When it comes to finding the right winch, you don’t want to waste time and money purchasing one just to find out that it doesn’t work for you. What do you want and need from your winch? What type of boat and trailer do you have? What jobs will you be using your winch for? 

Take some time to answer the questions above to select a winch that is ideal for your unique needs. Before you commit to a specific model, it’s important to consider the various types of winches and how they perform in different situations, including marine and offshore applications.

What Size Winch Do I Need for My Boat? 

Winch sizes vary a great deal from personal boat use to commercial and offshore boats. While many winch manufacturers give guidelines based on boat size, there are many other considerations to keep in mind. Here are a few questions to think about: How big is the job that your winch will be performing? How many crew members do you have? Which applications are you going to use your winch in? And of course, how much are you willing to spend? 

Pro Tip: If your boat size is in between two winch sizes, choose the larger winch! 

Placement Matters

Ensure the rope placement is correct and remember every time the rope bends and twists, it reduces the effectiveness of your equipment. You also need to make sure that the rope connects to the winch at the proper angle. If you have a heavier load line, you probably need a turning block to ensure the correct angle of entry. 

What is Your Winch Made From?

You want to investigate the materials that your winch is made from to ensure the quality. Stainless steel is undeniably the top choice for winches because of it’s strong and sturdy properties. Although, the best choice comes at a higher price compared to other winches. The other, less expensive options include anodized aluminum and chrome-plated bronze. While these materials work for some occasional uses, they will be scratched by wire damage, corrosion, and stress. 

Keeping Your Winch Maintained

Once you’ve selected the proper winch for your application, it’s critical that you keep it maintained. Rinse with water and cover it after each use to increase longevity. You also want to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to take it apart, add lubrication, and inspect the winch for any damage every few months. 

Want to learn more about marine winching? Connect with our team to discuss the Allison transmissions we have available for winching.