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

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.

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.

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.

Answer 1

The Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch with TUFFPLATE Finish, Two Speed with Direct Drive - 2,500 lbs. #DL14825 is the right hand drive winch that matches the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch with TUFFPLATE Finish, Two Speed with Left Hand Direct Drive - 2,500 lbs…

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Answer 2

A 7k Dexter axle should have a number 42 spindle on it which would call for the inner bearing of 25580 and outer bearing 14125A. You should not have to press the bearings or modify the spindle in any way as long as the spindle is in decent shape.…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 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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