How to Use an Electric Boat Winch
The diagram below outlines the various parts of your electric boat winch. (Note: Some parts may or may not be included with your winch.)
Marine winch diagram
Follow the instructions below to use your electric boat winch. (Note: Some boat winches may operate differently. Always read the user manual before operating your winch.)
15,000 pound electric boat winch
- Put the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, and block the wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
