Electric winch

[nu_2_boating]

I'm thinking about adding an electric winch on my trailer to facilitate loading the boat.<br /><br />Does anyone have experience with an electric winch? Is it worth it?

 

[MrBill]

Re: Electric winch

Please fill us in on the size of your boat and frequency of trailering...<br /><br />If the season goes right...I put my boat in once, and take it out once. A lot depends on the ramp conditions and tide, if applicable. Please reply.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Electric winch

I drive mine almost all the way up the trailer. So I only crank the last 2 ft. Therefore, for me, no its not worth it.

 

[wezie]

Re: Electric winch

They are nice if needed. Had one on the last boat, but do not need it on this one. <br />If you really winch your boat on each time, they are pretty nice. They do get you away from the winch and cable.<br />Notes: The wiring harness goes to the battery with an inline breaker. All the way up under the car. There is a plug from the winch to the rear of the vehicle. It will put a strain on the vehicle battery each time you use it. Leave the engine running.<br />They are one more thing to cover and to keep from walking away.<br />There are some cheap ones out there that I would not buy. These things work pretty hard and need to be good stuff.<br />Think it through before investing.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Electric winch

I'm 59, 5'8" and weigh 165 lbs. While I like to think that I am in very good shape, I have to have an electric winch to handle my 3900 lb. 22.5 ft. rig.<br /><br />My winch cost close to $300, but it makes the difference between my trailering that boat or not.<br /><br />Therefore, for my circumstance, the money is very well invested. Your value may depend on how close your circumstances are to mine.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Electric winch

23 Ft boat.. I'd reckon you'd need one even if you were big Arnie. <br />The only problem I see with them.. is that they are another reason for a crook to steal your trailer.. More re-sale value.

 

[gss036]

Re: Electric winch

If you buy a PowerWinch, they come with a snatch block, use it or your motor won't last long. it is slow but worth it in the long run. Just my 2 cents.

 

[nu_2_boating]

Re: Electric winch

Good replies, thanks. I'm going to be towing a 27' Sea Ray sedan bridge weighing I think about 8-9K#. I need to get it weighed at a scale. I plan on putting it in the water every other weekend close to home and doing a long weekend once a month somewhere on the Atlantic side of Florida.<br /><br />I was thinking the electric winch would be a big help loading back up since most of the time it will only be me, the wife and my 11 year old daughter.<br /><br />About stealing trailers - I was thinking about the masterlock trailer/hitch lock combo I saw at a trailer place, about $60 bucks. Has a hitch pin lock, trailer ball receiver lock and a pin lock for when the trailer is hooked up to the tow vehicle. all keyed alike.

 

[PDS]

Re: Electric winch

It sounds like you have a good plan going. A freind of mine has an aluminum 24' and he does'nt power load, but winches his on the trailer. The last time I was with him, we loaded his boat onto the trailer twice as fast as the guys next to us(they had a 18')and they had a cheap electric winch. Thier winch sounded like it could'nt pull a john boat out of the water, let alone 1500 lbs of boat. Buy quality, and you'll be happy. Lotts of good stuff out there, but the prices are higher. PDS.