Hurley H3O - Long Term Experience

The winch that comes with it should be stainless. Mine started rusting within weeks (on fresh water) and leaves rust flakes all over the place every time it use used. I'll be ordering a stainless winch. The main pole that the winch goes on seems a bit flimsy, but it has not bent yet (it just looks like it might). Other than that it has held up well.
 
I have only had mine on season but I will second that the manual winch is the weak point. Mine rusted nearly immediately, and became dangerous because the pawl that switches from forward to reverse would get stuck between. My dinghy is fairly light so my plan is to remove the winch and setup a block and tackle from the end of the winch pole.
 
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the defective pawl. It can be very dangerous when it malfunctions because if you let go while winching up expecting the pawl to work and it doesn't, that winch handle starts flying and it's a broken arm waiting to happen! I'm sure Hurley does not make the winch, but they should consider changing suppliers. And picking a stainless winch.
 
I did not get the manual winch. I have had no issues with the motorized one.


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My transom locker has 2 plastic access discs about 6" in diameter. I drilled through the middle of one and ran my lines into the engine compartment. Obviously I store the winch in the locker which keeps it out of the elements. Worked out great and is completely reversible by buying a new disc. A little silicone around the line and call it a day.


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Ahoy Malloy said:
My transom locker has 2 plastic access discs about 6" in diameter. I drilled through the middle of one and ran my lines into the engine compartment. Obviously I store the winch in the locker which keeps it out of the elements. Worked out great and is completely reversible by buying a new disc. A little silicone around the line and call it a day.
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Makes sense. My ER is a long way from the transom locker!
 
I'm toying with the idea of putting the electric winch on it. I haven't mounted the system yet been sitting on it for 2 years now so I haven't even tried the manual winch yet.
 
Ctsearay said:
I'm toying with the idea of putting the electric winch on it. I haven't mounted the system yet been sitting on it for 2 years now so I haven't even tried the manual winch yet.
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When you do go to install it, re-measure the mounting template that came with it. The template that came with mine was off by 1/8" on the primary centerline measurement, making for a frustrating install (to say the least).
 
Funny you should say that. My template was also off. The install was very difficult because of that. It resulted in a lot of Dremel work and a mallet. I have never tried to remove the harness from the mounts... I don't think I could if I wanted to!


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I installed the H3O this year and so far good luck. I agree about the manual crank pawl as I have a couple of bruises to prove it may need some tweaking. I also have to say I love this thing as before I couldnt load my hard bottom dinghy with a 4 stroke. Maybe Hurley's next gen H4O will address the couple of issues. I really can not complain though. Good product
 

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I installed the H3O this year and so far good luck. I agree about the manual crank pawl as I have a couple of bruises to prove it may need some tweaking. I also have to say I love this thing as before I couldnt load my hard bottom dinghy with a 4 stroke. Maybe Hurley's next gen H4O will address the couple of issues. I really can not complain though. Good product
 
I built my own version of the H3O, and used a worm gear winch instead of a ratchet style. Instead of the supplied winch handle I use my battery drill to run the the winch.
 
I never thought of using a drill motor. Great idea! I've been using the Gilmore-Kramer SS winch with no issues. It was on a trailer for my sea-doo's that I bought used and I converted it over. They are pricey if you have to purchase new. Sears has a SS model for half the price around $220. I might change the cable to a floating dingy tow rope.
 
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