Recommendation for a Winch to Pull 34 Foot Suntracker Party Barge With Enclosed Cabin

Question:

I think the winch and strap is too light for this rig and it has broke numerous times. This the Suntracker 34foot party barge that has the enclosed cabin. Which winch do you recommend?

asked by: Nick W

Expert Reply:

The boat to winch capacity is typically 2:1, with that being said, my research shows your 34 foot Suntracker Party Barge with an enclosed cabin has an approximate dry weight of 4500-lbs. You usually want to add about ten percent for incidentals that are stored on your boat, so it puts your weight right at 5000-lbs. This weight does not include any modifications that have been added to the boat which would increase the weight.

The winch ratio changes to 1:1 if you have wooden or carpeted bunks, a steeper incline or a long winching distance. For this situation you will need to move to an electric winch such as Dutton-Lainson StrongArm # DL25215 which has a 9,000-lb rating. I realize the 9,000-lbs is a bit of overkill, but, the next one lesser has a 5,000-lb rating and that is exactly, if not less, than your boat and its contents.

Working off the premise that you have good rollers and a short winching distance, the Fulton XLT # F142425 should work just fine in your application. My technical contact at Fulton said if you happen to be winching over 6,400-lbs (maybe with your boat loaded with gas) then you could see breakage, but, other than that, this winch should be able to pull your boat upon your trailer.

expert reply by: Lori W