Winch modification

[Nines]

Does anybody have experience with swapping the crank handle (and corresponding gear/lock) on a hand crank Fulton T1801 boat winch?

I have an Alumaweld Talon and the crank handle is on the left side when standing in the bow looking down. My electric trolling motor gets in the way when cranking the boat up onto the trailer while loading. Plus, I have a bum left shoulder and it sure would be easier if the crank was on the right side.

Thanks in advance for any insight or suggestions. Cheers!

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

Flip the winch on the winch post and re-wrap the strap. It won't know the difference.

 

[MTboatguy]

Welcome aboard.

Flip the winch on the winch post and re-wrap the strap. It won't know the difference.

:loco:

 

[Nines]

Well, I thought of that and it won't work. The geared spool sticks out from the mounting base (it's not centered on bracket) and hits the winch post when flipped around. I've just taken the winch apart to swap gear sides but that won't work either. The forward - reverse button won't accept right hand drive.

Thanks for your help!

 

[GA_Boater]

Need a picture of your winch tower. Can you get one?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Well, I thought of that and it won't work. The geared spool sticks out from the mounting base (it's not centered on bracket) and hits the winch post when flipped around. I've just taken the winch apart to swap gear sides but that won't work either. The forward - reverse button won't accept right hand drive.

Thanks for your help!

then buy a new winch.

 

[Nines]

"then buy a new winch."

Yeah, it's looking like I'll have to.

I'd post a pic but I keep getting an error message. Not sure why.

 

[Nines]

 

[GA_Boater]

I see the problem. You're cranking the winch while still in the boat. Bet you strain to crank her on.

Can you climb on the tongue to crank?

 

[Nines]

"Can you climb on the tongue to crank?"

Well, GA Boater, yes I could climb on the tongue but I'd prefer not to. Sooner or later I'd go swimming.
Thanks for all your help, it looks like I'm buying a new winch.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your supposed to be cranking the winch when standing next to it, not above it.

 

[poconojoe]

Seems it would be very awkward to crank the winch from inside the boat. Sounds like you would actually cause another "bum shoulder" doing that.

If you're afraid of slipping on the tongue or frame, they make steps and even platforms you can add to the trailer frame.

I step over my bow, walk the tongue toward my truck and sit comfortably on the tailgate while cranking the winch.

 

[NYBo]

Sounds like you are a good candidate for an electric winch.

 

[ajgraz]

Or Crocs / water shoes.

 

[Nines]

When loading my boat I like the driver to back down until the water is just over the top of the fenders. I ease the boat onto the trailer touching just the trailer bow cushion, walk through the walkway to the bow, kneel down attaching the winch hook and give it a few cranks (ideally right handed), sit back down in the seat and wave the driver onward.

I'd prefer not to wear Crocs on a December fishing night.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I boat alone many times. I simply walk the boat to the trailer, and crank it up the last 3'

my sandals may get wet, however my shoulder doesnt hurt and the boat is always perfect.

they make boots for loading in cold weather climates.

 

[GA_Boater]

Do all the above except loop a line over the winch tower and forget about the winch, pull the rig forward until your feet don't get wet when you jump out of the boat, hook up the strap and crank the boat the rest of the way.

You probably have to finish winching after you pull up the ramp no matter how you do it and if you can reach the strap now, you can loop a line over the winch tower.