Trailer winch failure, whether it is the rope/strap breaking or the drum and mechanism being compromised, doesn’t happen often but when it does, it is an absolute pain. A question that is asked on a regularly basis at the dealership is, can this be avoided? The simple answer is no, however there are things for you to consider, that will reduce the reasons these failures happen.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like your boat and the rest of the trailer, your trailer winch is susceptible to saltwater and other corrosives. Spending time washing down and cleaning your winch should be part of your process when you clean your boat. We suggest to all of our new trailer or BMT customers that before you use your winch anywhere near the water, you unwind, in most cases, the strap on the winch and coat the barrel with Inox or a form of retardant. This adds a protection layer from the corrosives that cause corrosion. I know I do this on a regular basis as part of my maintenance of my trailer. Preventative maintenance and cleaning will definitely improve the life of your trailer winch.
Consider replacing your winch strap with a Dyneema rope
The majority of trailer winches come standard with a strap as the connection from your boat to the winch. It is a very clean, strong and effective system to winch your boat onto its trailer. Certainly, a huge step up from the wire/cable options when I purchased my first boat. It is a fit for purpose and a desirable option.
If, like me this strap spends time in the saltwater prior to be hooked up to the boat, it soaks up some water and this water is then trapped on your winch, and it stays there. Eventually it can result in corrosion in places you may not see and by the time you do, it is too late. This moisture being trapped can also fatigue or result in weak zones in the strap, which for whatever reason always break at the most inconvenient times.
Why not consider replacing the winch strap with a Dyneema rope. It is an extremely strong product that does not absorb water, will not fatigue and doesn’t twist going onto the barrel if the boat isn’t quite straight as you wind it on the trailer. It also reduces the cleaning and maintenance time required.
It may not look as pretty, but it is worth considering if you are replacing an existing winch, getting a new trailer or as an option on your new BMT package.
Come in and see the team in our chandlery department if you want to look at any of these products or just get some friendly advice.
Captions
- The most commonly used trailer winch is a Strap and barrel option.
- Replacement winches are available for any size boat trailer.
- Dyneema rope is available in sizes and strengths to suit any boat and trailer.
- An example of the authors old arch enemy the wire cable retrieval system.
- The frustrations of a winch strap system are when the strap twists while retrieving your boat and that moisture is held in the strap causing strap fatigue and corrosion of the barrel.
- An extreme example of what an unmaintained and unwashed winch can look like. Amazingly this one was still being used.
