Towing new boat

[NewfieDan]

Hi all,


New to the forum but not boating. I just bought a new to me Rinker 230. When I started towing the boat home (about 3-1/2hr drive) I noticed that the bow support seemed to be moving in comparison to the boat. I stopped to check it out and the boat wasn't pulled uptight to the bow support. I pulled the boat up tight, buut now the winch appears to be flexing under the strain.

I have owned boats before but not of this size. Is it normal for the winch to flex/bend like this? Or do I need a larger winch.

The strap winch rating is 3470lbs on first wrap and 1460lbs when full. The boat has a dry weight of 4950lbs.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Towing new boat

then your strap is probably to small as well as the bolt that holds it to your winch might be flexing and/or broken. when buying a strap for the winch make sure its about as heavy duty as you can find and replace it any time it frays or every 5 years or so. better to be the one watching other peoples strap break when loading then watch yours eh?

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Towing new boat

It doesn't appear that the bolt is flexing but the base of the winch itself. My concern is if the winch has enough rating for a 5000lb boat.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Towing new boat

It sounds like time for a new winch. One rated for 2000# or more should be sufficient- you're pulling the boat, not lifting it!

I just noticed your location. My mother was from Brigus.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Towing new boat

guessing it is not a matching trailer? my 91 sundowner came with matching trailer year and everything. i seen a post 3 days ago some one bought a trailer at the limits of the boat weight, so i guess maybe thats what the previous owner did. with out a picture of some sort i can't really tell you. but my guess is the boat may be to heavy for the trailer and thats why it is flexing or the last winch broke and it was replaced by a cheaper model.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Towing new boat

Are you talking about the winch or the winch stand?
If the stand is flexing you need to add a brace. I dont think that I have ever seen a winch flex.
As for the weight rating on the winch, you should go as big as poss but remember that you are not pulling 4950lbs. You are only pulling about 1/3 of that so you dont need a 5k winch.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Towing new boat

My biggest concern would be what the winch was fabed to if it's allowing flex it won't be long before it gives out and hopefully it doesn't happen when your in tow. That is a big rig and for what it's worth my 18 footer's trailer winch and post doesn't even flinch ever! Good luck.

 

[beagleboy]

Re: Towing new boat

Lord Tundering Bye. (inside canadian joke with the newfies).

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Towing new boat

Your winch might be fine... Depending on the hull and bunks, it might be VERY difficult to move it if everything is dry. I know I've owned some boats that had decent winches that had no problems under normal conditions, but I would have been reality hesitant to slide the boat on the bunks dry.