Boat Winch Recommendation for a 4,500 lb Boat
Question:
Trailer Winch capacity needed to load 4500 lb boat from boat ramp What capacity winch is needed?
asked by: Steve A
Expert Reply:
When it comes to choosing a winch for a boat trailer, there are a few general rules we can use. The boat-size-to-winch capacity is generally 2 to 1. With good rollers and short winching distances, the ration can increase to 3 to 1 and with wooden bunks and long winching distances, you will want to reduce the capacity to 1 to 1.
So basically, you will want to look at the type and condition of the bunks on your trailer to choose the best winch. The Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch, # DL14825, will work great for you if you have good, carpeted bunks or roller bunks and the winching distance is not excessively long. The strap, # DL24249, is sold separately.
If your bunks are worn or the boat ramp you use requires a long winching distance, then the highest capacity hand winch that we carry is the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch, TUFFPLATE Finish, Two Speed with Direct Drive, Hand Brake # DL14881 and it requires cable # DL24104. Cables are not exactly ideal for marine applications, so if you prefer a winch with a strap, our highest rated winches that come with straps are 3,200lbs like part # F142425.
I have attached a link to our winch help article for you to check out. I have also linked you to all of our hand winches for you to look through.

Products Referenced in This Question
Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch - TUFFPLATE Finish - 2 Speed - Direct Drive - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Winch
- Brake Hand Winch
- Utility Winch
- Heavy Duty
- Standard Hand Crank
- Two Speed Winch
- Wire Rope
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
Hand Winch Cable with Safety Hook 1/4" Diameter x 50' Long - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Winch
- Cables and Straps
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- 3500 lbs
- Wire Rope
- 50 Feet Long
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
Hand Winch Strap with Safety Hook, 2" Wide x 25' Long - 4,000 lbs.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Winch
- Cables and Straps
- 2 Inch Wide
- 2600 lbs
- Straps
- 25 Feet Long
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch - 10" Long Handle - 20' Strap - Zinc - 3,200 lbs
- Trailer Winch
- Standard Hand Winch
- Boat Trailer Winch
- Utility Winch
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Standard Hand Crank
- Two Speed Winch
- Polyester Strap
- Fulton
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch - TUFFPLATE Finish - 2 Speed - Direct Drive - 2,500 lbs
- Trailer Winch
- Standard Hand Winch
- Boat Trailer Winch
- Utility Winch
- Heavy Duty
- Standard Hand Crank
- Two Speed Winch
- Wire Rope
- Polyester Strap
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
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