Winch way is the best?

[gm280]

Ha again folks. I know most thought I have vacated these comment boards. And maybe even more wish I would...:facepalm:

However, contrary to those thoughts, I've been working along all this time refurbishing my old Tom Boy tri-haul boat, motor and of course the trailer. I've finished the motor and have posted those results in one of my other project threads on here. AND I've also completely refurbish an old Motor Guide III foot controlled trolling motor as well back to brand new functioning and cosmetic condition. I'll post those picture at a later date. It looks absolutely brand new and works that way too! That brings me to the TRAILER now! I have completely refurbished the trailer from a standard utility type to a custom unique drive on type that fits the Tom Boy Tri-haul boat like a glove. Pictures will also be posted real soon as well. BUT I am needing some input as to what is the correct way to install a winch? What I mean is, I have a web strap new winch that I am going to install and would like to hear the pros and cons to which way the winch should be installed. Do I put the web take up wheel towards the boat or the vehicle? I've done my usual research and found them mounted both ways. So what says you! Which way should I mount it and why? Thanks for any input. I hope this isn't one of those "which is better" type comments that I've so much on here... :joyous:

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Winch way is the best?

Doesn't make any difference.... Mount it however it fits for you.

If possible tho consider trying not to bury your question in such a long story
It makes it take longer to find the question and answer it.

Good luck w ur boat

 

[roscoe]

Re: Winch way is the best?

Usually the wheel is toward the boat.
That will move the handle a little further away from the boat, so it doesn't hit the boat, or smash your knuckles.

But, it can be done any way that works.
I have seen them mounted vertically.
And have seen one mounted down low on the post, with a roller to guide the strap up to the boat.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Winch way is the best?

It simply depends upon which way you feel most comfortable cranking the boat onto the trailer. Since I am right handed, I prefer cranking clockwise. I got around that problem on my bigger boat with a power winch.

 

[gm280]

Re: Winch way is the best?

Doesn't make any difference.... Mount it however it fits for you.

If possible tho consider trying not to bury your question in such a long story
It makes it take longer to find the question and answer it.

Good luck w ur boat

Thanks for your response. And YES I do get long winded...sorry! :embarassed:

 

[gm280]

Re: Winch way is the best?

Usually the wheel is toward the boat.
That will move the handle a little further away from the boat, so it doesn't hit the boat, or smash your knuckles.

But, it can be done any way that works.
I have seen them mounted vertically.
And have seen one mounted down low on the post, with a roller to guide the strap up to the boat.

Thanks for your reply. It did help me make my decision as well. Good point about the handle. :joyous:

 

[gm280]

Re: Winch way is the best?

It simply depends upon which way you feel most comfortable cranking the boat onto the trailer. Since I am right handed, I prefer cranking clockwise. I got around that problem on my bigger boat with a power winch.

I did have some people make that same suggestion about a power winch. But I was wondering what you do when there is no power for the winch? However, I do appreciate your reply... Thanks!

 

[limitout]

Re: Winch way is the best?

I did have some people make that same suggestion about a power winch. But I was wondering what you do when there is no power for the winch? However, I do appreciate your reply... Thanks!

they all have (at least the ones I have seen) have a manual crank and handle attachment for them to manually winch it in in case of a failure.

keep in mind to run a power winch you need proper wiring, switches, and connections and often not enough thought is given to the expense or quality of materials you use when doing all that.

 

[pullin]

Re: Winch way is the best?

I did have some people make that same suggestion about a power winch. But I was wondering what you do when there is no power for the winch? However, I do appreciate your reply... Thanks!

I mounted mine in the truck, with a separate battery for it. The following picture is before I dressed up the wiring, but you can see the idea. The battery itself is locked into place by the pin-lock just ahead of it. I have a Sea Ray cuddy cabin that's somewhere north of 5000 lbs, so I can't winch it up a steep ramp by myself. I realize this is a specialized installation, but maybe you can get some ideas from it. The separate battery eliminates the need for additional wiring, and it's pretty simple to put a charger on it every few weeks.