9 Best Boat Trailer Winches

When it comes to hauling your boat, having a reliable trailer winch is essential. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the nine best boat trailer winches available. From electric models to manual units, you’re sure to find something durable and dependable that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a light-duty winch or a heavy-duty one, there are plenty of options to choose from. Keep reading to determine which one is right for you!

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Reese Towpower Boat Winch 1,500 LB

Reese

Looking for a boat trailer winch that'll stand the test of time? Look no further than the Reese Towpower boat trailer winch. With a 1500-pound capacity, this bad boy can handle even the heaviest loads with ease. Plus, it comes complete with a 20-foot strap and hook – perfect for securing your boat to the trailer. And thanks to its zinc-plated finish, this winch is resistant to corrosion and wear – meaning you can count on it to perform season after season.

Pros:

Easy install
Good quality
Comfortable handle

Cons:

Strap could be a couple feet longer

Key Features:

1,500 LB Capacity
20 Foot strap
Zinc plated hook

Buy from Amazon

Manual Crank Trailer Winch with Polyester Strap 3,200 LB

BULLETSHAKER

This heavy-duty boat winch is perfect for use in saltwater environments and features a comfortable handle. With its polyester strap, it's perfect for holding heavy boats. So don't go out on the water without one, get yourself this boat trailer winch today!

Pros:

Great basic winch for boats or other trailer needs
Good quality
Fast install

Cons:

Wish the steel was thicker

Key Features:

3,200LB Capacity
33' strap
Lightweight design

Buy from Amazon

Camco Heavy Duty Manual Boat Trailer Winch with Strap 2,000 lb

Camco

Camco's trailer winch offers the reliable strength you need to confidently secure your boat. Its zinc-plated steel and heavy-duty gears are corrosion resistant, while a 2" polyester webbing strap provides vital UV protection for lasting peace of mind that your vessel will remain safe on its journey!

Pros:

Fast install
Heavy duty design
Comfortable grip handle

Cons:

The handle might be too big for a PWC to fully turn the handle but a boat should be fine

Key Features:

2,000 LB Capacity
2" strap
20' strap
4:1 Gear ratio

Buy from Amazon

Manual Hand Crank Boat Trailer Winch with Strap 1,200 lb

TYT

The TYT boat winch is designed to handle serious loads with its 1200-pound capacity and 4.1:1 gear ratio. The sturdy red strap provides extra assurance that your load will stay secure during transport, while the heavy-duty construction ensures long-lasting performance. All in all, the TYT boat winch provides a reliable and practical solution for hauling your boat safely and securely.

Pros:

Nice quality strap
Good gear ratio
Quality parts

Cons:

Handle connection point seems a bit weak for long term use

Key Features:

1,200 LB capacity
26' red strap
1 Year warranty

Buy from Amazon

Fulton Single Speed Winch with Strap 1,500 LB

With a 1500 LB capacity, this winch is designed to handle even the toughest of loads. It features high-carbon steel gears for max turning power. Furthermore, with a stamped carbon steel frame that adds an extra layer of strength, ensuring that your boat is securely loaded onto your trailer safely. Thirdly, the hand crank makes it easy to use, while its industrial-grade construction ensures optimal performance.

Pros:

Strap is quality
Body is thicker than most

Cons:

Wish it had another mounting hole for stubborn bow supports

Key Features:

1500 LB capacity
20' Strap
8" Handle

Buy from Amazon

Electric 12V DC Boat Trailer Winch 5,000 LB

Megaflint

Featuring a 5,000 lb capacity, and comes with a host of features to make your boating experience easier and more enjoyable. With its enhanced power motor design, which features 30% higher winching power than other 6000 lbs trailer winches. Furthermore, you will love the low-noise design. Plus, this winch also comes with a 16 ft. power cord and rocker switch corded remote control so you can easily operate it from anywhere around the boat. Get your electric 12V DC boat trailer winch today!

Pros:

High carry capacity
Bulletproof design
Low noise design allows easier communication

Cons:

It does obviously require a battery

Key Features:

12V DC
6,500LB Capacity
30' Cable
16 foot power cord

Buy from Amazon

Fulton XLT Manual Crank Winch1800 LB

Fulton

This Fulton XLT single speed manual hand crank boat trailer winch with strap and cove is perfect for your toughest pulling demands. With an efficient gear ratio, full-length drum bearings, oil-impregnated shaft bushings, and an 8-inch comfort grip handle, it's easy to crank this winch into action. Plus, the high-carbon steel gears provide superb strength and long-term durability. The stamped carbon steel frame provides rigidity, important for gear alignment and longer cycle life. It even includes a 20-foot strap with a metal slip hook and safety latch, and cover!

Pros:

Quality made
Easy install
Value for money

Cons:

Bolt pattern doesn't always add up to older Fulton patterns

Key Features:

1,800 LB capacity
20' Strap
High carbon steel gear
8' Handle

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TR Industrial Winch with Strap and Hook 1,200 LB

TR Industrial

With a steel frame and gears, it can easily handle up to 1,200 lbs. And it comes pre-installed with a heavy-duty strap and hook – perfect for quickly loading your boat onto your trailer. The ergonomic rotating handle makes cranking a breeze, while the efficient 4:1 gear ratio helps you to get the job done faster.

Pros:

Pre installed strap is good quality
Feels stout
Comfortable enough handle

Cons:

Strap is thinner than other brands

Key Features:

1,200 LB Capacity
Pre installed 20' 2" strap

Buy from Amazon

Fulton Two-Speed Hand Crank With Strap 3,200 LB

Fulton

Fulton's two-speed manual hand crank trailer winch includes a strap and features a capacity of 3,200 pounds. Furthermore, with a one-handed system that shifts quickly from high to low speed for fast retrieval. The dual-gear drum operates smoothly and the frame is made of corrosion-resistant; lightweight aluminum. Plus, the handle is adjustable so you can get just the right fit. Comes complete with a strap guide, 20-foot heavy-duty winch strap, and all mounting hardware. This Fulton boat winch is an absolute beast!

Pros:

Capacity is higher than most
Lightweight aluminum

Cons:

Wish strap was longer

Key Features:

3,200 LB Capacity
20' Strap

Buy from Amazon

FAQs:

What is a boat trailer winch?

It’s a device used to wind or unwind the rope or cable that is used to secure a boat to a trailer. Most boat winches have a ratchet mechanism that allows for easy tensioning and release of the rope or cable. Winching is typically done by hand, using a handle that is attached to the winch, but some models are motorized. They come in a variety of different sizes and styles, depending on the type and size of the boat they will be used to secure.

How do you size a boat trailer winch?

You’ll need to know the weight of your boat and trailer, as well as the distance from the winch to the tongue of the trailer. Once you have that information, you can use this formula to determine the size of the winch you’ll need: Weight of boat & trailer (lbs) x Distance from the winch to the tongue (ft) / 8 = Minimum Winch Capacity Needed (lbs).

So, for example, if your boat and trailer weigh 4,000 lbs and the distance from the winch to the tongue is 10 feet, you’ll need a winch with a capacity of at least 5,000 lbs.

Manual vs electric boat trailer winch?

Electric winches are the most expensive type, but they are also the most convenient to use. They require no effort to operate and can be used with remote control. However, they are not as durable as manual winches and can overheat if used for long periods. Manual winches are the cheapest option, but they require the most effort to operate. They are also the most durable type of winch.