Recommended Electric Winch To Pull 4,000-Lb Boat Into Garage.

Question:

I currently have a 4000 lb 120v winch bolted directly to the garage floor to pull my boat and trailer into my garage. The winch failed and is no longer sold. I prefer a winch that is powered by 120v so I dont need a battery. The driveway is gravel and the slope is at least 15 degrees. What replacement winch do you recommend? Can I mount it directly to the floor or is it better to mount the winch on a wood structure that is mounted to the floor? Do I need some sort of safety strap in case the cable snaps? I dont have one now but that issue has always concerned me. If the cable snaps the boat will end up in a creek across the road.

asked by: Ed R

Expert Reply:

The electric winch I recommend is the Dutton-Lainson StrongArm # DL25046. This winch has a 2,700-lb straight line pull capacity and is you use the included pulley the double line pull increases to 4,000-lbs.

I have attached a drawing that shows how a double line with the pulley is done. As far as attaching the winch to the garage floor, you will want to make sure it is as secure as possible so that it will not come loose when using it. As the drawing shows, the winch is mounted offset and an anchor like part # EM59505 to hook the end of the strap to. With the incline you are going to use the winch with, it may be a good idea to have a rope or cable that you can use as an additional safety measure. You sure don't want to have to recover the boat and trailer from the creek.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L