Winch tower / stand, bow stop seeking recommendation

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Author Topic:   Winch tower / stand, bow stop seeking recommendation

superdave_gv posted 03-28-2010 10:57 AM ET (US)

Hi everyone-- apologies if my terminology is not industry standard, but I need to correct the height of the winch arm on my trailer's winch stand. When I do that, the winch arm will be at the very top of the winch tower or winch stand. I am seeking opinions if that is sturdy and safe.
It's current configuration was in place when I bought the boat.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/superdave_gv/1972_Cohasset_II/ trailer_mod.jpg
The winch arm needs to flip over so the winch cableis unobstructed as the boat gets to it's stopping point. Also, it seems that having the bow eye or bow stop resting against the trailer in such a way that it prevents the boat from moving forward in an accident is correct. The transom straps help prevent that as well, but the current winch tower configuration seems incorrect.
Opinions / recommendations are sought in regard to the height of the existing winch stand / winch tower and if the winch arm can safely be installed at the top of the tower.
Thanks
Jerry Townsend posted 03-28-2010 02:55 PM ET (US)
You are correct - the bow stop should be above the eye - to stop the boat from moving forward. You also want a real safety chain - between the bow eye and tongue that can just be connected when the boat is snugged up against the bow stop.
Raising the winch to the top of the tower will increase the loads - on the tower and the forward U-bolt - but you will probably be alright. If you want, install a brace from midway up the tower to the tongue. --- Jerry/Idaho
superdave_gv posted 03-28-2010 08:24 PM ET (US)

Jerry-- thanks-- much obliged. The brace is a good idea. Probably easier to rig than finding a whole new tower.
I also got an email from a local Lanier whaler who has an extra chain and turnbuckle for me. Thanks to all!
Phil T posted 03-29-2010 06:26 AM ET (US)
I agree the current setup is not ideal. It may be easier just to replace the post and winch stand.
Here is how my trailer is setup, note the winch strap is now wound below the drum.
http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ OutrageTrailer#5077894037428785842
Eastern Marine has a good selection for the various frame sizes.
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog& categoryID=224
Jerry Townsend posted 03-29-2010 01:02 PM ET (US)
Forget the turnbuckle in the safety chain - you want a SAFETY chain - something solid that will not fail. A little 'slop' is OK.
Make the safety chain worthwhile - lets say 5/16 or 3/8 chain with a 3/8 "S" hook at the bow eye - that just barely slips into the eye bolt.
Indeed, a brace would need to be made up - by a welder - or bring it over. --- Jerry/Idaho

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Author	Topic: Winch tower / stand, bow stop seeking recommendation
superdave_gv	posted 03-28-2010 10:57 AM ET (US) Hi everyone-- apologies if my terminology is not industry standard, but I need to correct the height of the winch arm on my trailer's winch stand. When I do that, the winch arm will be at the very top of the winch tower or winch stand. I am seeking opinions if that is sturdy and safe. It's current configuration was in place when I bought the boat. http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/superdave_gv/1972_Cohasset_II/ trailer_mod.jpg The winch arm needs to flip over so the winch cableis unobstructed as the boat gets to it's stopping point. Also, it seems that having the bow eye or bow stop resting against the trailer in such a way that it prevents the boat from moving forward in an accident is correct. The transom straps help prevent that as well, but the current winch tower configuration seems incorrect. Opinions / recommendations are sought in regard to the height of the existing winch stand / winch tower and if the winch arm can safely be installed at the top of the tower. Thanks
Jerry Townsend	posted 03-28-2010 02:55 PM ET (US) You are correct - the bow stop should be above the eye - to stop the boat from moving forward. You also want a real safety chain - between the bow eye and tongue that can just be connected when the boat is snugged up against the bow stop. Raising the winch to the top of the tower will increase the loads - on the tower and the forward U-bolt - but you will probably be alright. If you want, install a brace from midway up the tower to the tongue. --- Jerry/Idaho
superdave_gv	posted 03-28-2010 08:24 PM ET (US) Jerry-- thanks-- much obliged. The brace is a good idea. Probably easier to rig than finding a whole new tower. I also got an email from a local Lanier whaler who has an extra chain and turnbuckle for me. Thanks to all!
Phil T	posted 03-29-2010 06:26 AM ET (US) I agree the current setup is not ideal. It may be easier just to replace the post and winch stand. Here is how my trailer is setup, note the winch strap is now wound below the drum. http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ OutrageTrailer#5077894037428785842 Eastern Marine has a good selection for the various frame sizes. http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog& categoryID=224
Jerry Townsend	posted 03-29-2010 01:02 PM ET (US) Forget the turnbuckle in the safety chain - you want a SAFETY chain - something solid that will not fail. A little 'slop' is OK. Make the safety chain worthwhile - lets say 5/16 or 3/8 chain with a 3/8 "S" hook at the bow eye - that just barely slips into the eye bolt. Indeed, a brace would need to be made up - by a welder - or bring it over. --- Jerry/Idaho