Trailer Winch Size

[jeepnsam]

My 1996 Searay 180 dry weight is 2750 lbs.....then why would any trailer manufacturer but a Fulton T1401 (1400 lbs) winch to winch up a 2750 lbs boat. Heavy boat + small winch = lose of gear teeth.

Now i'm in the market for a larger winch, but my mount in only 4" wide.

Any suggestions???

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: Trailer Winch Size

I just ordered up SeaSense Galvanized Dual Drive Winch, 2000lb from iboats because anything over 2500 is 9" wide and would require a new mounting post. Hopefully 2 gears are better than one.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Trailer Winch Size

Remember that winch capacity is not boat weight. While the boat may weigh 2700 pounds you are not lifting it vertcally and it does not take that much to pull it at an angle onto the trailer. 1400 may have been a little small, but 2000 lbs cap will probably do the trick.

Hint: If you release the tow vehicle brakes so the trailer will roll back as you winch on the boat it will go on much easier. Just let me watch that show at your ramp. LOL

Seriously, are you backing in far enough? You don't need to float on, but sometimes a littlle extra water under the hull eases things. A lot of guys like to have the rear roller just about even with the water.

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: Trailer Winch Size

UPDATE:

Decided to update all of my Thread Posts today.

The dual drive 2000 lb winch makes winching
a piece of cake. It also doesn't hurt that I
replaced my old warn out bunks with new wood
and fresh Marine Bunk Carpets.

Sam

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trailer Winch Size

The larger the winch, the greater the gear ratio use.

I would not worry about the strength of the winch unless it is terribly overloaded. I would worry more about the shoulder power required.