| Winches are designed to load and unload boats, not to hold boats in place on the
trailer. A bad bump in the road may cause the winch to release. To prevent mishaps,
use separate tie-downs.
When using hand winches, be sure to get secure footing and proper leverage -
many accidents occur every year from handles that kick back.
To minimize shoulder and back strain, try an electric winch. These power your
boat onto the trailer easily and leave you with a free hand to guide the boat.
Choose a winch that has a capacity rating of at least half the combined weight
of your boat, motor, and gear. Most trailers have a standard winch assembly bolt
pattern, so if your winch is inadequate, you can replace it easily.
When choosing a winch please note that the approximate boat length is juts a
general guideline. Some boats by their design and construction (in addition
to factors such as gasoline capacity, pounds of ice, fish , and other items) may
drastically increase the overall weight of the boat. Additionally, winches are designed
to pull weight, not length. To be sure you're selecting the proper winch you should
find out your boat's weight and estimate its overall payload (gear, fuel, water,
etc.)
To avoid chafe on the winch line, be sure it doesn't rub against any sharp edges
on the winch stand or trailer. If frayed or worn spots appear, replace the winch
line immediately with a new rope, strap, or cable of the proper type, size, and
strength. |
Boat Outfitting
