trailer winch size

[captainmont]

My old winch is rated 2000 lb max. I have a 16 ft bass tracker can I get away with a 1200 lb max winch?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: trailer winch size

Possibly.

What is the weight of your boat? What type of trailer? Roller or bunk?

If I recall rule of thumb is that for a shorter pull on a nice easy rolling trailer you could pull between 2400 to 3600 pound boat with a 1200pound winch. If you have bunks and a longer distance to pull with the winch, as little as 1200 pounds.

So your 2000 pound winch could be good for up to a 6000 boat, or as little as a 2000 boat.

Those figures are from a winch distributor I've used in the past.

 

[NYBo]

Re: trailer winch size

You will be fine. You are pulling the boat onto the trailer, not lifting it.

 

[captainmont]

Re: trailer winch size

Possibly.

What is the weight of your boat? What type of trailer? Roller or bunk?

If I recall rule of thumb is that for a shorter pull on a nice easy rolling trailer you could pull between 2400 to 3600 pound boat with a 1200pound winch. If you have bunks and a longer distance to pull with the winch, as little as 1200 pounds.

So your 2000 pound winch could be good for up to a 6000 boat, or as little as a 2000 boat.

Those figures are from a winch distributor I've used in the past.

Thanks for the help.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: trailer winch size

The price difference between a 1200# and a 1600# is only a few bucks if you look around.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: trailer winch size

Be sure to look at the Winch ratio.
The lower rated winches typically have a lower ratio.
A 6:1 winch will be 50% easier to crank than a 4:1.
You will have to crank 50% more turns but the cranking will be easier. (No free lunch!)
A two speed with a 12:1 setting will make it even easier.