Our trailer has the above winch on it. Its a 3200# model. The locking lever that controlls the ratchet has bent inward, twice. This week it bent to badly I almost could not retrieve the boat. I looked at it and figured a way to repair it, make it stronger and save the $175 on a new 3700# model. Pics in my album.
I dissasembled the thing. Went to Ace and bought a 3/8" diameter 6.5" bolt, nylok nut, washer, locking slide nut and larger diameter spacer/bushing. Drilled the hole opposite the lever to 3/8" and did the same to the lever side hole. Straightened everything out and re-assembled using the larger hardware. The bolt now goes through both sides of the winch; this is how the 3700# models are designed. The locking slide nut holds the lever assemble in place. We'll see how long this lasts. Should work way better though.
I dissasembled the thing. Went to Ace and bought a 3/8" diameter 6.5" bolt, nylok nut, washer, locking slide nut and larger diameter spacer/bushing. Drilled the hole opposite the lever to 3/8" and did the same to the lever side hole. Straightened everything out and re-assembled using the larger hardware. The bolt now goes through both sides of the winch; this is how the 3700# models are designed. The locking slide nut holds the lever assemble in place. We'll see how long this lasts. Should work way better though.