Manual winch suggestions....

[Rocky_Road]

I have a new (to me) 18' fiberglass, bowrider, w/Mercruiser 170 hp I/O. The trailer is a bunk setup...and I need to replace the boat winch.

I have no idea of the weight of this boat.

I am looking at the Fulton XLT Series 1800 lb. (5.1:1 gear ratio) winch w/strap, and the Road Warrior 2-speed 2500 lb. winch.

I like the Fulton for the strap...but, like the Road Warrior for the second gear (but not the stainless steel cable). I am leaning towards the extra winching capability of the heavier Road Warrior.

Would the Fulton 1800 lb. winch be enough?

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Be careful when selecting a winch, often if you buy one that's too big, it ends up being super slow and takes far too long to get the boat on the trailer.
A bunk trailer is a float on situation, so the winch shouldn't have to handle nearly as much weight as a roller trailer set up in most cases. I seem to prefer a mid sized winch, usually single speed and not too slow. I have two trailers with two speed winches, I don't think I've ever used the lower range.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

on that size boat the single speed Fulton will serve well. some of us senior members do prefer the 2 speed winch, as it makes the cranking easier, on our old muscles. i have both. 2 speed on my 23 footer, as the last foot is hard to get. the best add on for your trailer will be guide ons. you can buy the or make then.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Thanks guys!

Great feedback...and taken seriously, since you based your answers on personal experience.

I understand that the 1800 lb would probably meet my needs, and that was the way cheaper option when I asked the question. But I have found a Fulton 2600 lb 2-speed, with a strap, that is only $10 more than the 1800 .

The strap on the 2600 is what I hoped for, and the 'fast' gear ratio is identical with the 1800 (5.1:1)...so I can't see why I wouldn't go with the bigger winch.

I appreciate the responses!

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Two speed allows ripping in slack, while still gearing down for the final few inches. Price difference is negligible compared to benefits received.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Two speed allows ripping in slack, while still gearing down for the final few inches. Price difference is negligible compared to benefits received.

My thoughts...to a 'tee'!

Like Reelfishin said...I don't mind having the second (low) gear, even if I don't use it that much. Better to have it in 'reserve'...than to wish that you did, on a busy day at the ramp!

Payday is tomorrow....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

it will come in handy, if you get on a bad ramp. go for it.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

another thing to consider...
get a winch with neutral. by that i mean. one that allows the extension of the winch strap w/o the handle turning. the one i have is 2 speed. like above, i generally don't use low, mostly use high. but i do use neutral. disengaged from the crank handle. the one that came with my boat didn't have it, my previous one did. i got whacked once or twice launching by the handle. it was gone and the one off my other boat is now what i use.. disengaged or neutral, whatever ya call it. is really nice to have....
another thing that's handy is a break. in launching, while disengaged and in neutral. the break allows ya to stop extension of the strap.....

i use high speed
i use neutral
i use the break

on every launching....

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

another thing to consider...
get a winch with neutral. by that i mean. one that allows the extension of the winch strap w/o the handle turning. the one i have is 2 speed. like above, i generally don't use low, mostly use high. but i do use neutral. disengaged from the crank handle. the one that came with my boat didn't have it, my previous one did. i got whacked once or twice launching by the handle. it was gone and the one off my other boat is now what i use.. disengaged or neutral, whatever ya call it. is really nice to have....
another thing that's handy is a break. in launching, while disengaged and in neutral. the break allows ya to stop extension of the strap.....

i use high speed
i use neutral
i use the break

on every launching....

Exactly what I ended up with...2 speed, neutral, and brake.
http://www.boatersworld.com/product...046503;citrailering;ciwinches;citrailer-winch

Had to go with the stainless steel cable, after taking a closer look at my bow stop setup. Really wanted the strap....

This is definitely 'overkill'...but that is what I prefer!

 

[mthieme]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Personally, I'll never buy a cable version again.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Manual winch suggestions....

Exactly what I ended up with...2 speed, neutral, and brake.

yer gonna love neutral..... nothing worse that getting a good wack or three on the wrist with the other kind. with yer bunk set up, ya may not use the break as much as i do. i've got a roller trailer. give it a push and off she goes. the break helps cotrol launch speed off the trailer for me. i don't know about the cable vs the strap. i've always had the strap kind...... glad ya got a good heavy one. better overkill than underkill..... ya'll like it i bet...