How Do I Select a Hand Winch for My 8,000 pound Boat Trailer

Question:

What is the max weight of the boat that this winch will load to a trailer with a 2 10K strap. My boat is about 8K lbs wet. If this winch is not large enough please recomend another. Thanks

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

Finding the right capacity winch for your boat trailer is fairly simple but you have factors that must be taken into consideration.

Boat-size-to-winch capacity is generally 2 to 1. With good rollers and short winching distances, you could increase the ratio to 3 to 1. With wooden bunks and long winching distances, reduce the ratio to 1 to 1. Special consideration should be given to pontoon boats and other boats with special hull designs.

By my calculations the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch with TUFFPLATE Finish, Two Speed with Direct Drive - 3,200 lbs., item # DL15440, is 2.5 to 1, with your 8,000 boat, and I would recommend this two speed winch as long as your boat trailer has a good loading system that guides the boat straight onto the trailer and you are not required to winch the boat a long distance onto the trailer.

Our largest Hand Winch is the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch, TUFFPLATE Finish, Two Speed with Direct Drive - Hand Brake - 3,500 lbs., item # DL14881 which will provide a ratio of 2.29 to 1 with your boat and would be better for your boat weight. If you have wooden bunks and a long distance to winch the boat when loading I would recommend a winch of at least 2 to 1 capacity with a 1 to 1 capacity being ideal.

expert reply by: Robert G