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)
$52.93
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Bestseller No. 2
Fulton 500621 XLT Marine Trailer Winch, Powered, 10,000 lbs. Capacity, 15 Foot Strap, Wireless Remote Included
- CAPACITY: Fulton XLT Electric Boat Trailer Winch features a 10,000 lbs. capacity designed to meet your toughest boating and marine pulling demands.
- POWERED OPERATION: Powered electric boat winch features 3-position guide to ensure rugged strap and swiveling hook comes out straight without twisting.
- WIRELESS REMOTE: Convenient wireless remote control includes easy-to-access light and winch control switches.
- MANUAL OVERRIDE: Portable power winch with manual override convenience allows you to use standard tools in case of power loss.
- INCLUDES: Fulton boat winch includes remote control and a 15-foot winch strap with hook.
$380.07
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Bestseller No. 3
TYT 1600lb Boat Trailer Winch with 8M Red Strap, 2 Way Ratchet Hand Crank Strap Winch with Strong Hook, Heavy Duty Steel Construction Manual Gear Winch for RV Jet Ski Boat Trailer Towing Pulling Winch
- 【TYT Black Winch Capacity】The Heavy duty steel construction hand crank winch has pulling force for 1600 lbs / 700 kg, Strap Color : Red, Strap Length: 8m(26ft) ø 50mm, Mounting base size: 5.35in x 3.48in, Winch Color: black
- 【Special Surface & Gear】High quality zinc-black plating finish boat trailer winch for maximum strength and longevity that resists rust and corrosion. Hardened steel gears, high-efficiency transmission ratio 4.1:1. High carbon steel gears to resist wear and last longer
- 【Handle Performance】Size: 21cm/8.26in,the curved handle of TYT cable winches makes it easier to turn, to move something 1600 lbs or less, anti-slip handle ensures a tight grip for less user fatigue and more productivity while cranking the manual small winch
- 【Two Way Ratchet】Mooring hook equipped with a safety pawl, which can ratchet forward and backward. The ratchet winch can be used to lift objects, drag boats, or volleyball net, Ideal for towing or loading boats, personal watercraft, and lawn equipment
- 【Package & Support】Standard mounting hole, small portable size, easy to install. The inner box package passes the 1-Meter rejection test, protecting the product from damage. If you have any issues with our TYT gear winch, please do not hesitate to contact us; we will provide a 100% satisfaction solution for you. Please take the first step and join TOP YOUR TARGET, and we will reach the goal together
$39.99
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Bestseller No. 4
Megaflint Trailer Winch,Reversible Electric Winch, for Boats up to 6000 lbs.12V DC,Power-in, Power-Out, and Freewheel Operations,30% Higher winching Power Than Regular 6000 lbs Winch (5000lbs Marine)
- 1.Upgrade Design: Dual mode operation, Power-in, Power-out, and Freewheel operation. Dyneema Fiber synthetic Rope, super flexible and 10 times strength than steel cable of similar diameter and easy to re-use.
- 2.Low Noise Design: running without ratcheting noise; Electric and manual dual model operation, both for in and out.
- 3. Enhanced Power Motor Design: 30% higher winching power than regular 6000 lbs trailer winch; Dyneema Fiber synthetic Rope and hook for additional safety.
- 4.Dyneema Fiber synthetic Rope, super flexible and 10 times strength than steel cable of similar diameter and easy to re-use: CAPACITY 6,000 lbs. rolling; 5,000 lbs. marine; 2,000 lbs. pulling; Max boat weight: 5,000 lbs
- 5. Designed for boats up to 6000 lbs.Rocker switch corded remote contro,16 ft. power cord.Best used for car, trailer, truck, trailer winch and boat winch .
$149.97
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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)
$34.99
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Bestseller 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.
$59.77
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SaleBestseller No. 7
Champion Power Equipment 2000-lb. Marine/Trailer Utility Winch Kit
- Powered by a 0.3-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor, this winch has a 2000-lb. rated line pull, a 5000- lb. marine rated line pull and a 6000-lb. rolling rated line pull (power in only)
- Tool-free, slide-on 2-inch hitch adapter plate for easy mounting to any 2-inch ball hitch receiver
- Remote control switch with 10-foot cord, extended reach 20-foot battery cables, hand crank for optional manual operation and carry handle for portability (power in via remote control only)
- Provides heavy duty winching power for boats, trailers and other loading jobs, plus the 3-stage straight gear drive system can handle boats up to 18 feet in length
- Champion Support includes 2-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
$87.29
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Bestseller No. 8
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)
$55.00
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Bestseller No. 9
YIYITOOLS 3500lbs Boat Trailer Winch,Heavy Duty Hand Winch with 32FT Strap,Dual Directional Ratchet and Dual Speed Switchable Hand Cranked Winch,Fit for Ship Trailers, RVs, Trucks
- [Superior Load Capacity] This heavy-duty boat trailer winch has a pulling force of 3500Lbs and is equipped with a durable polyester belt that is 33 feet long and 2 inches wide. Its vertical lifting force is 1200 pounds, and the gear ratio is 4:1/8:1. A sturdy base can provide you with strong pulling force, saving you physical exertion.
- [Material] The ropes and hooks of the manual boat winch are made of steel , and the surface has undergone professional galvanizing treatment, which is resistant to harsh weather and will not rust.
- [Two-Way Ratchet] The heavy-duty portable hand boat winch is equipped with a mooring hook and safety pawl, which has a bidirectional ratchet function and can be operated in both forward and reverse directions simultaneously.
- [Comfortable Handle] The curved non-slip comfortable handle reduces hand fatigue, and the crank which is easy to shake can improve work efficiency.
- [Wide Application] The ratchet manual trailer winch can be used for towing, lifting, lowering, or positioning heavy objects, with good load lifting and traction.
$22.99
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Bestseller No. 10
OPENROAD 2000lbs 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
- Heavy Duty Winch : Conquer Your Towing Challenges with the Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch! This powerful 2000lbs trailer winch is engineered to meet all your towing needs
- 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 26ft L x 2in W boat winch strap with hook, made of polyester, offers reliable and secure towing. The 8.27-inch ergonomic crank handle allows for easy turning, reducing hand fatigue, and improving overall efficiency when moving loads up to 2000lbs. 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 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 2000lbs boat winch excels in effortlessly lifting, lowering, or positioning heavy objects. (Note: Please avoid using the hand winch to pull up overloaded items)
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.