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.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Mike, The metal post on the guide-ons #CE27635 are going to be 38" long, from the notch that the PVC pipe sits on to the bottom it is 11.8". The metal post goes up 27" total into the PVC pipe. What kind of trailer are you wanting…

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Answer 2

It's going to be a good idea to get the weight off of your tires when it's stored long term. If the tires sit in the same spot for an extended period of time they tend to get flat spots which makes for a rough ride and wears them out…

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Answer 3

There are two schools of thought when it comes to determining the correct sized winch for a boat. The first being that the winch should be able to handle 3/4th of the total combined weight of the boat along with the motor, fuel and gear. The second…

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Answer 4

The Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch part #F142425 as the title states has two speeds; a high speed which lets you retrieve your load much faster but it will be more strenuous and a low speed which makes it slower to retrieve your load but it will be…

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Answer 5

For your 2007 Crest pontoon boat, I recommend using the Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch #F142425. This is a top-of-the-line boat trailer winch, it has 2-speed gearing for faster retrieval, and a corrosion-resistant zinc finish and polypropylene…

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Answer 6

The Dutton-Lainson StrongArm 12-Volt DC Electric Winch with Remote #DL25220 is an excellent option for your 2,500 lb boat. The 3,000 lb weight rating is for rolling loads, but this can actually handle up to a 9,000 lb boat, and since you have rollers…

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Answer 7

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 8

There are a few factors that go into selecting the correct height of boat guide-on. It varies by setup but if you don't know what height you need you can simply go with an option longer than you'll need and then trim as you see fit. The CE…

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Answer 9

The CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers - 75" Tall #CE27636 has base bars that are 23 inches long to the outside of the bend. The bars adjusts out to 19" from trailer. I've attached a photo to help.

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Answer 10

When choosing boat guide-ons, the height of the post is personal preference. Guide-ons come in a variety of heights to accommodate different boats styles and preferences of different people. Since you have a Monterey 260SCR, the 75 inch tall, CE…

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Answer 11

In regards to the CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers part #CE27636, if you need to extend the uprights more than 19" from outside of the frame you'd have to replace the horizontal bar stock with a longer option. It's…

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Answer 12

It depends on how tall your boat is. You want the posts to sit up above where the top sides of your boat are. You can see in the video I've included. So I recommend getting the 60" #CE27640 or the 75" #CE27636 guide ons.

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

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