Trailer winch capacity

R

Ramon Sr

New member
Does anybody know how to calculate the trailer winch capacity for a CD 22 Cruiser? I bought a new custom built trailer when I purchased my C-Dory in May 2009. It is an EZ Loader aluminum double axle trailer and it came with an 1,800 lb capacity Fulton winch. I never questioned the capacity of the winch (I supposed that was the dealer's and builder's expertise); however after several pulls out of the water the drum has stripped several of the "teeth" and I am having a hard time retrieving the boat.

I contacted Fulton and they told me they would make a one time replacement but said I was using the winch at full capacity. I told them that the boat with a 90 hp Honda weighed about 2,900 lbs fully loaded. Now, when I pull the boat out, more than half of it is still in the water so I am not pulling the full 2,900 lbs--I am not that strong. Does anybody know? I am wondering if I should even bother getting the winch replaced or better yet buy the next stronger winch and get it over with.
 
My 1993 has a 2600 pounder on it and it is original if that is any idicator. It is well built and heavy duty. I just checked and it is a Fulton 2625 which may or may not help much as they have almost certainly changed model numbers since way back when.
 
I'm also trying to find out the winch capacity on the new EZ-Loader tandem bunk 17/20/22 trailer with 4000# capacity that i just ordered. The dealer doesn't know what winch is coming with the trailer and he says there is no option to exchange the winch.If it's not in the 3000 # range capacity i will either get a 3700 # or put my electric winch on from my other trailer. Trailer has to have a good winch , makes a world of difference when retrieving your boat.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Seems like the winch that came with my "custom" :amgry trailer may not be sufficient. And I paid good money for that trailer built to my specifications. Someone did not do their homework.
 
Ramon Sr":367cafpy said:
Thanks for the feedback. Seems like the winch that came with my "custom" :amgry trailer may not be sufficient. And I paid good money for that trailer built to my specifications. Someone did not do their homework.
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Sorry, had to point out the obvious. :wink: Live and learn. I bought my trailer for the 22 with an electric winch which I paid extra for and ultimately decided that a 2-speed Fulton was the better option. I think I wound up putting a 3700#, 2-speed Fulton on at the suggestion of Bill (DaNag). If you do replace the winch, I'd highly recommend the 2-speed ones. Much easier for steep ramps and the high speed is great to take in the slack and for shallower ramps.
 
I e-mailed Irwin marine in Michigan and they stated that a standard 4000# trailer come with a 3450 # winch. This winch should be good to retrieve my Classic Aangler.
 
Ramon, I think that if it were me, I would call EZ Loader and ask that they replace the winch under warranty. The worst they could do is say no. It would probably get them some good press if they did replace it.

Steve
 
Thanks, Tug and Steve. Definitely, the C-Dory dealer did not do their homework, nor did EZ Loader, considering the size of the trailer. I am no expert, who relied on the dealer's expertise. I will contact EZ Loader and see what they had in mind when they chose the "way below" winch size. I will not contact the dealer--they are useless. They just wanted to sell (get rid of) the boat. I would not buy another boat from them even if earth was flooding and they were selling arks.
 
Tug":2annvp78 said:
I e-mailed Irwin marine in Michigan and they stated that a standard 4000# trailer come with a 3450 # winch. This winch should be good to retrieve my Classic Aangler.
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There seems to be a difference of opinion, the dealer in the Sault said he called EZ-Loader and was told the the TEZ-Loader 17/20/22 4000# bunk comes standard with a 2650 # winch.........guess i will have to wait until i get the trailer to find out for sure.
 
Tug":3bpm99y8 said:
Tug":3bpm99y8 said:
I e-mailed Irwin marine in Michigan and they stated that a standard 4000# trailer come with a 3450 # winch. This winch should be good to retrieve my Classic Aangler.
Click to expand...

There seems to be a difference of opinion, the dealer in the Sault said he called EZ-Loader and was told the the TEZ-Loader 17/20/22 4000# bunk comes standard with a 2650 # winch.........guess i will have to wait until i get the trailer to find out for sure.
Click to expand...

Yes there is. My almost 20 year old EZLoader trailer has the 2625 on it (2600 pound) since new and has never given a lick of trouble. It is enough and does fine. Anyone can get a bigger one for sure and there will be no arguing from me it will pull more. But you can also put 454 V8 into a volkswagon with a saw, welder, and a grinder and it will go much faster. Of course the point is why when something smaller and less expensive is all one needs.
 
I was hoping someone had a similar winch 2650 # capacity on their trailer and would comment on its' performance.Great to hear that this capacity winch does a good job for you and should be good for me also. I will hold off buying any other winch until i have enough time to try this one. Thanks
 
Run my boat on the scales last week, got the following weight. 4080 lbs.

300 lb. Outboard.
85 " kicker.
24 gal. gas.
2o LB. down rigger weights.
25 lb. porta potty (3 gal of water.)
50 lb. Misc.
Trailer weight unkown? Heavy 1985 EZ loader W/oversized tires.
Any guess's?

Boat alone should be under 3000lbs. 2600lb. C-Otter

(85 Classic)
 
Tug gave you a great picture of how much those trailers weigh. I can't imagine even the tandems come in too much heavier - probably 20 percent of so. Mine is a 5200 lb 6 lug single axle trailer built by EZLoader. It has served us well.

Your weight is in the ballpark. My cruiser weighs a bit more than yours at right around 4400 lbs (that is if the scale is remotely right in Eagle River). I have twins, a kicker, a dingy, dual group 24 batteries, a stove, full gas and water, porti, safety stuff, fishing stuff, electric downriggers, 3 gallons of stove oil, a generator, and tiny bit of emergency food.
 
Tug: I don't know what my trailer model is as the label is unreadable and the title is in the safe deposit box. The frame is 4x3, wheels 6 bolts, 700x15 D rating tires,six ply tread, four ply sidewall. Tires are not original.

Serial #242. Next time boat is off trailer, will run on the scale and find the true weight. I do not have bunks, have the roller in back, four 4x4s with plastic slicks 10 feet long, a roller at the 10 foot mark and another one closer to the bow. The boat sits just like a flatbed trailer. This was custom made by the first owner and works like a charm. Five minutes off,10 minutes on.

Will take a picture next time boat is off. (If I remenber the camera) C-Otter
The Serial # is for the boat,no # on the trailer..
 
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