Boat Winch Recommendation for a 4,500 lb Boat

Updated 05/29/2015 | Published 05/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch - TUFFPLATE Finish - 2 Speed - Direct Drive - 2,500 lbs

(480)

$123.53

Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch - TUFFPLATE Finish - 2 Speed - Direct Drive - 3,500 lbs

(480)

$320.96

Hand Winch Cable with Safety Hook 1/4" Diameter x 50' Long - 3,500 lbs

(31)

$72.73

Hand Winch Strap with Safety Hook, 2" Wide x 25' Long - 4,000 lbs.

(108)

$28.94

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.