Boat Winch Recommendation for a 20ft Pontoon Boat With No Rollers  

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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 ratio 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.

When your're loading and unloading much of the weight is supported by the water, which will lighten the load. However, it is better to go with a winch with higher weight rating than a lower one. Since your pontoon boat does not have rollers, I recommend the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch 2,500 lbs # DL14825 because it will work great for you if you have good carpeted 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.

expert reply by: Timothy G

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