little pieces of cable that stick out of the cable itself; hated having to winch the boat because of that. We have a 22' dual console with a strap system and have found it to be pretty easy to use.

[tommyr904]

and if you use the strap no need for double i dont like the cables either

[Ben Had]

WOW...I never knew you could use a strap on a Powerwinch...I do a google and see if I can find one.

Ben

[EASTERNMARINE]

Use the cable - the double line pull feature of the Power winch mechanically reduces the load on the winch while slowing the retrieval speed by 50%. Power winches are designed only for cables. Lubing the cable with a spray lube will help
With a 20 ft boat, you should be fine useing single line pull

[bayhunter]

The 912 is heavy duty, and the gear ratio is low therefore it's pretty slow. The single line drags my 23" boat (about 3300#) up on the roller trailer no problem and this well within the specs for single line. Stay with cable. If there are that many strands going stray buy a new cable.

[lemaymiami]

You'll also find that the cable that PowerWinch specifies is a full 50'... those shorter (and cheaper) cables aren't what you want. With the standard 50' cable you're properly setup for single line pull. That same cable is all you'll need if you go the double line with pulley route.

I concur with bayhunter about cables with lots of "whiskers"... they mean it's time for a new cable. You haven't lived until a cable on your winch breaks under a full load... Fortunately the time it happened to me I wasn't in the way. Even with all the use my winch gets the cable lasts for a good five years before it needs to be replaced. If you keep the cable lubed with wire rope spray the life will be significantly longer.