Boat Trailer Winches
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Winches
When it comes to securing your pride and joy, the boat winch is a must-have piece of equipment. It provides a simple method for deploying and retrieving vessels, in a safe and controlled manner. Constructed from robust steel with a heavy-duty galvanised dacromet finish, BCF boat winches are designed for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. The boat winch is used to take effort and stress out of launching your boat, so your next adventure is one to remember for all the right reasons.
How do i choose a boat winch?
Whether your vessel is a 3.9-meter tinnie or a 6-meter Fibreglass half-cabin, the importance of having the correct boat winch is second to none. There are two main styles of winch most commonly used by boaties - the electric winch and the manual (hand-cranked) winch. Electric winches are powered by a 12-volt battery and use variable speeds and a smooth action to pull your boat onto the trailer. The advantages of an electric winch include the effortless operation, added speed and the ability to winch much larger boats. Manual winches are popular for their simple and cost-effective design, perfect for use on lighter vessels. They come available in a range of speeds or ratios:
- 1:1 ratio - Once the boat has been deployed, 1:1 ratio is handy for collecting lines and straps
- 3:1 ratio - The most commonly used speed for dealing with lighter tinnies
- 5:1 & above - The best choice when retrieving heavier trailer boats, without water assistance
Each winch has its own specific weight capacity, ranging from 300kg through to a whopping 2000lb. It's important that you use the Safe Working Load capacity when selecting the correct winch. You must take into consideration the weight of the motor, fuel and other loaded equipment, not just the dry hull.
Tips on using a boat winch
Your main priority should always be safety when using boat winches and manoeuvring boats. Be aware of your environment, boat ramps can be slippery so make sure you are stable and have a firm footing before you begin winching. It is essential that your winch has an adequate weight capacity to handle your boat. As a rule you should never exceed 75% of the winches weight rating, this gives you the appropriate buffer to deal with steep boat ramps and any extra weight you may have added for a day out on the water. Remember winch handles have a tendency to slip, so make sure you grasp it firmly when in use. When travelling ensure you have an appropriate tie-down strap, this will secure your vessel and take the strain off your winch.
Winch Accessories
A variety of winch accessories are available at BCF for your convenience. With replacement straps in webbing, rope, and cable allowing you to take your pick of materials. They come in 4.5, 6, 7, and 7.5-meter lengths, with either S hook or snap hook configurations. Having a spare winch handle is another handy extra to include in your kit, helping to prevent unnecessary stress if your original is lost.
