What size winch?

[COLINGARDNER]

hi there,
I own a XF200 with a Johnson 200hp outboard. the trailer has a couple of skids halfway up but no wheel runneres Does anyone know what size winch I should be using, mine broke last weekend & I need to get one for my next trip on Sunday.

[slvrlng]

Here are some choices on this side of the pond. Not sure of your choices over there. Cheers!

http://www.easternmarine.com/Boat-Trailer-Hand-Winches/

You could get by with a 1500 lb pull but I like a little overkill and would prefer at least a 2000 lb pull. I also would suggest using a strap rather than a cable. I have only had problems in the past from cables. ( Think wire in the palm of your hand, ouch!!!)

[Capt. Bob]

My 91 WAC was the first boat with a strap on the winch.
Lewis got the hand injury and I'll add jamming when the cable doesn't lay evenly on the rewind.

I'll never use cable again. :!:

[wingtime]

I'm guessing the winch on my 200XF trailer is at least 2000 lbs.

[seabob4]

Agree with Lewis and CB, I hate cables, I don't trust them (how many rusty cables have we all seen!!).  2000lb cap w/ a strap...

[flounderpounder225]

I have only had problems in the past from cables. ( Think wire in the palm of your hand, ouch!!!)

Must be that tender skin, last time that happened to me, the wire strand just bent over and broke...so I used it for a toothpick  

[wingtime]

I have a cable on my winch.  I replace mine often since I have the ability to make up new ones at my work avoiding the broken wire problems. I personally think the webbing straps stretch too much and if they get wet with salt water you have to rinse them out and let them dry.  If you don't the drum of the winch will rust out.

[COLINGARDNER]

Thanks for all the comments, I think then a 2000lb pull will do the trick. I too have suffered in the past from broken cables, one time it whizzed past my ear having broken about 12' away from the winch (under a heavy load, the boat had taken on some water). Good point about the wet strap! but I think I will go with a strap all the same. :)

[Aswaff400]

I have a cable on my winch.  I replace mine often since I have the ability to make up new ones at my work avoiding the broken wire problems. I personally think the webbing straps stretch too much and if they get wet with salt water you have to rinse them out and let them dry.  If you don't the drum of the winch will rust out.

of all the different size boats and trailers ive loaded up at my work, i have seen more cables snap than straps, and the only issue ive had with straps is trailers that very seldom get used, and the sun eats away at the stitching that makes the loop, not the strap itself... otherwise, i have yet seen a winch rusted out from a wet strap.(that sounds dirty!   )

i prefer straps any time while loading