2 speed manual winch

[islandhopper00]

I trailer my boat, so I use boat ramps alot. I actually have a great system to launch. Tie a line to the bow, secure it to the trailer, back in stomp the brakes and the boat slids off and settles in usually next to the dock (alittle trick, I use the wind or current to push it dock side). People don't understand the boat is tied off and they go running to catch the boat for me, then they see the line and are impressed. Works well.

So, recovering is not always so perfect. I back the boat trailer way in, because I don't power load (I think power loading should be outlawed everywhere, it tears up the ramp). Anyways, I just push the boat to the trailer and float it to the bunks, then hook up the winch and tighten it up. I say tighten it up because, I put the trailer in far enough that the boat will float right to the winch stand. Well, this time I didn't realize my 2 speed winch was locked and in power winch mode. (one of my friends must have helped me with this because I don't leave it that way), so when I went to tighten it up, I ran into resistance from the winch handle. Hmmmm, must need greased. So I lean in to it...........well, I broke that little anti reverse lock thingy right off! haha Mangled the winch pretty good too!

Now what?! I tied the winch handle to the stand and away I went. Long story short, I bought a new winch. I also didn't notice the wildlife officer watching me from the parking lot. He came over and patted me on the back for getting out of the way so fast, that most didn't realize I broke my winch. I though for a minute I was going to get a ticket for something. Folks in my boating circle know my luck when it comes to officers of the law!!!! haha

Short story for us whom trailer. I bet everyone has a story or two they could share.

 

[CV-23]

I went from a strap, that broke, to a cable. I hate the cable and going back to a strap. Never broke a winch! Mine is a two speed BTW. Just stuff you learn along the way, Mike.

 

[sdarc]

Had my winch handle stolen while I was out. Had to drive it up on the trailer.

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

I went from a strap, that broke, to a cable. I hate the cable and going back to a strap. Never broke a winch! Mine is a two speed BTW. Just stuff you learn along the way, Mike.

I did the same, but I love to hate the cable. The cable does not stretch when I pull the boat out like the strap did, but the cable is a PITA to pull off the drum by hand. When I find a strap that will not stretch I also would go back.

 

[islandhopper00]

I used to have a cable also. I put a strap on because the cable was tearing my hands up.

I didn't use the wimpy little strap that you find in marine stores. I actually customized a tow strap to do the job. It's like an 1/8 thick too! I cut the hook off one end and used that end to secure the strap to the winch drum. It works great, very little stretching.