Trailer Winch

[Phil Benge]

This winter I need to replace the trailer winch on my 82 stock Mac trailer. The stamped information on the winch is pretty rusted and the only thing I can read is Model Number 1000. On winches does the model number normally indicate the capacity and does a 1000 pound capacity trailer winch sound right for a Mac 25 or is it undersized? For the new winch, does anyone have an opinion on one speed vs two speeds and on using a nylon strap vs a cable?

 

[Tom]

Definitly a Strap

1000 lbs should be plenty, I dont know for sure, one of my friends has a two speed winch on his M22 trailer, not needed. In fact, the boat is usually all the way up to the bow stop when we load, and just use the winch to pull the strap tight and hold the boat down. For sure, the strap is the only way to go, a cable can get buried under its self and gets twisted and tangled, not to mention the "meat hooks" that can form. Go for a strap.

 

[Mac]

I just did the same thing!

I went to Walmart and bought a 20.00 boat winch. I also added a strap kit to it and it works great. I tried the cable and that is a pain in the ass. The strap lays down nice and even when the cable would bind on the rows of cable. As for the breaking strength of the winch, I don't think you'll have a problem with a 1000 lb winch. I have a 83 Mac 25 and use the 1000. After you winch it to the trailer, make sure you use some sort of safety cable or chain around the eyebolt and trailer frame. Also, Use a long strap to go around the entire boat for safety. I trailered my boat 40 miles home with just the weight of the boat holding it on the trailer and had no problem, but from now on for safety reasons I will strap the mid section down. Jerry