Selecting Trailer Hand Winch for 7000-lb Boat

Updated 02/06/2019 | Published 02/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Fulton High-Performance 2-Speed Trailer Winch with Handbrake - Cable Only - Zinc - 3,700 lbs

(268)

$377.45

CE Smith Carpeted Bunk Boards for Boat Trailers - 7' Long - 1 Pair

(739)

$111.90

Dutton-Lainson Boat Trailer Deluxe Roller Bunk - 5' Long Sections - 12 Sets of 3 Rollers

(402)

$284.95

Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch - 10" Long Handle - 20' Strap - Zinc - 3,200 lbs

(135)

$256.56

Question:

Boat weights 7000lbs loaded. Is there a manual winch to meet that capacity?

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

The capacity of winch you will need for a 7000-lb boat depends on the specific nature of the trailer.

The factors that affect selection of a winch include the winching distance, the incline and the nature of the bunks on the trailer. The included article on hand winches has lots of helpful information that will guide you.

If the trailer is equipped with low-friction roller bunks like # DL21741, rather than plain wooden bunks like # CE27845, then you can safely use a winch with a lower capacity. With good roller bunks and short winching distances (less than 20-feet) you can use winch rated for 1/3 of the boat weight. But with plain carpeted wood bunks the boat weight to winch capacity ratio is 1:1. I strongly recommend installing roller bunks since this will take much of the burden off your selected winch.

With rollers installed you can use the Fulton XLT winch # F142425 which includes a 20-foot strap. This 2-speed winch is rated for 3200-lbs and it would have plenty of capacity for a 7K boat when used with rollers.

expert reply by: Adam R