Trailer winch dangers

[wavelength]

A salutory lesson on the beach here last weekend when one of the boat angling lads was winching on dry from the sand. Having released the ratchet to re adjust the boat on the first roller he made a grab at the spinning winch handle and broke his fingers and knuckles. It happens every now and then when a winch ratchet fails or someone tries to lower a boat back on the winch cos he's read it somewhere. We have seen broken wrists, arms and a particularly nasty gash from ear to mouth plus a few missing teeth on one occasion. Look after the winch and the ratchet, never ever try to lower it back with the winch and keep away from that handle if it starts to spin!

[geoff]

Originally posted by wavelength
never ever try to lower it back with the winch

Didn't quite understand this last bit. What is the safe way to lower a boat off a trailer into the water, especially if tipping over the edge, which I know is a speciality of yours?

The warning on the spinning handle is all too clear. I have also heard stories of wrists snapping when someone tries to catch them.

[wavelength]

Just unclip the winch strap at the outset and once gravity has taken hold just let it go. I would never launch the boat with the winch strap/wire still attached-it ends in tears

[wavelength]

with a good rope attached to it of course or you end up waving to it in the distance

[Julian]

Dave

I've seen the same thing first hand. Our first boat we launched the winch went mad as we dropped the boat back into the water. My dad made a grab for the winch handle and tore a hole through his wetsuit and left him with a huge gash in his arm. Very nasty. take care when trailering.

[Garygee]

Totaly agree with Dave on the winch.

If we need to lower the boat back we put a few turns round the winch post or handles and lower it using the friction. With a little practice and the right number of turns round the post you can lower most objects.

A word of caution though never wrap the rope round you hand, you may end up loosing it. Hold it so you can let go of the rope if needed.
If its to hard to hold you need more turns round the post.

Regards Gary

[dgpw]

Boats are insured arms are not (well they may be but are harder to replace)