Can A Winch Stand/Post Be Mounted Completely Vertically?  

Slanted winch posts compete unnecessarily with the jack, the anti-sway bar, the coupler, crossbars, and other stuff sometimes occupying tongue space. My EZLoader adjustable trailer has the usual 22 degree, slanted, U-bolt-on post. To get the transom at or forward of the back of my trailer, I need to move the bow stop forward, but that puts the post base smack on a busy crossbar connection. A simple U-bolt-on vertical post would work and fit perfectly and put the bow stop right where it needs to be … IF it is bolted on to the side rail in front of the crossmember after the side rails begin to curve slightly inward to meet at the tongue. My solution seems to be having a metal fabrication shop weld a vertical post onto a U-bolt-on base plate rotated to compensate for the side rail curvature. This lines up the winch post with the ski’s centerline and puts the bow stop right where it needs to be. THEN I will move the axle wherever it needs to be to put the tongue weight at 10% of the gross loaded trailer weight. (I LOVE these adjustable trailers.) The C.E. Smith concept won't allow for my side-rail curvature and doesn't just U-bolt on for position fine-tuning. I also try to minimize drilling any holes. Internet inquiries about vertical winch stands led only to strident claims that vertical stands are dangerous and cumbersome ... with no explanation. I'm an engineer with 60 years of DIY experience, and am not convinced by unsupported claims. Again ... I see no reason the bow eye would know how the bow stop got where it is. I ride my Yamaha Waverunner VX Cruiser HO only on the nearby Columbia River separating Washington from Oregon, and only when the wind is at or near gale force, producing waves from 3 to 8 feet high. Jumps? Heck, no! It's all about terrain-following to follow the contour lines, not destroying my machine. (I have a lawn chair for light-wind days.)