Trailer Winches
Winches are designed to load and unload boats, not to hold boats in place
on the trailer. A bad bump in the road may cause the winch to release.
To prevent mishaps, use separate tie-downs.
When using hand winches, be sure to get secure footing and proper leverage
- many accidents occur every year from handles that kick back.
To minimize shoulder and back strain, try an electric winch. These power
your boat onto the trailer easily and leave you with a free hand to
guide the boat.
Choose a winch that has a capacity rating of at least half the combined
weight of your boat, motor, and gear. Most trailers have a standard
winch assembly bolt pattern, so if your winch is inadequate, you can
replace it easily.
When
choosing a winch please note that the approximate boat length is juts
a general guideline. Some boats by their design and construction
(in addition to factors such as gasoline capacity, pounds of ice, fish
, and other items) may drastically increase the overall weight of the
boat. Additionally, winches are designed to pull weight, not length.
To be sure you're selecting the proper winch you should find out your
boat's weight and estimate its overall payload (gear, fuel, water, etc.)
To avoid chafe on the winch line, be sure it doesn't rub against any
sharp edges on the winch stand or trailer. If frayed or worn spots appear,
replace the winch line immediately with a new rope, strap, or cable
of the proper type, size, and strength.
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