Winch Suggestions

diverdad · 25 July 2011, 20:56

Hi all, I am looking to fit a new winch to the RIB trailer. I offered the item up tonight and noticed how much higher the winch was compared to the through bolt, (picture 1).
I could remove the bracket to make the winch sit lower but it won't be horizontal, is this an issue? (picture 2).

As per usual I have lost the instructions!!

Constructive comments welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Lee

wavelength · 25 July 2011, 21:58

pic 2 looks fine to me.

Hightower · 25 July 2011, 22:57

Pic one look OK too. Higher cranking position to boot.

BogMonster · 27 July 2011, 09:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by diverdad

I could remove the bracket to make the winch sit lower but it won't be horizontal, is this an issue? (picture 2).

Only if the strap is rubbing on anything at any point in the winching cycle. If the strap goes over the top of the drum, as mine does, then it should be fine.

wavelength · 27 July 2011, 11:18

not keen on bracket pic1 sommat else to break under strain If you're always floating on not a problem but we do a lot of winching up and outa the water here

Burtox · 27 July 2011, 12:08

I don't like it.

If it was mine I would reduce the length of the main winch post so that the winch is inline or below the bow cleat.

you may say, but there is an easy solution. Cut the required amount off the bottom of the winch post removing the lower bolt hole. lift the lower strap into the upper bolt hole and then drill a new hole for the top strap. This shouldn't take more than a couple of hours at no cost. Just remember to paint the cut metal with some zinc primer and silver paint.

Hightower · 27 July 2011, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burtox

I don't like it.

If it was mine I would reduce the length of the main winch post so that the winch is inline or below the bow cleat.

you may say, but there is an easy solution. Cut the required amount off the bottom of the winch post removing the lower bolt hole. lift the lower strap into the upper bolt hole and then drill a new hole for the top strap. This shouldn't take more than a couple of hours at no cost. Just remember to paint the cut metal with some zinc primer and silver paint.

You don't want to be doing this. Having it low will pull the boat down on to the rollers and increase the effort in recovering, what you want is up and over approach

Burtox · 27 July 2011, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

You don't want to be doing this. Having it low will pull the boat down on to the rollers and increase the effort in recovering, what you want is up and over approach

I never realised that would be an advantage as I have a roller coaster so it goes on very easily.

I find it is better to have the winch post level with the roller coaster as its easy to winch the rib on. When you launch it on the winch friction brake in shallow water having the winch lower helps to keep the bow down and the stern up. I only dip the tyres in the water and never the rims or trailer frame. Hopefully it may last a bit longer.

So I go for the down and out approach

wavelength · 27 July 2011, 21:51

I never launch with the winch strap attached but... with the winch slightly below the bow eye it is holding the front down and secure when on the road rather than trying to pull it upwards and off the roller. Ok perhaps other folk use bottle screws etc etc but I tow on the winch strap plus a hefty safety chain in case that should go.