If you have a boat, you’ll need a trailer to haul it around, and if you want to actually launch it and retrieve it safely, you’ll need a trailer winch to help you when the going gets tough. The best boat trailer winches are strong enough to haul a heavy boat up a boat ramp with ease, but are also less likely to damage the boat’s finish with their steel cable, like roller trailer winches, and are easier to use than a manual winch. To help you find the best boat trailer winches for you, we’ve turned to reviews from actual customers on Amazon who have purchased and used these products for themselves.
Read on for the rest of the best boat trailer winches.
Our Editor’s Best Boat Trailer Winches Reviews
SaleBestseller No. 1
OPENROAD 3500LB Boat Trailer Winch - Heavy Duty Hand Winch with 32 FT Orange Strap, 2-Way Ratchet With 4:1/8:1 Gear - Ideal for Boat, Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV and Jet Ski - Includes Installation Screws
- Conquer Your Towing Challenges with the Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch! This powerful 3500lbs trailer winch is engineered to meet all your towing needs. Its versatile gear ratio of 4:1&8:1 provides the perfect balance of strength and speed
- Built to Last : Our boat winch is constructed from premium steel and professionally galvanized, ensuring exceptional resistance to corrosion and rust. Whether in seawater or harsh weather conditions, this winch will stand the test of time. The high carbon steel heat-treated shell, shaft, and gear guarantee unwavering durability
- Effortless Towing : Say goodbye to strenuous pulling! The 32ft L x 2in W boat winch strap with hook, made of vibrant orange polyester, offers reliable and secure towing. The 9.8-inch ergonomic crank handle allows for easy turning, reducing hand fatigue, and improving overall efficiency when moving loads up to 3500lbs. Its non-slip design ensures safety during use
- Versatile Two-Way Ratchet : Our boat winch strap features a stainless steel hook with a safety pawl, enabling fast and labor-saving 2-way 2-speed operation. Whether you're towing, hauling, or handling, this winch ensures smooth and efficient performance
- Easy Installation and Portability : Setting up this heavy-duty boat winch is a breeze with standard mounting holes and convenient installation screws. Its compact and portable design allows you to take it anywhere your adventures lead. Perfectly suited for trailers, trucks, ATVs, ships, jet skis, and sailboats, this 3500lbs boat winch excels in effortlessly lifting, lowering, or positioning heavy objects. (Note: Please avoid using the hand winch to pull up overloaded items)
$49.99
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Bestseller No. 2
Linkloos 3500LBs Boat Towing Winches, Heavy Duty Hand Winch with 33FT Green Strap, Steel Ratio 4:1/8:1 Gear, 2-Way Ratchet Portable Hand Crank Boat Trailer Towing Winch for Truck, Jet Ski, RV ATV
- 3500 lbs CAPACITY: Boat Towing Winches with 33ft strap has pulling force for 3500 lbs. The 3500lbs heavy duty trailer winches with sturdy bases provide you with strong traction and reduce your physical effort. Mounting base size: 7.5in x 3.93in. Orange polyester strap size 33ft L x 2inch W, provide assistance for night rescue.
- STURDY & DURABLE: The surface of the boat trailer towing winch has professional galvanized treatment, which is resistant to bad weather and will not rust. High carbon steel hardened gears: primary speed ratio: 4:1 secondary speed ratio: 8:1, high efficiency of double gear transmission, service life up to 10 years. The high-strength polyester tape has strong resistance to acid alkali and UV rays, is lightweight, and easy to carry, making it ideal for towing trailer boats.
- TWO-WAY RATCHET: Heavy duty portable winch with hooks for safety pawls that ratchet forward and backward. Boat crank winch is 2 Way-2 speed operation that is fast and super labor-saving, and is the perfect outdoor towing boat trailer traction tool.
- LABOR-SAVING HANDLE: The heavy duty hand crank winch is equipped with a 9.8-inch ergonomic crank handle to make it easier to turn. Boat winches for trailers with non-slip handles to reduce hand fatigue, save 75% of the effort to ensure the safety of use, and effectively improve work efficiency. （Note: Do not use the manual winch to pull up overloaded items.）
- WIDE RANGE OF USES: A ratchet trailer winch can be used to lift objects with good load lifting and traction. 3500Lbs boat winch is ideal for towing boats, loading boats, personal watercraft Jet Ski, ATV, UTV, and trailer equipment.
