Instructions on how to perform regular maintenance on your electric boat trailer winch.

Keep your electric boat winch working like new with regular maintenance.

CAUTION: Always release the load from the boat winch and disconnect the winch from its 12 volt DC electrical supply source before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning.

BEFORE EACH USE:

1. Inspect the general condition of the winch.
a

Check for:

• Loose screws
• Misalignment or binding of moving parts
• Cracked, bent, or broken parts
• Frayed steel cable
• Any other condition that may affect safe operation of the boat winch
2. Inspect the entire winch unit for corrosion that may be caused by exposure to saltwater or weather.
a
3. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, stop using the winch and get it repaired before using it again. Do not use your boat trailer winch if it is damaged.

AS NEEDED

• Use a premium quality, lightweight oil to lubricate the steel winch cable.
a
• To clean the winch, wipe down the outside of the trailer winch housing with a clean, damp cloth. If necessary, you may clean the winch with a mild detergent.

EVERY SIX MONTHS

• Grease the internal gears with a good quality, waterproof gear grease. Check your instruction manual for instructions on how to separate the winch housing to access the gears.

The diagram below outlines the various parts of your electric boat winch. (Note: Some parts may or may not be included with your winch.)

Electric Boat Winch Diagram

15,000-pound Electric Boat Winch
from PROMARK OFFROAD (formerly Gorilla Winches)

1. Put the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, and block the wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling.
a
2. You may keep the engine running to keep the battery winch charged. If you choose to keep the engine running, please use extreme caution when working around the vehicle.
a
3. Spool out the steel cable using the “Power Out” feature located on the winch remote. NOTE: Always leave at least four turns of cable on the spool to prevent pulling the cable completely out of the winch.
a
4. Hook the cable onto the boat or other load using a pulling point, tow strap, or chain. NOTE: The anchor point must be able to withstand the force of the pull. Never wrap the steel cable around an object or hook the cable onto the object itself. This could damage the object you’re pulling and could kink or fray the winch cable.
a
5. CAUTION! Never allow anyone to stand near the steel cable or in line with the steel cable behind the winch while the winch is in use. If the steel cable were to slip or break, it could whip back towards the winch, creating a dangerous situation for anyone standing within its path. Always ask bystanders to stand clear of the winch and cable before starting the winching process. If you are operating the winch, always stand as far to the side as possible.
a
6. After clearing the area of bystanders, stand clear of the winch and cable and press the “Power In” button on the switch. The winch motor will engage and pull the load towards the winch.
a
7. When the boat or other object is loaded, release the “Power In” button on the remote control. Secure the load with an approved tie down other than the winch cable. Never depend on the boat winch alone to secure the load.

Should you buy a hand crank or an electric boat winch?

Electric boat trailer winches and hand crank winches both have their advantages and disadvantages. Check out the pros and cons below to find out which marine winch is best for you.

Pros

•  Easy loading regardless of physical strength or condition

•  Easy loading for heavy boats

•  No risk of muscle strain or soreness

•  Includes backup hand crank in case of winch failure

•  Remote control allows you to guide the boat or stand aside for safety

Cons

•  Requires electrical installation

•  Dependent on your battery and electrical system

•  More expensive than a hand crank alone

Pros

•  Easy on your budget

•  No electrical setup required

•  No need to worry about battery or electrical failure

•  Tones your muscles

Cons

•  Requires physical strength

•  Makes loading heavy boats a chore

•  No remote control option

Electric trailer winches make loading your boat quick and easy.

Electric boat trailer winches are designed for easy loading and unloading of your boat. A hand crank requires greater strength and effort and, depending on the weight of your boat, can make loading your boat more difficult than it needs to be. They also leave you with a free hand to guide the boat as needed.

If you’re in the market for an electric boat winch, look for one that can handle the weight of your boat, including fuel and gear. Since your boat is in the water as you load, the trailer winch can handle a greater load capacity than its rated line pull capacity. The pull capacity of your winch should be at least three-quarters of the combined weight of your boat, motor, fuel, and gear. When you estimate the required load capacity of your trailer winch, keep in mind that the loading incline and other factors can also increase the load on your winch.

Even though you might be tempted to rely on your winch to secure your boat to the trailer, an electric marine winch is not designed to act as a tie-down. After loading your boat, unhook the cable from the boat and use separate tie-downs, such as racket straps, to secure your boat to the trailer.

Some electric trailer winches include a backup hand crank in case of winch failure, so even if your electric winch stops working, you can still load the boat manually.

Regularly inspect your winch line for damage or wear. Replace the cable if it shows signs of deterioration. A cable that breaks under load can lash through the air, creating a dangerous situation for anyone in its way. Some electric boat winches include a corded or wireless remote that allows the operator to stand clear of the winch in case of cable failure.

If you wind the cable back into the shaft when it’s not under load, keep the line taut to prevent the cable from kinking or tangling inside the winch housing. Also note that a trailer winch is not designed for use as a hoist or lift. It is only approved for horizontal pulling or for pulling on a slight incline.