Selecting Proper Winch for Boat Trailer Carrying 1500-lb Bass Boat and Motor

Updated 09/03/2014 | Published 08/31/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(407)

$272.89

Question:

I have a 2008 Triton Tr 186 Bass Boat. The Approximate hull weight is 1502 lbs.I was wondering which winch to choose so it would pull a fully loaded boat with gear and a Mercury Optimax 150 hp motor.on to my double axle trailer.Would the #FW16000101 be sufficient or would I have to go to the #FW 18000 lb? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Robert D

Expert Reply:

The correct rating of hand winch for use on your bass boat trailer will depend to a degree on whether it has carpeted bunks or roller bunks and on the degree of incline. Rollers bunks like Dutton-Lainson # DL21741 reduce the drag substantially and will allow using a lower-rated winch since rolling loads are easier to pull.

If the trailer will typically be loaded when on a steep incline, then this will require a higher-rated winch than if it is typically used on nearly level ground. For example, a 2,000-lb winch pulling a rolling load on a level surface can handle up to 20,000 lbs. At a 5 percent incline, the same winch can handle a rolling load up to 13,340 lbs. As the incline increases, the weight a winch can pull decreases.

The linked article will give you generous background on all type of winches.

We generally recommend using a winch that is rated higher than your actual requirements. This will enable less wear and tear on the winch and also provide for easier cranking. For the modest incremental cost, I suggest you go with the Fulton XLT 2-Speed Trailer Winch - 10" Long Handle - 20' Strap - Zinc - 3,200 lbs # F142425.

expert reply by: Adam R