$59.99
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Bestseller No. 3
AC-DK 3500lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch with 32FT Strap，2-Way Ratchet 4:1/8:1 Gear Trailer Winch，Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat, Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV, Jet Ski
- ❆【Robust Towing Solution】AC-DK 3500 lb Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch is your reliable choice for versatile towing needs. The 32ft L x 2in W boat winch strap, crafted from vibrant blue polyester, ensures secure and safe towing. The sturdy base provides powerful pulling force, reducing physical exertion.
- ❆【Sturdy and Corrosion-Resistant】Crafted from high-quality steel and professionally galvanized, our towing winch is built to last. The galvanized finish offers superior resistance against sun damage and corrosion, ensuring longevity in saltwater or harsh weather conditions.
- ❆【Versatile Two-Way Ratchet】Our towing winch features a stainless steel hook with a safety pawl for seamless forward and backward ratcheting. Effortlessly load and unload your boat by switching the winch direction. The 2-way 2-speed operation makes it a swift and efficient tool for outdoor boat trailer towing.
- ❆【Comfortable Ergonomic Design】Equipped with an 9.8-inch ergonomic crank handle, our trailer winch prioritizes user comfort. The handle's contour and grip reduce stress during operation, alleviating hand fatigue and enhancing overall work efficiency. The anti-slip design ensures safety during use.
- ❆【Wide Application and Easy Installation】This portable boat trailer winch is easy to install and move, making it ideal for trailers, trucks, ATVs, boats, jet skis, and sailboats. With a 3500 lb capacity, it excels in lifting, lowering, or positioning heavy objects with ease. (Note: Avoid using the hand winch to lift overloaded items for safety reasons)
$52.99
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SaleBestseller No. 4
Camco 50000, Trailer Boat Winch | Features a 2-Way Ratchet & 20-Foot Strap with a 2,000lb Weight Capacity
- Manual Trailer Boat Winch: Allows you to load your boat onto your tow trailer smoothly, safely, and accurately
- Features: Two-way ratchet with neutral position for ease of use; A comfort grip handle provides easy, comfortable cranking
- Strap Weight Capacity: 2,000 lb.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: The brake and 4:1 ratio gears are made of heat-treated high carbon steel; The winch is constructed of corrosion-resilient zinc-plated steel that is sturdy and protects against sun damage
- Includes: (1) boat crank winch, (1) 20-foot (L) x 2-inch (W) polyester webbing strap, and (1) snap hook
$44.61
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Bestseller No. 5
AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch with 26FT Strap, 2-Way Ratchet & 4:1 Gear Trailer Winch, Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat, Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV, Jet Ski
- ❆【Robust Towing Solution】AC-DK 1600 lb Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch is your reliable choice for versatile towing needs. The 26ft L x 2in W boat winch strap, crafted from vibrant blue polyester, ensures secure and safe towing. The sturdy base provides powerful pulling force, reducing physical exertion.
- ❆【Sturdy and Corrosion-Resistant】Crafted from high-quality steel and professionally galvanized, our towing winch is built to last. The galvanized finish offers superior resistance against sun damage and corrosion, ensuring longevity in saltwater or harsh weather conditions.
- ❆【Versatile Two-Way Ratchet】Our towing winch features a stainless steel hook with a safety pawl for seamless forward and backward ratcheting. Effortlessly load and unload your boat by switching the winch direction. The 2-way 1-speed operation makes it a swift and efficient tool for outdoor boat trailer towing.
- ❆【Comfortable Ergonomic Design】Equipped with an 8.6-inch ergonomic crank handle, our trailer winch prioritizes user comfort. The handle's contour and grip reduce stress during operation, alleviating hand fatigue and enhancing overall work efficiency. The anti-slip design ensures safety during use.
- ❆【Wide Application and Easy Installation】This portable boat trailer winch is easy to install and move, making it ideal for trailers, trucks, ATVs, boats, jet skis, and sailboats. With a 1600 lb capacity, it excels in lifting, lowering, or positioning heavy objects with ease. (Note: Avoid using the hand winch to lift overloaded items for safety reasons)
$32.99
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SaleBestseller No. 6
Megalint Boat Trailer Winch 3500lbs with 33ft Strap, Heavy Duty Hook Portable Hand Winch, Steel Cable 3500lb Winch Two Way Ratchet Manual Winch for SUV ATV UTV Boat for 4:1/8:1 Gear Crank Winch
- 2-WAYS MODE: Makes both forward and reverse cranking from one side.
