How to Select Hand Winch for Boat Trailer

Question:

Hi. I purchasing the dutton 3500 to use on my boat trailer to pull a very large boat. I was wondering if I could use a synthetic cable in lieu of the wire rope? If so, what thickness is recommended? If not possible, what size wire rope is recommended.? The boat weighs 10,000lbs. Thank you in advance.

asked by: Jerry C

Expert Reply:

The Dutton-Lainson 2 Speed Direct Drive Hand Winch # DL14881 is designed only for use with a wire rope like 1/4-inch x 50-foot # DL24104 or a flat strap, according to my contact. Dutton-Lainson does NOT recommend using synthetic rope with this winch because those tend to stretch and contract so much that they can reduce the winch capacity.

You may want to have a look at the linked article on winches and how to determine the capacity you need. Incline angle, winching distance and the nature of the bunks or rollers used on the trailer affect how much winch capacity you actually need to do the job and to also provide a good safety margin.

With good roller bunks like # DL21741 on the trailer boat-weight-to-winch-capacity can be a 3:1 ratio. Rollers mean less stress on the winch and cable.

expert reply by: Adam R