Updated January 18, 2023
Loading and unloading your boat from its trailer can be a major effort especially if your winch isn’t up to the job.
A large number of electric and manual models are on the market to suit a range of boats of all sizes. Selecting the best one for your boat may require no small amount of research. To lend a hand, some of the best in both categories have been selected as high-quality representatives of the best available. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Bimini Tops Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels Inflatable Dinghies Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Boat Ladders Kayak Rod Holders Anchor Ropes Boat Anchors Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Motorized Kayaks Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Boat Trailer Winch Reviews
- Fulton F2 Boat Trailer Winch
- Reese Towpower 74329 Boat Trailer Winch
- Goldenrod Dutton-Lainson 14825 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch
- Bravex Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch
- Reese Powersports 7019400 Boat Trailer Winch
- Megaflint Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch
- Camco 5000 20′ Strap Boat Trailer Winch
- Voyager 3200 LB Boat Trailer Winch
- Powerwinch 912 Boat Trailer Winch
- Attwood Boat Trailer Winch
Boat Trailer Winch Comparison Table
| Picture | Boat Trailer Winches | Capacity | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Fulton F2 Boat Trailer Winch | 2,000 lbs | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Reese Towpower 74329 Boat Trailer Winch | 1,500 lbs | 4.6 | $ |
  | Goldenrod Dutton-Lainson 14825 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch | 2,500 lbs | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Bravex Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch | 6,000 lbs | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Reese Powersports 7019400 Boat Trailer Winch | 600 lbs | 4.6 | $ |
  | Megaflint Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch | 6,000 lbs | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Camco 5000 20' Strap Boat Trailer Winch | 2,000 lbs | 4.5 | $ |
  | Voyager 3200 LB Boat Trailer Winch | 3,200 lbs | 4.4 | $ |
  | Powerwinch 912 Boat Trailer Winch | 11,500 lbs | 4.8 | $$$$ |
  | Attwood Boat Trailer Winch | 1,200 lbs | 4.4 | $ |
| Picture | Boat Trailer Winches | Capacity | Rating | Price |
It is practically maintenance-free with a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame and coatings and has a smooth 2-speed gear system requiring only one hand to operate.
To accommodate different users, the soft-grip handle can be mounted for right or left-hand use and adjusts from 6 to 9 inches in length.
Mounting is basic with a standard 3-bolt pattern.
This durable model also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
- Load Capacity: 2,000 pounds (also available in 3,200-pound and 1,600-pound models)
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame, components, and handle
- 15-foot strap with hook, all mounting hardware, and plastic strap guide
- 1-speed gear system
- 2-position soft-grip handle adjusts from 6 to 9 inches in length and can be switched from left to right-hand drive
- Easy to install, standard mounting 3-bolt pattern
- The enclosed design requires little to no maintenance
- 5-year limited warranty
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Reese Towpower 74329 Boat Trailer Winch
The comfort-grip handle and 4:1 gear ratio make cranking easy for loads up to 1,500 pounds.
It has an automatic brake system to avoid out-of-control unwinding and is low maintenance with permanently lubricated bearings and shaft.
To top it off, pricing is quite reasonable.
- Load Capacity: 1,500 pounds
- Corrosion-resistant zinc-plated finish
- Sturdy high-carbon SAE 1050 steel gears
- Durable 20-foot strap with hook
- 4:1 gear ratio
- Self-activating brakes
- Comfortable handgrip
- Permanent oil lubrication of bushings, bearings, and shaft
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $
Goldenrod Dutton-Lainson 14825 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch
It has a two-speed system with 17.3:1 and 5.4:1 ratios to choose from and a durable 9.5” steel handle with an easy-grip ergonomic handle to crank with.
Permanently lubricated gears and bearings make it virtually maintenance-free and the load capacity is substantial at 2,500 pounds.
