At first glance, a boat trailer winch stand may not seem exciting, but it is crucial in ensuring your boat’s safety. A boat is only fun when you get to use it. You are a lot more likely to use your boat if getting it in and out of the water is safe and secure.
The winch stand’s assembly primary function is to support the winch, which allows you to do the heavy lifting easily. As a boater, it is essential to have the proper equipment, and that starts with your trailer.
This article, by American Discount Marine, about setting up your boat trailer is very helpful. If you do not tie down your boat properly, you risk damaging your boat in transport, which could be a costly headache. Worse, you could injure yourself or someone else during transportation.
Not inspecting your winch stand could also be dangerous during the loading and unloading process. In this article, we will discuss the different types of boat trailer winch stands and the safety aspects involved. We will also touch on a few accessories to ensure safe watercraft transportation.
What Is A Boat Trailer Winch Stand?
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In its purest form, a winch stand is a metal material that sticks out of a boat trailer and is used to hold the winch in place. The winch ensures the safety of your boat while in transit, along with during loading and unloading processes at the boat ramp. Without a winch, loading and unloading a boat from a trailer would be next to impossible.
Often, like with a pontoon boat trailer winch stand, the winch stand is used as a stop. Meaning, when you are loading your boat back onto its trailer from the boat ramp, you power your boat up and nudge the winch stand. If your winch stand is not sturdy enough, you could bend it by coming in too fast.
Furthermore, on a boat ramp that is too shallow, you use the winch and straps to pull the boat up onto the trailer. This method puts a tremendous strain on your winch and its assembly structure.
As the winch is subject to great force, the boat trailer winch stand must be durable. Most are made of galvanized steel and mounted to the tongue of the boat trailer. It is essential to take into account the type of boat you are hauling and the size and weight.
The type of winch stand that you will need is specific to your type of watercraft. Traditional fishing boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, and jet skis all have different styles of winch stands. There are several types of winch stands and accessories to explore.
The #1 Selling Boat Trailer Winch Stand On Amazon
The Die-matic Heavy Duty Angled Boat Trailer Winch Stand (Galvanized) can be used on either a 3x3 or 3x4 trailer tongue. It has two zinc plated u-bolts 7/16” x 5” x 3 ¼”.
The galvanization will help this boat trailer winch stand resist rust for seasons to come. You will be charged for shipping, but you know that you can trust Amazon to get your products shipped to you as quickly as they can.
A 3” bow roller is also included in this adjustable, heavy duty winch stand. The Die-matic Heavy Duty Angled Boat Trailer Winch Stand is adjustable from 13” to 16” and comes with a welded safety tab. This is the safe, affordable boat trailer winch stand that you have been searching for.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a winch stand, stability is vital. Choosing the best winch stand for your boat trailer will impact the ease you load and unload onto your boat.
If you notice that your stand is rusty or bent, it is time for a replacement unit. There are several kinds of boat trailer winch stands out there to choose from.
To choose the best option for your needs, it is important to first take size and weight into account. Then consider the type of watercraft that you will be hauling.
We will be going over the winch stand configuration of four different kinds of boats: all-purpose fishing boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, and jet skis.
All-Purpose Fishing Boat
All-purpose fishing boats have aluminum or fiberglass hulls. An aluminum boat will be lighter than one made of fiberglass. When replacing awinch stand, you must take weight into account.
Also, consider the attached bow roller’s size and height. When loading an all-purpose fishing boat, the boat trailer winch stand stains as the winch pulls the boat forward onto the trailer.
Pontoon Boats
These flat bottom boats have two air-filled pontoons, one on each side. Your boat trailer winch stand not only needs to hold the winch but also stabilize the pontoons.
The winch stand has a set of stairs to access the deck of the boat and serves as a stop for your boat as you power it onto the trailer. The winch stand must be sturdy; otherwise, it will bend if you power up to it too quickly.
Sailboats
Sailboats and other displacement-hulled boats are heavy. Your trailer and winch need to be up to the challenge, not only accommodating the weight but also the boat’s height. The winch stand will need to be both tall and sturdy.
Jet Skis
These zippy watercraft are not too big, but you should make sure that the boat trailer winch assembly is sturdy and in good condition; otherwise, you will risk damaging your jet skis.
