Winch Recommendations for Lifting Canoes and Kayaks to Storage Position

Question:

This winch will be used to lift and store canoes and kayaks. Does it rachet both directions or free spool when letting out?

asked by: Tom M

Expert Reply:

For lifting and storing your canoes and kayaks, you will want to use either a worm gear or a brake winch. Worm gear and Brake winches, see links, prevent runaway loads, and do not have a free spool mode.

The pulling winch you selected would not be the best choice for your application, because it could potentially release the load if not operated safely.

I would recommend a worm gear winch for ease of operation. The Dutton-Lainson Worm Gear Hand Winch, # DL10950, or # DL10954, would be a great choice, depending on how you want to mount the winch.

If you will be mounting the winch up high across ceiling joists, the # DL10954 winch will allow you to use a hooked rod to reach up and crank the winch, while staying out from under the load.

If you will be mounting the winch down low and using pulley blocks to get the winch cable and hook to the correct location, the # DL10950 winch would work well.

If a standard brake winch is desired for your application, the Pro Series Standard Brake Winch, # PSKR10000301, would be a great choice also.

Keep in mind that winches are not designed for use in areas where people are present. You will need to fabricate a safety system that is capable of securely holding the weight of the items you are lifting, once the items are lifted to the storage position. You will also need to be sure that people cannot enter the lift area while the load is being lifted and secured.

A static chain and hook system that is capable of holding the weight of the items you are lifting would be one way of securing the items when lifted to the storage position. It is not recommended to use a winch as the only means of holding the weight of the items you are lifting for long periods of time.