Powerwinch 712 overkill for my boat?

[john from md]

A friend gave me a Powerwinch 712 and I am deliberating on whether to use it or not. I have a 16ft Bayliner with an 85 horse Force engine on a 21ft Ez Loader bunk trailer.

I have glides on my bunks and the boat slides off easily. I usually have to put little of the trailer in the water or the boat won't line up. This usually requires me to crank it about half way up.

The ramp I usually use has a shallow slope and cranking is not too bad. I imagine it could be a bear if I use one of the steeper ramps in the county.

I never owned an electric winch so I guess I don't how much I'm missing.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

Regards,

John

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Powerwinch 712 overkill for my boat?

actually steeper ramps are easier. to answer the overkill question, YES, it is overkill. i winch a 5,000 lb 23 footer.

 

[john from md]

Re: Powerwinch 712 overkill for my boat?

Well TD, I'll find out on Thursday. I am going to Cape May to fish with my cousin and the ramp I have to use is a bit on the old, unimproved side. If I don't have any problems with it, I'll probably give it a friend who just bought a 26ft Grady White with twin 200's on a bunk trailer.

I would think that cranking will get old with that fast.

John

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Powerwinch 712 overkill for my boat?

actually steeper ramps are easier. to answer the overkill question, YES, it is overkill. i winch a 5,000 lb 23 footer.

Steeper ramps are a lot easier to load and unload but they can be a real bear with a smaller tow vehicle, especially if they're slippery.

Maybe the answer would be a set of rear guide bunks or poles and go in a bit deeper to save some winching?

My problem with any electric winch is that the tow vehicle has to be wired for it or you have to carry a spare battery to power it. If the battery fails or you use a different tow vehicle that day, your stuck cranking an electric winch, and they don't crank very fast at all.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Powerwinch 712 overkill for my boat?

I prefer winching on myself. Having an electric one is fine till it fails !!! for whatever reason. When recovering a boat you will find that "sweet spot" where the boat needs minimal winching and is in great alignment.