Two-Speed Trailer Winch for a 6,400 Pound Cabin Cruiser Boat

Question:

I have a 26.5 Ft. cabin cruiser loaded with full tank and gear weighs about 6400 lbs. what size of winch do I need to load on trailer old winch was lacking power to load at low tide .and is only single speed .

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

The Boat-size-to-winch capacity is generally 2 to 1. With good rollers and short winching distances, increase the ratio to 3 to 1. And with wooden bunks and long winching distances, reduce the ratio to 1 to 1.

For example, a 2,200-lb boat generally requires a 1,100-lb winch. If the same boat were winched a short distance with a low incline and with rollers in good condition, it can be safely winched with a 900-lb winch. The boat requires a winch with a 2,200-lb capacity if you are winching a longer distance with more resistance; for example, if the trailer had carpeted, wooden bunks or was set on a steeper incline.

If you determine the ratio to be 2 to 1, then the Fulton winch you referenced, # F142425, would be right at the minimum capacity you could use to winch a 6,400 pound boat. I would go up a little to something like the Dutton-Lainson winch, # DL14881 rated for 3,500 pounds. This winch is also zinc plated for corrosion resistance and it uses a cable like # DL24104.

expert reply by: Michael H