On Mar 1, 9:50*am, HK wrote:
tak wrote:
What would be the pros and cons of using an electric winch other than added
expense?

A burned-out winch.


I have a Powerwinch electric winch on my trailer. If it ever dies I'd
replace it with a two speed manual winch. The appeal of an electric
winch is offset by the reality of the facts that you have one (rather
slow) speed and it's just another piece of electrical equipment and
wiring to maintain. If you do go with an electric get a Powerwinch.
I've seen guys struggling with the cheapo units that Wal-Mart and
Harbor Freight sell and they are toys.

One thing I see many people do when loading is that they back the
trailer in so far so that the stern of the boat is still floating
freely allowing the boat to drift sideways during haul out. I have a
sweet spot as far as depth goes that allows the boat to self center as
I winch it up and when done the boat is seated firmly on the trailer
before I haul out. This means that I usually have about ten to fifteen
feet of cable to retrieve so refer to my prior comment about electric
winch speed. It really only takes two minutes and usually I'm in and
out as fast as anyone else but people's perception seems to be
different if you are standing there with your finger on a switch as
opposed to cranking a winch handle link a deranged organ grinder.

Which leads me to other people's comments here about offering help.
Twice I've had someone offer "You want me to back it in more for you?"
Two different people but both times they were shirtless guys in wet
shorts that I suspect had a few beers out on the water. No Thanks.
Usually these are the guys you see trying to horse the boat over on
the trailer because it drifted sideways while they were hauling it
out.

Here in Mass. most ramps prohibit power loading and have signs posted
to that effect, like this one in Weymouth...

http://www.monkeybutler.com/boat/ramp.jpg


Steve P.