Winch Post Setup and Winch Recommendation for 2000 Four Winns Vista

Question:

Hello... I have a 2000 Four Winns Vista 248 with a weight of about 7,000 lbs. I need to replace the WINCH POST SETUP as this is not the original trailer and the post is too low. What POST SETUP and WINCH do I need for a boat this size? Should the BOW HOOK be ABOVE the ROLLER STOP or BELOW? THANK YOU!

asked by: Tim G

Expert Reply:

Typically the bow eye/hook will sit just below the roller stop. In addition to making for an easier retrieval, having the bow eye below the roller also provides a safety measure. The potential danger of your current setup is that in the event of an accident on the road there's nothing keeping the boat from launching up that roller and into the back of your tow vehicle. If you have the bow stop above the eye/hook (with the winch strap below it) the bow can't get over the stop.

We currently only have one winch post available with the CE Smith Winch Stand # CE31013G. This is a heavy-duty stand that features 14 mounting holes to allow you to adjust the height of your winch during the install. It will fit 2 inch trailer tongues and measures 30 inches tall x 2 inches wide. It can be used with the CE Smith Bow Roller Bracket # CE31005PG if needed.

If you need a new winch as well I recommend taking a look at the Fulton High-Performance # F142430. This is an excellent 2-Speed hand winch (fast speed and lower speed) with a neutral freewheel position that allows for quick and easy operation. It also has a Z-Max 600 zinc finish for superior rust resistance. With carpeted bunks in good condition which it looks like your trailer has and a reasonable winching distance you just need a winch with a capacity that is at least half of your boat's weight (2:1 ratio). With that in mind this 3,700 pound winch should work perfectly for your 7,000 pound Four Winns Vista.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R