dock lines for boats are a bad idea- unless you're planning on spending $$ for thick dock lines rated up around 3000+ lbs, the typical 3/8" - 1/2" walmart dock line might be rated at only 250- 500lbs- far from the 3500 - 6000 lb synthetic winch lines & steel cables.

 

I am not talking about line. I am talking about using the strap off of a boat winch there will be more surface wearing on the fairlead and making it wear longer. I am only taking about using it to lift the plow which it would be more than enough. To use the winch to pull something heavy you would have to switch back to the cable or winch rope.

 

Yeah I think one of those would work good, even if you do have to pull something heavy the odd time, the strap on my boat trailer is rated at 4000lb, more than enough to lift a plow.

The guy came over yesterday from my local forum with a fid set and spliced a loop in the rope for me, can't tell the difference from one that you would buy that way, he did a great job on it

I have a spare boat winch strap at the lake, next time I'm out there I'm gonna bring it home and try it for plowing just to save the rope for pulling.

 

I have heard many guys have had great success with the boat strap for winching up a plow all winter - very reliable service through long winters with it. I think you would find the same success.

 

Thanks, I'm gonna try it out, lots of people have said it works good.

We got another good snow fall last night and its still coming down, did my place and 5 others and the rope is doing fine.

Anti-theft device on boat is in place

 

I do quite a bit of plowing and use the steel cable. Yes it frays over time and snaps.

I simply make a clean cut and use a u clamp. There's something like 50 FEET of cable on the spool! Why would you waste your $$ and replace the whole thing?

I found that if I raise the plow just enough without bottoming-out the winch, the cable fraying is reduced.

BTW, NICE PICTURES!!

 

I kept the cable and fixed it already, made loops on both ends with u clamps to use for an extension when pulling boat lifts in and out of the water, I needed one anyway, hanging in the garage now for future use.

I replaced it with rope mainly because I don't like cutting my hand up every time I use it.