new boat part 2

wildtalk · #1 09-20-2010, 08:55 PM

Getting closer to getting things under control. Named my boat.. After a disaster first run of water in the gas and blown fuse, have had 2 very nice runs so far. Im finding my 2500lbs winch is not strong enough to hold while exiting ramp ,so next is a winch and a ladder. My daughter is handicaped { a prosthetic leg } and found cheapo ladders just dont cut it for boat entery from the water. Seems a folding platoon boat ladder may be my best bet yet Im still looking. Any input is welcome. Thanks / Ken // Pic attached { I Hope }

RWilson2526 · #2 09-21-2010, 05:15 AM

Glad things are coming together for your. When boats are working like they should and you are out on the water there is nothing better. Whats the deal with the winch? 2500 lbs should be enough I would think. In your picture your boat looks like it needs to go up another foot at least?

Cant help you with a ladder selection but I think you are on hte right track with a fully extendable ladder. The standard swim platform ladders are a struggle to get up no matter who you are.

wildtalk · #3 09-21-2010, 12:52 PM

I had replaced my winch with a 2000lb strap kind,, it was not stong enough ,, went back to my old cable winch .. 2500lbs.. its older and just not holding on exit of a ramp. Was pondering a larger then 2500. Whats the standard ? 1978 V20 Step - 150 1987 Johnson

wildtalk · #4 09-21-2010, 08:40 PM

Name decal was made by http://decals-by-jt.com/ later I plan on a bigger graphic with name, but one thing at a time, have plugs running black to figure out first ,, then winch ,, then ladder,,, does it ever stop ? At the least slow down ?

Destroyer · #5 09-22-2010, 12:17 AM

Ok, I'm confused (Don't worry, it's normal).. Why isn't your winch holding? Mechanical winches don't have clutches that I know of.. they have a pawl under spring tension ratcheting into a gear tooth. So what's not holding? If the pawl is popping out of the gear then either the spring is broken, or it's worn, it's a danger, and it's time to replace the winch.

Looking at the pic of your baot I agree with RWilson... move your winch up on the winch post a bit. You want to be pulling on your boat with the top of the winch drum just slightly higher then the eyebolt of your boat... it looks like your's is slightly below.. Also, I never pull my boat up from a ramp without having the safety chain on as well as the winch hook. Neither should you. You can do a search on youtube and see what happened to people and their boats that forgot to.

wildtalk · #6 09-22-2010, 03:16 AM

In picture was an example how much it will fall back from being tight. and if you seen the size of the chain I have as a safty chain,, its probley much larger then I need and I always use because I dont trust my winch ,, it makes an clickingG sound when it fades back just the same as it makes when you tighten it . Getting a new winch ,, just wondering on what size I should get. Thanks for the input

nipper · #7 09-22-2010, 08:40 AM

That winch does look small. I will check mine tonight for any information on capacity. I also agree it looks like you want to move the winch up on the winch post. Finally, the bow should be coming up and making contact with the stoppers on the winch post. Maybe it is not because of the slipping problem you are having.

wildtalk · #8 09-22-2010, 12:24 PM

Will do Nipper,.,, Thanks so much for the input

Destroyer · #9 09-22-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildtalk

In picture was an example how much it will fall back from being tight. and if you seen the size of the chain I have as a safty chain,, its probley much larger then I need and I always use because I dont trust my winch ,, it makes an clickingG sound when it fades back just the same as it makes when you tighten it . Getting a new winch ,, just wondering on what size I should get. Thanks for the input

Ok, if it's making a clicking sound the same as when you're pulling your boat onto your trailer I'd be willing to bet that the spring is broken or stretched, allowing the pawl to pop up under the force of the boat pulling against the cable. It might be as little as replacing the spring, but considering that a good winch can be had for under $30 I'd just go buy a new one. This way you're not playing games... you know that it's ok.

And for my money, I'd go with a steel cable, not a strap winch. You've got over a ton of boat pulling against that cable.. and I know that straps are safe, but I'd still go with a cable type. Just my opinion. As to size, I'd go with a 4000# cap.. overkill for sure, but I like overkill when talking about safety... and the difference in price is very little... go bigger, it's better.

spareparts · #10 09-22-2010, 07:24 PM

the two speed winches are nice for those days when the motor isn't helping(broke) loading the boat, they usually come with the cable rather than the strap. As far as the ladder goes, is it for getting in the boat while in the water? or for getting in the boat from dry land? Armstong makes a nice one, it ain't cheap though. Check out the ladder on a late model Four Winns boat, I don't know who makes them, but they are nice, they kinda stick out a little when you deploy them, makes them easier to step on. They feel a little springy, but they are plenty strong. Go to a dry stack and look at the boats on the bottom rack and see what kind you like.