If you are replacing a damaged winch stand on your boat trailer, the best bet is to get the exact model that you had before. If the exact model you had previously is unavailable, hope is not lost.
Take accurate measurements and note the winch stand mounting method – you will find a suitable alternative sooner rather than later. There are several online boat trailer and marine stores that sell winch stands in various sizes and styles.
Features To Consider In A Boat Trailer Winch Stand
Finish
A high-quality finish will prolong the life of your boat trailer winch stand. Whether you prefer fresh or saltwater, an excellent finish will keep your equipment rust free. Not to mention looking good.
Galvanized steel is standard in boat trailers as well as in the winch stand assemblies. Galvanized steel is steel that has a coat of zinc, which makes it rust-resistant.
You will want to rinse your whole boat and trailer after use, especially if it has come into contact with saltwater. This habit will prolong its life and keep it looking sharp for years to come.
Stability
Stability is a crucial factor. You want to ensure that your winch stand is secure but that the rest of your trailer accessories are in order. You do not want an unstable boat behind you on the highway. This practice could not only be an expensive mistake but a dangerous one.
Load
The weight of your boat directly impacts the gauge of your boat trailer winch stand assembly. The heavier your boat, the larger the winch you will need to manage it. This idea ties back into stability – particularly with big, heavy boats such as sailboats.
Boat Trailer Winch Stand Accessories
No boat trailer is complete without a few accessories, go ahead and add a new winch and winch straps into the mix. Let’s take a look at an alternative boat trailer winch stand assembly and some accessories.
- 1400 lb. Zinc Plated Dutton-Lainson Winch Made in the USA
- 2" x 20' Winch Strap with extra capacity and large safety hook.
- 3" Roller with steel shaft and pal-nuts, Bow Roller End Caps
- Galvanized Finish.
- Width :2" Length: 20' Rated Capacity: 4500 lb Safe Working Load: 2000 lb Replacement Ratchet Strap
- Heavy Duty Rust Proof Hook With Safety Latch
- Made of industrial strength webbing. This durable strapping is extremely strong, with very little stretch, to keep loads secure.
- 4:1 Gear Ratio Trailer Winch
- 2″ X 20′ Strap and Strap Bolt Included
- Two Way Ratchet w/Neutral Hardened Stacked Steel Gears
- Corrosion Resistant
- Non-marring; will not mark your boat
- Made by sturdy black natural rubber
- It attaches to the trailer's winch stand
- Protect and hold the bow of the boat when loading a boat onto a trailer
- Outperforms traditional polyurethane products
DIY Boat Trailer Winch Stand Build
It takes a lot of know how and the right tools in order to be able to build your own boat trailer winch stand, but it is the only way to get a truly custom boat trailer accessory. The video above turns a couple of beat up Jet Ski winch stands into brand new looking winch stands.
When Do I Need To Replace My Boat Trailer Winch Stand?
If you notice a new bend or a squeak in your trailer, it is essential to investigate. Sometimes, a little bit of lubrication or the tightening of a bolt is all that is needed.
However, a bend in your winch stand could compromise the safety of your boat. Once the structural integrity is compromised, your safest option is to replace the unit. Never continue using a unit once it has been compromised and can no longer perform optimally.
Rust could be just as bad as a bent winch post. A rust rotted trailer is not a stable trailer. Your boat could easily fall, causing costly damage to your boat and possibly bodily harm to the operator.
Furthermore, rusty edges are jagged and pose a risk for injury and tetanus. Those rough, rusty edges could also chafe your tie-downs, causing them to snap. If you notice a little rust, do preventative maintenance. If the rust has rotted through, it is time for replacement.
Conclusion
A winch stand supports your winch, making it possible to load and unload your boat. The more comfortable and safer it is to take your boat out, the more often you can enjoy it, along with yourself.
When it comes time to replace a winch stand, it is best to get the same model. The type of trailer and winch stand that you will need is specific to your type of watercraft. Each significant kind of craft has a particular trailer of boat and winch stand assembly to ensure stability in transport.
Always remember that safety is the most critical thing when hauling a boat, so it is vital to have a sturdy, rust-free winch stand.
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