boat winch

rob_g

Active member
i've tried asking this question on a couple of sites and noone can give me an answer. My boat is a 18x48 grumman welded jon boat. i want to add a winch to the front of it incase i get it stuck. the boat with a hunting load is heavy but empty is super light. I'd like to get a 3000lb winch for it but my question is how do you guys think i should go about mounting it to the front deck with it just being thin sheet-metal. i don't want the first time to use it seeing the winch go flying off and tearing the boat apart the first time i use it. i snapped a couple pictures so maybe you guys have some suggestions as this site is the absolute most helpful when it comes to things like this.


heres the front deck
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica][/font]View attachment 0316111622.JPG

heres the monstrosity im dealing with
View attachment 0316111623a.JPG

heres another close up of the front deck
View attachment 0316111624.JPG

thanks again

rob
 
Rob

What are you planning on winching yourself over? Alot of guys here in Michigan that haul over dikes like to use Lewis winches, powered by a chainsaw motor:

http://www.lewiswinch.com/Duck_Boats.html

Some also add teflon runners to the bottom or else the bottom of the boat wears through rather prematurely.

As far as your direct question, I'd definately reinforce it. If you don't know how to weld aluminum, I'd find a shop, and take the winch with the boat so they can fab up a bracket for you...but redardless, definately don't mount direct to the deck.

Chuck
 
yeah, i have a cranking battery and would add another one if i need to. i don't need to winch over anything in particular. just the occassional stuck on a log jam or beaver dam something like that. i have a longtail mud motor and don't have near enough expierience driving it to know when im getting into trouble so the winch is just insurance i guess....
 
how about installing three or four cleats up on the bow with reinforcing plates under the cleats,with thru bolts, then make up a three or four point bridle to a single eye to pull from, should spread the load out
I feel if you put a winch directly on the front deck it will shear and open it up like a sardine can.
 
Unless you need to winch it a lot, why not just toss a come-along in your boat bag so you can get it unstuck in an emergency? Rigging as Tom L suggests seems to make sense, or you could just attach to the bow eye.

As for a power winch, I have no experience.
 
Unless you need to winch it a lot, why not just toss a come-along in your boat bag so you can get it unstuck in an emergency?


For that matter, a block and tackle will do...before we gave up on the 'idiot-box', I remember an episode of Dirty Jobs were the host and a bunch of Amry guys burried a Humvee and pulled it out with a bunch of elbow greese...and a block and tackle. I have understood and respected the power of the pulley but that I thought was extreme.

Chuck
 
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