How to Choose the Correct Size Trailer Winch For a Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I HAVE A 27 PONTOON TRACKER THE WINCH THAT CAN WITH IT BROKE, I FELT IT WAS CHEAP AND NOT FOR THE WEIGHT OF BOAT,I PULL IT WITH A 2004 CHEV Z71 TAHOE. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT SIZE WINCH I NEED. THANKS

asked by: DARLENE G

0

Expert Reply:

The size winch that you will need depends on a couple of different factors. I have included part of our hand winch FAQ below regarding boat winches and have linked the FAQ article for you to view.

Finding the Right Capacity Winch for your Boat Trailer

Boat-size-to-winch capacity is generally 2 to 1
With good rollers and short winching distances, increase the ratio to 3 to 1
With wooden bunks and long winching distances, reduce the ratio to 1 to 1

For example, a 2,200-lb boat generally requires a 1,100-lb winch. If the same boat were winched a short distance with a low incline and with rollers in good condition, it can be safely winched with a 900-lb winch. The boat requires a winch with a 2,200-lb capacity if you are winching a longer distance with more resistance; for example, if the trailer had carpeted, wooden bunks or was set on a steeper incline.

So based on the above information, the Fulton XLT Winch, # F142425, could potentially handle a boat that weighs 9,600 pounds at a 3 to 1 ratio. But is probably safer to say that it can handle a boat that weighs between 3,200 pounds and 6,400 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

David

5/30/2020

I have a 27' 5000 lbs. boat on bunk style trailer and need a replacement winch strap. What poundage should I be looking for and what do you offer? Thanks

Reply

Chris R.

6/3/2020

The Extra Heavy Duty Winch Strap # DL24251 will work well for that size boat. It measures 2 inches wide and 20 feet long.

Reply

Jim C.

7/29/2020

I have an older 23 foot Sea Ray. The boat, without the v8 engine, is supposed to be about 4000 pounds. Fully loaded, I think including the trailer, it is supposedly about 6600 pounds. We can pull up a relatively steep hill and run the winch off an isolated battery. What winch do I need? I would prefer a strap, rather than a cable, if possible.

Reply

Jon G.

8/7/2020

If you're looking to use the winch to pull the trailer (with the boat loaded) up a hill then you're going to want something a little hefty like the Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25215 rated for 9,000 lbs. This uses a 20' long strap so you'll need to make sure that's long enough.

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

We do have the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch #DL15403 which places the handle on the left side. This is a 2-speed winch like the Jif Marine #315-W3200D you found. It is rated for up to 2,500lbs versus the 3,200lbs you found. You will need to add a Strap…

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Answer 3

Hi Bob, So the load rating really depends on what kind of set up you have when loading your boat. You mentioned bunks, and if those are wooden bunks, that's going to make it much tougher to get the boat on, and you'd want a winch with a 1:1…

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Answer 4

It may be possible to use a WDH like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37100ET with your trailer, but it will depend on the location of that jockey wheel. The brackets for this system mount 27-32" back from the center of the coupler…

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Answer 5

Generally when picking out a winch for a boat trailer the ratio is 2 to 1 meaning you would need a winch with roughly half the capacity as the weight of the boat. With good rollers and a short winching distance the ratio increases to 3 to 1, but with…

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Answer 6

Hey Bill, so if it was me I would go with the Dutton Lainson winch part #DL17085 over the Fulton. I really like DL winches because they are well made, very reliable, and made in the USA. Fulton winches aren't terrible but DL winches win if for…

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Answer 7

The Aluminum HWT Hi-Spec Series 03 Mod Trailer Wheel #AM22327 will use standard 60-degree cone lug nuts such as the Kodiak Trailer Wheel Lug Nut #KALN1375S. This is a stainless steel lug nut, which can be used with the aluminum HWT wheels because the…

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Answer 8

A wider wheel would allow the tire to have a flatter surface across the top of it when inflated which might help a little bit with tire wear but realistically that difference is very miniscule. With the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load…

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

I recommend using the Trailer Hub Wheel Stud item #7-122 to replace the wheel studs on your Load Rite boat trailer. These are a 1/2" diameter and 2" long.

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Answer 11

The general rule we use for selecting a boat trailer winch is 2:1 which means for a 6,000 lb boat we'd recommend a 3,000 lb winch. The Jif Marine 2-Speed Trailer Winch part #315-W3200D is a great option for this rated at 3,200 lbs. It comes with…

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Answer 12

Both the Jif-Marine 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch #315-W2500D and Fulton High-Performance 2-Speed Trailer Winch #F142412 share the exact same gear design as they are both very similar winches that both have two speeds. Between the two I recommend the…

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How to Choose the Correct Size Trailer Winch For a Boat Trailer

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