- PERFORMANCE: The pulling force of the heavy-duty steel structure winch is 3500Lbs/1587Kg, the steel cable length is 5cmx9.5m（31 ft), the gear ratio is 4:1/8:1. The sturdy base can provide you with strong pulling force and reduce your physical exertion.
- DURABLE: Professional galvanized treatment, resistant to bad weather, high-carbon steel hardened gear, primary speed ratio: 4：1/8：1 Gear Ratio,The speed can be adjusted according to the use of different handle position. corrosion resistance, long service life, winch equipped High-strength anti-slip and wear-resistant strap, strap size: (2in x 33ft).
- APPLICATION: Hand winches are used for all kinds of lifting, lowering or positioning heavy objects, and are very suitable for trucks, trailers, SUV UTV ATVs, loading/towing boats, lawn equipment and other mobile applications. (Do not use manual winches to pull up overloaded items)
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: 10in ergonomics crank handle, makes It easier to turn,anti-slip handle to reduce hand fatigue, labor saving ratio 75% , to ensure safety, easy to shake the crank.
$52.97
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Bestseller No. 7
BeckTour Boat Trailer Winch, 1600Lbs Hand Winch with 33 FT Strap with Hook, 2 Way Ratchet, 4:1 Gear Ratio, Trailer Winch for Boats, Truck, ATV
- 1600Lbs HAND WINCH - Heavy duty boat trailer winch has excellent load lifting and towing power with its 1600 LBS pulling capacity. 33 ft (L) x 2 inches (W) yellow polyester boat winch strap with hook can pull boat trailer smoothly and safely.
- STURDY & DURABLE - The boat trailer towing winch and 4:1 ratio gears are made of high carbon steel. Zinc-plated finish manual boat winch resists sun damage and corrosion, less prone to damage.
- TWO WAY RATCHET - Trailer winch equipped with a safety pawl, two-way ratchet allows forward and reverse, Boat winches for trailers are easy to use.
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN - 8.6 inches comfortable boat trailer winch crank handle ergonomic, non-slip grip handle provides a strong grip, reduces hand fatigue, and saves 75% of the effort.
- COMPACT & PORTABLE - Body size 8.2 x 3.9 x 7.1 inches, mounting base size 6.2x 3.9 inches. A Portable trailer winch can be widely used in towing boats, trailers, loading boats, trucks, ATV, UTV, Jet Ski, etc.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Fulton FW32000101 F2 Two-Speed Trailer Winch with Strap - 3200 lb. Load Capacity - Silver And Black - one size
- 3,200 pounds capacity, One-handed system shifts from high to low speed
- Dual gear drum operates smoothly
- One piece corrosion resistant aluminum frame and one piece corrosion resistant aluminum handle
- 4-position handle adjusts from 6 inch to 9 inch
- Includes strap guide, 20 foot heavy duty winch strap and all mounting hardware
Bestseller No. 9
Dawot 2500lbs Boat Trailer Winch Hand Winch Boat Winch Heavy Duty Hook with 22ft Black Strap Hand Crank Ratchet Winch and Ratio 4:1/8:1 Gear 2 Speed Switchable 2 Way for Boat Trailer Marine Truck ATV
- 【22ft Black Strap】The boat trailer hand winch comes with a generous 7m/22ft black strap that provides ample length for a wide range of applications. The durable strap ensures a secure hold while being highly visible for added safety.
- 【2500lbs Capacity】The Boat Trailer Winch is a robust and reliable tool with a 2500lbs capacity. This heavy-duty performance makes it the perfect choice for boat trailer, marine, truck, and ATV applications.
- 【2-Way Ratchet Design】The hand winch features a 2-way ratchet design, providing flexibility in how you operate it. The two-speed switchable mechanism (4:1 and 8:1 gear ratios) allows you to choose the right setting for the task, enhancing control and efficiency.
- 【Boat Hand Crank Convenience】The hand crank operation of this boat winch simplifies loading and unloading tasks. It's easy to use, and the ergonomic design minimizes operator fatigue, even during extended use. The boat hand crank winch offers dependable and precise control during the entire process.
