How to Determine Correct Winch Capacity for Boat Trailer
Updated 04/18/2018 | Published 04/16/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 30ft 9500lbs boat that sits on a trailer with carpeted bunks would a 2600lb winch be sufficient?
asked by: Debbie N
Helpful Expert Reply:
The general rule for winch capacity relative to boat weight is that if wooden bunks are used the winch should be rated for at least half the boat weight, a 2:1 ratio. If roller bunks like # DL21741 are installed on the trailer this dramatically reduces the winch's work load and a winch rated for 1/3 of the boat weight would usually be sufficient, a 3:1 ratio. The incline angle when winching also affects capacity.
Just the same, any product like a winch or jack that is used well below its maximum rated capacity will typically last longer and work better.
There are pulley blocks like # BDW20023 that can be used to increase the winch capacity. These are covered in the linked article on winches that you might find helpful.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dutton-Lainson Boat Trailer Deluxe Roller Bunk - 5' Long Sections - 12 Sets of 3 Rollers
- Boat Trailer Parts
- Bunks
- Rollers
- Roller Bunk
- Rubber
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: snatch block
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch
- Shop: Bulldog Winch Snatch Block - Silver Zinc Coated
- Shop: ComeUp Snatch Block for Cub 2, Cub 2s, Cub 3, and Cub 3s Winches
- Shop: Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Wire Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 3,400 lbs
- Shop: Bulldog Utility Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 2,500 lbs
- Q&A: How to Pick Out Electric Winch Capacity for Loading Car on Trailer
- Q&A: Recommendation for a Trailer Winch to Pull a 1952 Chevy Pick Up onto a 22 Foot Car Hauler
- Q&A: Recommended Electric Winch With Remote Control to Load and Unload Generator
- Q&A: How to Pick Out Winch for Race Car Trailer
- Q&A: Does 3,400 lb Bulldog Winch Come with a Mounting Kit for a Trailer
- Q&A: Can Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch Pull Logs
- Q&A: What Parts Come with the Bulldog Winch # BDW15017?
- Search Results: electric winch
- Search Results: trailer winch
- Video: All About the Superwinch Tiger Shark Off-Road Winch
- Video: Review of Erickson Electric Winch - ATV - UTV Winch - EM64EV
- Shop: Superwinch LT2000 ATV Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Erickson ATV Series Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Erickson ATV Series Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 1,500 lbs
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
on Boat Trailer Parts
