| After a long day out on the lake, the last thing | | | | power in the cable. Guide the boat as needed |
| you want to do is crank your boat onto the | | | | onto the bunks or rollers. To fasten your boat on |
| trailer by hand. Electric marine winches allow you | | | | the trailer, use a separate strap to secure the |
| to load and unload without requiring any | | | | bow eye. Never rely on the winch strap to secure |
| manpower. With a corded remote, you can also | | | | the bow. |
| use your free hand to guide the boat onto the | | | | The more careful you are to maintain your boat |
| trailer as you winch. If you are by yourself, an | | | | trailer winch, the longer it will last. Keep a close |
| electric winch can make loading and unloading that | | | | eye on the cable. If you notice any frayed wires |
| much easier. Regardless of your strength, size, or | | | | or other damage, replace the cable immediately. A |
| physical condition, you can single-handedly load | | | | cable that breaks under load can turn into a whip |
| your boat onto the trailer without breaking a | | | | and damage anything or anyone in its path. A |
| sweat. | | | | tethered or wireless remote allows you to stand |
| How do you know which size trailer winch to get? | | | | clear of the cable when it's under heavy load. |
| First find the gross weight of your boat. Check | | | | Remember to clear the area of bystanders |
| your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to | | | | before you start winching. |
| find out. Then add in the weight of your motor, | | | | Read your owner's manual and follow the safety |
| fuel, and any equipment that will be in your boat | | | | precautions listed by the manufacturer. An electric |
| while you're loading it. The winch you buy needs | | | | marine winch should never be used as a hoist or |
| to be able to pull at least this much weight and | | | | lift. It is only designed to pull a load on a horizontal |
| more. The incline of your trailer as you pull also | | | | plane or on a slight incline. Avoid wearing loose |
| increases the load. Just in case your electric winch | | | | clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the |
| ever fails, make sure you purchase one with a | | | | winch and create a dangerous situation. Keep your |
| hand crank option. That way, if your motor or | | | | hands and fingers away from the shaft, and use |
| battery fails, you can still load your boat by hand | | | | the winch strap to unwind the cable for added |
| the old-fashioned way. | | | | protection. Follow these safety tips and the |
| To load your boat, back the trailer into the water. | | | | others in your manual to safely and easily load |
| Grab the winch strap and power out the cable. | | | | your boat. |
| Attach the winch hook to the bow eye and | | | | |