How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

[stb100]

Hi,

Replacing an ancient broken winch. Is one I bought gonna be big enough? Old one says capacity: 2800lbs. New one says 1500lbs.
Boat is an old 20' Wellcraft 200 Elite -- 1983 w/a 260hp Merc...

Not sure about "load" and whether I need to to same size the replacement. Anyone know the deal w/ the capacity rating, etc...

THANKS!!

 

[licketdsplit756]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

a rule of thumb i use personaly. double your boat weight. my bass boat is 1300 pounds i use a 2500 wench.i figure with gear and all. gas all that adds a few ponds.not to metion the fact. your on a incline at the ramp..more is better then a disapointing moment.

 

[stb100]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

Thanks for your reply...Probably oughta upgrade it.

Bridgeport, IL...that near Sumner?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

i have stripped a couple of winches, in bad loading situations. luckily i had a come-a-long in the truck.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

depends on the trailer type also. I've got a 2500# on my trailer for my 1300# boat and it won't budge the boat on the Bunks out of the water without stripping the handle out. A 1500# winch for your 20' boat is way too small.

 

[no1shep]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

1500 lbs. sounds small,but if you are loading your boat correctly ,you should only be pulling the boat a short distance(and only a portion of the weight of the boat).the boat should nearly float onto the trailer.i have a 3500 lb. boat and a 2500lb.winch.

 

[lovedssron5]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

I own a tow truck and have found the I can double my pulling capacity with a snatch block (pully)

 

[burroak]

Re: How Big Should Trailer Winch Be?

I own a tow truck and have found the I can double my pulling capacity with a snatch block (pully)

You can quadruple it if you add anotherpulley, but you better bring a lunch.

A heavy duty winch is only needed when you are making a dead pull of all the boat. Sinking the trailer more will permit you to pull it on hand over hand; driving it onto the trailer eliminates any question of winch rating. Alcohol should not be involved when attempting this, however.