- Load Capacity: 2,500 pounds
- Durable laminated carbon-steel gears
- Heavy-duty embossed steel base
- Zinc-plated finish
- Two-speed gear ratios of 17.3:1 and 5.4:1
- A patented reversible ratchet allows cranking in either direction
- Heavy-duty 9.5” steel handle with an ergonomic grip
- Permanently lubricated bearings and gears
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Bravex Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch
You can power it with a 12V battery or hand-crank it in an emergency. It comes with a 30” galvanized steel cable and hook that operates at 6 feet per minute with a load.
The noise level is very low protecting your hearing and it comes with an automatic electric braking system for safety.
Very similar in design and performance to the Megaflint Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch reviewed below, it is slightly lower priced and comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Load Capacity: 6,000 pounds rolling, 2,000 pounds pulling
- Enhanced power motor (30% more power than similar models)
- Dual direction winching – pulling and spooling
- Operates manually or electrically
- Automatic electric braking system
- Galvanized steel cable (30’) and hook
- 4’ power cable
- Line speed – 6 feet per minute with a load
- Low noise (less than 75 decibels at 12”)
- Low-priced
- 2-year warranty (not including the steel cable)
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Reese Powersports 7019400 Boat Trailer Winch
With carbon-steel gears and a rust-resistant zinc finish, it is durable, and permanent lubrication of the bearings and shaft makes it practically maintenance-free.
It comes with an easy-to-use 2-way ratchet, 15-foot strap and hook, comfortable rotating handgrip, and 3:1 gear ratio.
This high-quality, light-duty winch comes at a very low price.
- Load Capacity: 600 pounds
- 2-way ratchet
- Rust-resistant zinc finish
- Durable high-carbon steel gears
- 15-foot strap with hook included
- 3:1 gear ratio
- Rotating comfortable handgrip
- Permanent oil lubrication of drum bearing and shaft bushings
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $
Megaflint Reversible Electric Boat Trailer Winch
In addition to operating electrically by using a 12V DC battery for which a 16’ power cord is provided, it can also be manually cranked.
It has a line speed of 6’ per minute and can be stopped with a mechanical friction brake as well as the dynamic brake.
Adequate for most applications, 30’ of galvanized steel cable and a hook is provided and the ratchet noise level is low.
- Load Capacity: 6,000 pounds rolling, 2,000 pounds pulling
- Enhanced winching power (30% more power than similar models)
- Dual direction winching – pulling and spooling
- Operates manually or electrically
- Galvanized steel cable (30’) and hook
- Equipped with a dynamic brake and a mechanical friction brake
- 16’ power cord
- Rocker switch remote control with a 9’9” cord
- Line speed – 6 feet per minute with a load
- Minimal ratchet noise design
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Camco 5000 20′ Strap Boat Trailer Winch
The sturdy construction is highlighted by heavy-duty gears, rust and corrosion-resistant zinc plating, and a UV-resistant polyester webbing strap with a hook.
It has a 2-way ratchet with neutral and an 8” handle with a comfortable ergonomic grip.
It is also available in a 1,200-pound capacity version and can be loaded with steel cable if you prefer that to the strap.
- Load Capacity: 2,000 pounds (also available in a 1,200 pound-model)
- Rust and corrosion-resistant zinc-plated finish
- Heavy-duty gears
- 2-way ratchet with neutral
- Durable and UV-resistant 2” polyester 20-foot strap with hook
- 8” handle with an ergonomic grip
- Can also be used with steel cable
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Voyager 3200 LB Boat Trailer Winch
It has hardened steel gears and a heavy-duty steel body with zinc plating for rust and corrosion resistance.
It also includes a durable 10’ polyester webbing strap and a sturdy crank handle with a comfortable grip.
The mounting hardware isn’t included but pricing is affordable.
- Load Capacity: 3,200
- Rust and corrosion-resistant heavy-duty steel body with zinc-plating
- Hardened steel gears
- Durable 10-foot polyester webbing strap (2” width)
- Sturdy handle with a comfortable grip
- Mounting hardware not included
- Reasonably priced
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Powerwinch 912 Boat Trailer Winch
If you use a pulley or block at the bow eye you can double the pulling power.
