How to Choose the Correct Size Trailer Winch For a Boat Trailer
Updated 08/07/2020 | Published 06/14/2011
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
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.
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.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: safety chains
- Search Results: electric brake wiring
- Search Results: brake away system
- Search Results: junction box
- Search Results: trailer light kit
- Search Results: bulldog coupler
- Search Results: surge brake actuator brake actuator
- Q&A: Winch Recommendation for Pontoon Boat
- Shop: LED Combination Tail Light Kit for Trailers under 80" Wide - Submersible - Driver and Passenger
- Shop: LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - Driver and Passenger Side - 25' Wire Harness
- Shop: 14 Gauge, 7 Conductor Jacketed Wire - Per Foot
- Shop: Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Trailer Breakaway Kit with Trickle Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Lead Acid Battery - Side Load
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS
- Shop: Uni-Lite LED Clearance and Side Marker Light with Grommet - Submersible - Amber LED - Clear Lens
- Q&A: Should I Put Brakes on the Front or Back Axle of my Tandem Axle Trailer
- Video: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w Drop and Electric Lockout Spec Review
- Video: Review of CURT Trailer Winch - 2 Speed Boat Trailer Winch 2600 LBS - C75ZJ
- Q&A: Will a Fulton F142416 Winch Replace An Obsolete Fulton F142208 Winch?
- Q&A: Matching Right Hand Drive Winch To Left Hand Drive Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch # DL15403
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Bearings that Fit Almost Too Tight to Install
- Video: Review of CURT Hand Winch Strap With Hook 23 Foot - C32ZJ
- Video: Review of Caliber Boat Trailer Parts - Marine Slides for Boat Trailer Bunks - CA26AJ
- Q&A: Exploded Diagram for a Fulton XLT Series Winch
- Video: Review of Dutton-Lainson Trailer Winch - Standard Hand Winch - DL14825
- Video: Dutton-Lainson 2 Speed Hand Winch Feature Review
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Dutton-Lainson Covered Hand Winch
- Q&A: Boat Trailer Winch Recommendation for 2,400 lb Console Boat
- Article: Hand Winches
on Trailer Winch
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