Replacement Winch Recommendation for Trailer with 4,000 lb Boat

Question:

Hello, I have a question about a replacement winch for my boat trailer. I have 22 foot bow rider approx 4000 lbs prior to gas and gear etc. - Four Winns 210 Horizon with carpeted bunks. I need to replace the original winch which is a Fulton Mosinee T1801 rated at a max line pull of 1800 lbs 1st layer and 900 lbs full drum. All the recommendations on your site for boats of this weight, and the formula you use to estimate, call for a much larger capacity winch than what the original manufacturer installed. Can you confirm for me why and what you would recommend as a suitable replacement. I am assuming the original specs are sufficient, but can upgrade if recommended. Thanks -

asked by: Doug J

Expert Reply:

Generally when picking out a winch for a boat trailer the ratio is 2 to 1 meaning you would need a winch with roughly half the capacity as the weight of the boat. With good rollers and a short winching distance the ratio increases to 3 to 1, but with long winching distances and wooden bunks like what you currently have the ratio is 1 to 1.

Since you have wood bunks and possibly a longer winching distance I would recommend you go with a higher weight rating. It's a good sign your Fulton 1,800 lb winch worked decently, but I'd recommend the Dutton Lainson Hand Winch part # DL15440 which has a 3,200 lb capacity and would work well.

expert reply by: Jameson C