There are probably about as
many different boat trailer winches as there are boats or trailers, so
narrowing down your choices isn’t always the easiest thing to do. However,
considering a few factors, finding the right boat trailer winch doesn’t have to
be so complicated.
Capacity
Weight capacity is the first
thing you will need to consider when choosing a winch. The capacity of the
winch you buy should be at least three-fourths the combined weight of your boat
and motor, fully loaded with gear and fuel.
In addition, there are other
things you will need to factor in that can increase the capacity requirements
for a winch. These include, steeper launch ramps, a trailer that uses wood
bunks instead of rollers, as well as how far into the water you can go to
launch the boat.
Power
A single-speed winch is
suitable for lighter boats like dinghies, catamarans, and inflatables. A
two-speed winch, on the other hand, can be used for boats that are any heavier
than that. For truly big boats, an electric winch with higher gear ratios may
be required.
Brake
While most boats can be
launched safely by letting them slide freely off the trailer and into the
water, bigger boats will require a boat trailer winch with some form of braking
system. This should allow you to launch the boat into the water at a safe
speed.
