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trailer winch
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Author:  hobemeister [ Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  trailer winch

Since my wife has the strength of a 4 year old (OK...a 5 year old), I purchased a winch for my trailer to assist in getting the boat on the trailer. What is the preferred place to latch onto the boat to pull it on the trailer? Dolphin striker came to mind, but I don't want to snap anything off, so I though I'd ask the experts. Thanks. 8)

Author:  JaimeZX [ Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:36 pm ]
Post subject: 

I clip the winch line onto the dolphin striker for help pulling the boat up, but it depends how you do it.

If I'm retrieving off a ramp then already the back rollers are in (or really close to) the water and therefore there is very little force on the dolphin striker when I'm pulling the boat up.

On the other hand if I'm trying to roll it up from beach wheels or something it's a little steeper angle and I'd only use the winch to hold the boat from rolling backwards while using muscle power to actually get the boat up on the trailer. :)

OTOH once the boat is up and centered, I unclip the hook and give it a half-turn around the post (behind and then back out the front) and then down and around the trailer crossbar, and clip it to itself. (Did you follow that?) Then I just rachet it snug. That holds the boat firmly to the front crossbar. :)

Author:  hobemeister [ Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sorry, you lost me on that last part.

Author:  t page [ Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:06 pm ]
Post subject: 

If I can translate for you. after the boat is on the trailer and centered where you want it. (boat ready for tying down to trailer) Take the winch strap run it around the dolphin striker and then straight down to the front cross bar or some other centered location directly under the dolphin striker on your trailer and then tighen the winch strap to help hold your boat down to the trailer. hope this helps

Author:  JaimeZX [ Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:24 am ]
Post subject: 

Yah. That's what I meant. :wink:

Author:  hobemeister [ Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:59 am ]
Post subject: 

Got it now. thanks. 8)

Author:  t page [ Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

You might want to go visit the North Central Area Chamionships this weekend in lake Salorville. Lots of Div 7 and other sailors around for advice and help.

Author:  hobemeister [ Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:21 am ]
Post subject: 

Xanderwess already recommended that to me. Unfortunately this weekend is already booked up for me. Next year I'll plan ahead more for these sailing events. I just got my boat less then a month ago.

Author:  widerisbetter [ Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Attaching the line to the striker additional info

All of us single handers probably use a winch to load and unload.

It was suggested by our Hobie Dealer many moons ago that you attach the clip at the TOP of the striker to mast support right next to the cross bar. This is the strongest position because it creates the least amount of torque on the system. I have never had a problem following that advice. By the way - ALWAYS stand to the side of the winch when you are cranking. If the lift line or clip fail under pressure the backlash can fling the rope/clip whatever back with enough force to open a wound or blacken an eye. Again, don't ask how I know this :oops:

By the way, if your spouse does the cranking on the winch you have what we call a wench on a winch... :shock: :lol:

I'm kidding I'm kidding I'm kidding.....

Author:  northcoastmike [ Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Winch

Here is what I do. Assuming you are using a rope or strap for your winch line (you probably would not want to do this with a wire cable), I wrap the line around the center of the front crossbar a couple of time in the center, straddling the mast step and then clip onto the top of the dolphin striker. The wrap helps place the load on the crossbar, by friction, and keeps the clip up near the top of the striker.

Mike

Author:  Hobie Nick [ Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:14 am ]
Post subject: 

When I had my 16, and now with my 18, if I am doing a trailer launch I just back the trailer in far enough where the boat is still partially in the water and it is easy to push on. Even on a ramp with a fairly shallow grade you can get the trailer submerged enough where one person of average size can either pull or push the boat on the trailer to the correct position.

When taking the boat off of beach wheels, I do use the winch because I have no water to float the boat in.

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