Mounting electric winch on Shorelander boat trailer

[gberg41]

I am considering replacing the hand winch on my Shorelander boat trailer with an electric winch. I have Dutton Larson winch as choice, but the challenge of mounting it onto the trailer exceeds my abilities. Looks like a job for a welder. Any input, suggestions or experiences of replacing hand winch with electric would be appreciated.

[REW]

GB,
Depending on the model Shorelander trailer and the model winch you want to mount, it is possible that Shorelander would have the correct winch stand to mount that winch.

I assume that you say that since you are talking a welder, that you have insufficient area on the winch stand to mount the winch?

One thing you might consider, if you do mount a winch on your boat, is to make a set of jumper wires that will plug into your bow trolling motor plug.

If you have 12 volts available at the plug, it would be very easy to use that source of 12 volts to power your electric winch. That would save you the hassle of wiring up your tow vehicle with a 6 gauge wire from the back of the vehicle to the battery and its ensuing connectors and plugs.

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If you don't want to go to Shorelander for a potential different winch stand, and if you have a near by welding shop, just take the boat to the welding shop and have them make what you need and have them mount the winch for you. i.e. they can weld on any support plates and braces and drill any holes in the plate that is needed and can also paint the added pieces for you to match your trailer.

Good luck
REW

p.s.
Just wondering why you need an electric winch. Can't you put your trailer far enough into the water to be able to drive your boat up to the winch stand? That is what I do with my boat. i.e. essentially submerge the trailer, float the boat up to the winch stand. Hook up the snap on the winch, give it a 1/2 turn, and the winch is tight. Pull the trailer and boat out of the water and finish strapping it down.

[LLewellin]

Originally Posted by gberg41

I am considering replacing the hand winch on my Shorelander boat trailer with an electric winch. I have Dutton Larson winch as choice, but the challenge of mounting it onto the trailer exceeds my abilities. Looks like a job for a welder. Any input, suggestions or experiences of replacing hand winch with electric would be appreciated.

A WC member with the name of "wiredog" has done this several times and his works and looks great. Give him a PM and I am sure he would point you in the right direction.

[gberg41]

Back surgery April 30, need another one.