It comes with 40 feet of 7/32” cable with a 450:1 gear ratio, and an 8’ per minute line speed with a load.
The pricing is pretty high but it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
- Load Capacity: 11,500 pounds
- Power in/freewheel out operation
- 450:1 gear ratio
- 12V power cable
- 40 feet of 7/32” cable
- Dimensions: 10″ depth x 10” width x 8” height
- Line speed – 8 feet per minute with a load
- 1-year limited warranty
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$$
It has a 4.1:1 gear ratio and comes with 20’ of sturdy 2” nylon webbing strap with a zinc-plated snap hook and a 3-position pawl for forward, neutral, and reverse options.
The handgrip is textured and comfortable and it is also available in a bigger version with a 2,000-pound load capacity.
Pricing is very low.
- Load Capacity: 1,200 pounds (also available in a 2,000-pound model)
- Sturdy gear construction with precise gear tooth engagement
- 3-position pawl for forward, neutral, and reverse options
- 4.1:1 gear ratio
- Black EDC finish
- 2” diameter 20’ nylon webbing strap with a zinc-plated rust and corrosion-resistant snap hook
- Comfortable molded and textured handgrip
- Low-priced
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Boat Trailer Winch Buying Guide
Manual Boat Trailer Winches
This type, as the name indicates, requires a person to turn a crank to operate the pulling system. It is constructed with a drum to hold the cable or strap and a ratcheted lock to prevent the line from being pulled back out by the weight of the boat.
The winch can come with a gearbox that has a single speed or multiple speeds. A single-speed gearbox will allow you to crank with only one available gear ratio. A multiple-speed gearbox has more than one gear ratio option for the number of cranks necessary to perform a full drum turn. If the gear ratio is 4:1, for example, you will need to complete 4 cranks of the handle to move the drum 1 full rotation. If the ratio s 10:1, it will take 10 cranks to move the drum 1 rotation.
The benefit of a larger gear ratio is that it takes less strength to execute than the smaller one.
Manual boat trailer winches are usually cheaper than electric ones and have less load capacity.
Electric Boat Trailer Winches
These usually run off of power from a car battery with the use of electric cables. They save you from the effort of manual cranking and often have a much higher weight capacity than manual models. Many also offer a reverse option that gives you control of the boat as it descends.
Some models have a cable controller, while others have a battery-powered wireless remote control.
Electric winches are more expensive than the manual version and usually have considerably more load capacity to take on larger boats. They can be used with all kinds of boat trailers.
Winch Load Capacity
A winch comes with a capacity rating from the manufacturer to give you an indication of how much weight it can pull. It ranges from a few hundred pounds, which is adequate for some inflatables and small watercraft, up to many thousands of pounds that some of the electric winches can boast.
When you calculate the weight of your vessel, make sure you take into account all the baggage, coolers, and people onboard when you will be using the winch. Don’t take chances by exceeding the recommended maximum load to avoid malfunctions, excessive stress on your winch, or safety concerns.
Cable or Strap
Most electric winches only come with a steel cable which is very durable for large loads.
Manual winches use steel cable or fabric straps of nylon or polyester. Some models allow you to make a choice as to which you prefer. Straps are softer on the hands than cable but can also be durable.
Both are subject to wear from water and the sun. The best steel cable is treated for corrosion resistance but should also be lubricated regularly. Nylon and polyester straps soak up water and should be allowed a chance to dry out when not in use. Make sure to follow any manufacturer instructions as to the care of steel cables and straps.
Other Components
The casing, drums, gears, and hardware of winches are also susceptible to the elements. Corrosion-resistant coatings are important for these parts, as well.
Further Reading
For more reviews of boats, kayaks, canoes, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Bimini Tops Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels Inflatable Dinghies Inflatable Pontoon Boats for Fishing Boat Ladders Kayak Rod Holders Anchor Ropes Boat Anchors Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Motorized Kayaks Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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