Winch correct?

[tacker]

Just got first RIB, Zodiac 4.2, and not used her yet. But looking at winch arrangement - see pictures - seems to me that as the boat goes back into the water, the winch handle turns (there's no 'neutral') and in this case is hitting the boat so won't allow it to reverse off.

So my question is, do I need to move the whole winch frame forward, (and snubber backward) or get a much shorter winch handle - or am I missing something ?

[wellhouse]

you need to adjust the rubber fender snub out so that the winch and handle are further away from the boat. At the moment the winch strap ring and handle are way to close to the boat in that position. You may need to move the winch frame forward as pushing the snubber fender out will push the rib further down the trailer.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by tacker

Just got first RIB, Zodiac 4.2, and not used her yet. But looking at winch arrangement - see pictures - seems to me that as the boat goes back into the water, the winch handle turns (there's no 'neutral') and in this case is hitting the boat so won't allow it to reverse off.

So my question is, do I need to move the whole winch frame forward, (and snubber backward) or get a much shorter winch handle - or am I missing something ?

Yes. Either slacken the winch line first and push the boat back by hand 'til it takes up the slack (make SURE the winchratchet will stop any more line paying out when you push the boat back or the winch handle will break your arm as it starts to spin)

Or...
Get the boat in position with the trailer as far in as feasable without getting the car wet, disconnect winch strap, push boat into water holding the painter

Personally, I'd far rather not have the winch connected while the boat goes off the trailer. I've taken a whack from a spinning handle once. It's not happening EVER again- I was lucky not to have broken bones.

[Hightower]

Move the rubber snub futher away from the winch to give you the clearance you need. Obviously that will push the boat back so you might have to move the whole winch assembly forwards on the drawbar to get the boat sitting correctly.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by wellhouse

you need to adjust the rubber fender snub out so that the winch and handle are further away from the boat. At the moment the winch strap ring and handle are way to close to the boat in that position. You may need to move the winch frame forward as pushing the snubber fender out will push the rib further down the trailer.

Ahhh.... didn't spot the adjuster on the snubber 1st time.

Yes, the snubber needs to be further away.

What I said about not winching the boat off the trailer still stands though.

[tacker]

Cheers - understood. If boat moves further back on trailer though, I am going to get a fitting-in-the garage issue! So will have to make adjustment each time.

[EnglishLes]

Originally Posted by tacker

Cheers - understood. If boat moves further back on trailer though, I am going to get a fitting-in-the garage issue! So will have to make adjustment each time.

As Hightower says move the winch nearer the tow hitch and the snubber further out so that the boat doesn't need to move but you will have more clearance and it will still fit the garage without adjustment each time.

[tacker]

Originally Posted by EnglishLes

As Hightower says move the winch nearer the tow hitch and the snubber further out so that the boat doesn't need to move but you will have more clearance and it will still fit the garage without adjustment each time.

Got it! Cheers.