Power Winch Installation In Transom Locker For Lifting Dingy

midexp

midexp

Active Member
Oct 5, 2016
424
Harrison Township, Michigan Lake St.Clair
Boat Info
1999 40' Sundancer
Engines
454 merc
Thinking about installing one to be able to get my dingy on my davits by myself. Any advice from those who have done this? I see Harbor Freight sells them very cheap, but they have a cable. Seems like the ones I have seen on boats all use straps for some reason. Also thinking about installing a separate battery for power it as oppose to running wires to my batteries. And where did you get your backing plate for strength?
Thanks
 
Look at small ATV winches with synthetic rope
 
Having first hand experience with those HF winches, watch them. The drums can handle the rope but they are not built to handle the rated weight. The spreaders strip and pull. And the line wont spool in even and cause the line to go between the housing and spool. The roller fairlead has thin metal tubes that attach by cheap plastic bushings on bolts too small.

Other than that, they are cherry.
 
If you need a cheap tool that you may use once or twice, go to HF. If you want something that will last and can be relied on, go elsewhere. (And pay more)
 
bobeast said:
If you need a cheap tool that you may use once or twice, go to HF. If you want something that will last and can be relied on, go elsewhere. (And pay more)
Click to expand...

I would exactly say that. I have HF tools that I have abused for over 30 years and they are still good. I have only ever broken a handfull of sockets and they have always replaced them, no questions asked. I can't say that about craftsman, kolbolt, husky or any of the others. But like anything, you have to pick and choose.
 
midexp said:
Thinking about installing one to be able to get my dingy on my davits by myself. Any advice from those who have done this? I see Harbor Freight sells them very cheap, but they have a cable. Seems like the ones I have seen on boats all use straps for some reason. Also thinking about installing a separate battery for power it as oppose to running wires to my batteries. And where did you get your backing plate for strength?
Thanks
Click to expand...

not doubting you need the winch but curious what your dinghy setup is? It took me a bit of trial and error with our 310 Highfield and the h2o setup. I found it best to clear up the bow line from the dinghy, raise the motor, and swiftly pull the aft end of the dink onto the rear davit. Once it gets going it rights itself level and the bow end finds itself on the davit.

the Winch would replace my arms in this setup and I could see it working well if the angle is right
 
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