Winch too small in capacity

[Frankhanhart]

Bought the trailor for 600 kg boat (incl.gas, motor etc.). Capacity of the trailor is 800 kg netweight, so I thought the winch would be up to the job (1800 lbs starting cap. 900 lbs with full drum). Rounded 2 winch-handles now on the winch axle and feared for the belt. Put on a 2600lbs winch to be safe. I'm not that good at physics but was wondering whether the angle of the boat when pulling in might require more strenght than the winch can handle. Would be stupid from a fabrication point of view....it's designed to take on boats at an angle. Anynody any idea on the physics?<br />Thanks<br />Frank<br />

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

Yow! I do know one thing. I'd be installing a major piece of timber as a stop block at the end of that dock! Far too easy to drop those trailer wheels off the edge.<br /><br />Winches are cheap. I'd put one on that was at least double the capacity of the boat's total weight for that launching strategy.

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

CAT, I did... the new winch is a 2-speed and easy to turn. Takes longer though, but who's in a hurry? You got me thinking about the stop-block. There's a rim of 2" there at the end and I 'feel' for it. Not good eh? By the way, would you believe that the sign at the leftcorner of the photo just above the car says it's a place for people in wheelchairs only? Nobody parks there, that's the plus, but I'd hate to see someone in a wheelchair tripping over that rim. Don't know what the towncounsel was thinking when they put that sign there...<br />Frank

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

They really do things different on the other side of the pond! Such a dry-launch technique has got to put a HUGE amount of stress on the winch, bow eye, hull, and trailer frame. But sorry, I don't know how to calculate the actual physics. The bow eye ripping loose would be a concern of mine...I wouldn't want to be standing with my face in the line of that winch rope without a full-face helmet on!<br /><br />I'm confused about this location...are you saying you use a wheelchair lake observation deck to launch your boat? Is there not a conventional boat ramp on this lake? Or is this actually a boat launch?

 

[BillP]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

Nothing wrong with doing it. I've done it the same way with a 3000lb outboard using a 2 speed 2600lb manual winch...yours looks like half that weight. Just check your strap and eyebolt to make sure they are up to par. You may want to adjust the tilt so it doesn't go too far when launching. Otherwise it can dip the stern and motor under. Retrieving is different, let it tilt until the last center keel roller is a couple inches above the water.

 

[gss036]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

I am not a math/physics whiz, but I would definately think that the winch post should be taller than you have it at the angle in your picture. That is creating a tremendous amount of torque/stress at that angle. That post should raise about a foot, but then is it stron enough to take the load being applied at that angle.<br />I would use 5/16" steel cable, not fabric . I would also use a 5,000# winch and maybe even a snatch block.

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

Thanks for the input , guys. I have some things to think about. <br />Frank

 

[gss036]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

I went to the picture site and was looking at the rear of the trailer, with the tire set up you have, you have eliminated a lot of the torque involved. I would just raise the winch post up as high as possible and see what difference that makes.

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Winch too small in capacity

I don't even think that IS a boat ramp/launch. At least not for trailerable boats. Looks and sounds more like fishing dock or canoe/kayak launch. Looks like another winch would be helpfull too. One to pull down the bunk when the boat is 2/3 on the trailer. Then winching it up the rest of the way would be a snap.