- 【Multi-Purpose Utility】This Boat Trailer Winch is not limited to boat trailers; it's versatile enough to be used in marine, truck, and ATV applications. Whether you're securing a boat, or loading cargo onto a trailer, this winch is a reliable, multi-purpose tool for various needs.
$33.99
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Bestseller No. 10
TRUQUAL Boat Trailer Winch, Heavy Duty Hand Crank winch with 33FT Strap, 2- Way Ratchet and Ratio 4:1/8:1Gear Two Speed Switchable 3500 lbs Boat Winches for Trailers, Towing Truck, ATV, RV and Jet Ski
- [Powerful Traction]With a robust 3500/2500lbs pulling force, this trailer winch ensures dependable traction for towing needs. It includes a 33-foot polyester strap (4 inches wide) for nighttime rescue operations, while sturdy bases reduce physical effort during operation.
- [Durable Construction]Professionally galvanized for weather resistance and rust prevention, featuring high carbon steel gears with a 4:1 primary and 8:1 secondary speed ratio. The hand crank winch use UV-resistant and lightweight polyester tape ensures durability, perfect for towing trailer boats.
- [Versatile Ratchet System]Equipped with a two-way ratchet system and safety pawls for both forward and backward movement. The boat winches for trailers use 2-way, 2-speed operation makes it fast and labor-saving, ideal for outdoor towing and boat trailer traction.
- [Ergonomic Design]Non-slip handles reduce fatigue by saving 75% effort during use, while the 9.8-inch ergonomic crank handle ensures easy operation. It's important to avoid overloading the hand crank winch for safety.
- [Wide Applications]This boat winch is versatile and suitable for lifting objects and providing traction. It's perfect for towing boats, loading boats, handling personal watercraft like Jet Skis, ATVs, UTVs, and various trailer equipment. Additionally, each package includes an extra set of screws for easy installation.
Best Boat Trailer Winches Buying Guide
Before choosing the best boat trailer winch you should consider following options:
1. Horsepower: If you’re hauling a large boat, you’ll want a winch with a higher horsepower. One of the easiest ways to determine a winch’s horsepower is by looking at the cable drum’s diameter or gauge. The heavier the gauge, the higher the horsepower.
2. Drum Size: The size of the cable drum will depend on the size of the boat you’ll be towing and whether you’ll be using it for other applications.
A small boat will require a smaller drum, while a large boat will require a larger drum. If you’ll be using the winch for other applications, you’ll want a larger drum with a higher breaking strength.
3. Drum Speed: The speed of the cable drum rotation will depend on the type of job you’ll be using the winch for. If you’ll be using the winch for light towing applications, you’ll want a lower drum speed.
A faster drum rotation is preferred for heavy towing applications. High-performance winches typically have a higher drum speed.
4. Automatic Cable Retract: If you’ll be using the winch for recreational boating, then you’ll want a winch with an automatic cable retract.
This will help prevent the cable from getting stuck in the winch and causing damage. If you’ll be using the winch for towing, then this feature is optional.
5. Maximum Pull Force: This is the maximum amount of weight the winch can pull before the drum stops rotating. You’ll want a winch that can lift a sufficient amount to lift your boat with any gear and equipment attached.
Typically, the maximum pull force is 20-25% higher than the weight of the boat.
What else you should know about boat trailer winches
1) What are the different types of boat trailer winches?
There are electric, hydraulic, and manual winches.
2) How do you properly measure for a boat trailer winch?
To properly measure for a boat trailer winch, you will need to take into account the weight of your boat, the length of your boat, and the width of your boat. You will also need to take into account the type of trailer you have and the type of winch you need.
3) How do you install a boat trailer winch?
Most boat trailer winches will come with installation instructions. However, here are some general tips. First, make sure that the winch is properly mounted to the trailer frame. Next, connect the winch cable to the boat. Finally, test the winch to make sure it is working properly.
4) What are some common problems with boat trailer winches?
Boat trailer winches are designed to make it easier to launch and retrieve your boat. However, they are not without their problems. Some common problems with boat trailer winches include:
-Winches can become jammed, making it difficult to launch or retrieve your boat.
-Winches can break, leaving you stranded.
-Winches can overheat, making them dangerous to use.
-Winches can be difficult to operate, making it easy to make mistakes.
5) How do you maintain a boat trailer winch?
It is important to keep the winch clean and free of debris. Inspect the winch regularly for any damage or wear.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best boat trailer winches. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best boat trailer winches will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.