How to Pick Out a Winch for a 1,000 lb Boat

Published 05/08/2015

Question:

I need to replace the winch on my boat trailer. The space to put the winch onto is only about 6 inches. Can you recommend a winch for me? My boat, motor and gear weigh about 1000 lbs. Thank you.

asked by: Olee M

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 long winching distances and wooden bunks like what you currently have the ratio is 1 to 1.

The Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch # DL14125 should work well for you. It has a 600 lb capacity and has a small enough mounting plate that it should fit your trailer well. I attached a picture of it's dimensions.

expert reply by: Jameson C