Recommended Replacement Boat Winch For 2,500 lb Boat

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/20/2024

Question:

Boat trailer winch question. Need to replace a DL1402a on a ranger trail trailer 2006. Dont know if this is an original winch but seems to require a lot of effort to load - could also be my inexperience with bunk trailers. Id like to get a winch with proper power/load rating. The boat hull is ~1800 lbs and motor 375 so loaded package maybe around 2500? Recommendations? Thank You.

asked by: Bob R

Expert Reply:

Hi Bob,

So the load rating really depends on what kind of set up you have when loading your boat. You mentioned bunks, and if those are wooden bunks, that's going to make it much tougher to get the boat on, and you'd want a winch with a 1:1 ratio for capacity. What I'd do is use the 2,600 lb Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch # F142418.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Jameson C.

2/3/2026

Hey Bob, how did the Fulton XLT 2-speed winch work out on your Ranger Trail trailer? Did it make loading the 2,500‑lb setup any easier? Your update could make it easier for others choosing a winch for similar boats.