Which Winch Goes With My Boat?

Suppose you’ve bought yourself a nice boat for regular periods up and down the coast. The craft may or may not have their own berth at the marina. However, there will be times when you want your boat off the water and try your luck in another location, hence hauling them off on a trailer. The thing is: if you already have a trailer, you will need a winch to reel in the vessel before you can transport it anywhere.

The curb weight of your boat will be a major factor in choosing the proper winch. Some experts first recommend checking the manuals of the boat, motor, and trailer for each one’s weight. Add all three weight values and list down the sum in a notebook. Next, compute for the additional weight of gas and other items. Multiply the regular weight of gas per gallon– at 6.25 pounds– times the fuel tank volume, then add around 50 pounds worth of equipment. 


Add up the weight of the first computation and the second, then divide them by two. The result is the minimum weight capacity of the winch you need. Run the capacity by your boat parts seller so they can present you with some choice winches. Buy a new winch strap and some tie-downs to lock the boat on the trailer while in transit.

A Brief Look at Boat Trailers and Marinas

You find towing your boat to and from the water a hassle. You ask yourself, “Why can’t I just leave my boat at a marina or something?” You just asked yourself a good question.

Before anything else, keep in mind this article isn’t trying to persuade you to get a boat trailer. You, the boat owner, always have the final say. However, it should be obvious that a trailer is less costly than paying rent at a marina. If you can afford to keep your boat in one of several marinas in Louisiana, then by all means, do it.

Marinas charge on a monthly basis based on the size of the boat; obviously, the bigger the boat, the bigger the slip fee. In northern California, the cost can reach around hundreds, even for the smallest boat. Also, marinas stick to their rules as tight as barnacles on a boat’s hull. You could only use your boat under certain conditions.

Boat trailers may cost more, but at least it’s a one-time investment; one full payment and it’s all yours for as long as you need it. Even if you and the seller agree on a monthly installment, the cost is much lower than a month in the marina. Towing trailers may require more careful driving, but buying the right parts will make sure your boat stays put during the trip.

When to Grease or Replace Your Trailer Bearings

The looming spring and summer are ideal seasons for out-of-town family vacations. Before packing up and traveling, make sure that you’ve thoroughly inspected your vehicle and trailer for mechanical issues that might affect your journey. You surely don’t want to ruin your vacation by a broken trailer wheel while on your way to the beach. Here’s how to know if your trailer wheel bearings need to be replaced.

A trailer wheel bearing is not visible as the majority of its components are concealed within the metal housing. Therefore, you won’t easily find damage that tells you it should be replaced right away. Instead, you can check what’s visible—the wheel itself. If you find that some tires have an uncommon wear, it probably means the bearings are broken or poorly installed.

Dust and debris may little by little enter the bearing and affect the rotation of the balls that keep the wheel’s turn smooth. Such a concern can spell disaster as it may increase the friction formed between the rotating wheels and the bearings. This is the most likely problem if you start hearing unusual noise in the wheel as the trailer starts moving.

Jack up the trailer and remove the wheels to access the trailer wheel hubs where the bearings are. Get rid of debris and make sure it’s well greased before you put it back. Try towing it and if the unusual noise disappears, it means the trailer is ready to take a long journey without breaking down on the road.