10 Best Electric Winch For Boat Trailer [ Smooth Unloading]

If you have a boat, you must load and unload it from your trailer, which is quite a task. To make the job a lot easier, you need a reliable trailer to make the loading and unloading experience smoother. Having the best electric winch for boat trailer makes it easy to load and offload your boat from the trailer.

An electric winch for a boat trailer makes your adventure in water more fun and exciting. This is because of the assurance of having a tool that aids you in handling your boat when you need to get it on and off the trailer. It will make your life easier, thus the need to invest in it.

Are Electric Winches Better Than Manual Winches?

A winch is a vital tool because it can get your vehicle out of a sticky situation. This mechanical device is quite beneficial because of the many tasks it can help you with. Electric and manual winches are the two available winches that come in very handy. Electric winches are indeed the best because when using one, you stand from the operation.

For an electric winch to work, you need a power source, which is not the case with a manual winch that requires manual operation. You don’t have to rely on your strength when using an electric winch, making it an essential tool. It also ensures a safe working environment and guarantees easy execution of tasks. Boat trailer winches make a better selection than manual winches thanks to their effectiveness and efficiency.

How Did We Make This Article?

There is no doubt that you should get the best electric winch for boat trailers. But it is not an easy task to choose the best product. That triggered us to make this exclusive buying guide to help you out. We reviewed 36 products and read 57 articles before making the shortlist.

Besides, we analyzed 267 consumer’s opinions before making our final judgment. Finally, we are here with our 10 exclusive electric winch reviews so that you can choose the best option for you.

30 Sec Quick Summary – Best Electric Winch for Boat Trailer

• Best Portable: Bravex Electric Winch, Reversible Portable 12-Volt DC Electric Winch Boat Trailer

“When you talk about the best electric winch that is easily portable, it is a perfect match for you.”

• Best for Capacity: Megaflint Trailer Winch, Reversible Electric Winch

“With 6,000 lbs. (rolling); 5,000 lbs. (marine); 2,000 lbs. (pulling) capacity, it will give you a great user experience.”

• Best Heavy-Duty: Dutton-Lainson Company SA12015AC 120 Volt/2700 lbs/4000 lbs

“It comes with all heavy-duty electric boat winch parts to give you the best performance.”

• Best Reversible: Hantun Trailer Winch, Reversible Electric Winch, for Boats up to 6000 lbs 12V DC

“If you want the best reversible electric winch for your boat trailer, this is the right product for you.”

• Best Waterproof: RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof IP68 Electric Winch with Hawse Fairlead

“One of the best features of this product is it will show a great resistant to waters to give you a durable user experience.”

• Best Overall: STEGODON New 9500 lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch S2

“If you are looking for the best electric winch for boat trailers, you can easily count on this product.”

• Best for Performance: Goldenrod Electric Trailer Winch 1500LBS

“When seamless performance and smooth operation are the key factors, you should count on this product.”

• Best Durable: Fulton FW32000101 F2 Two-Speed Trailer Winch with Strap

“If you are looking for an electric winch that comes with a high durability, it is the right option.”

• Best Small Electric Winch for Boat Trailer: Reese Towpower 74329 Trailer Winch, Silver

“This exclusive electric winch for boat trailer comes with 1500 lbs. of loading capacity.”

• Best for Smooth Operation: Camco 50000 Winch (2,000 lb. with 20’ Strap)

“Camco 50000 is a great product when all you want is a smooth operation.”

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10 Best Electric Winches for Boat Trailer Reviews 2021

It is not an easy task hauling your boat off the trailer and loading it back regularly. You must have the best electric winch for boat trailer to ease the task. To help you choose a winch for your trailer boat, we will outline the top five best electric winches in the market for boat trailers. That way, you will have a clue on the ideal electric winch to choose for a boat trailer.

1. Best Portable: Bravex Electric Winch, Reversible Portable 12-Volt DC Electric Winch Boat Trailer

The Bravex trailer winch features a 12-volt DC boosted power to the winch motor to deliver the best boat winching performance. It is easy to carry around and portable making it the best portable electric winch. You will love its dual-direction electric winching feature that gives you control when undertaking the spooling and pulling operation.

This winch is equipped with an exceptional electric automatic braking system for safety precautions. It comes with a galvanized steel cable that can take up the weight of 2,000 pounds pulling weight capacity. A low noise design is instilled in this electric winch reassures noise-free operation mode.

You will love the corded remote-control feature of this bravex electric winch that aids in operation when you are at a distance from the winch. That way, you will have a fuller sight of the unit as it goes into the trailer. This is a convenient electric winch that delivers an exceptional performance with every pull.

Bravex Electric Winch Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: HKD
• Brand: Bravex
• Item Weight:4 pounds
• Package Dimensions:3 x 12 x 11.5 inches
• Noise Level: Low (<75 dB at 12 inches)
• Max Boat Size: 18 ft.
• Capacity: 6,000 lbs. (rolling); 5,000 lbs. (marine); 2,000 lbs. (pulling)
• Operation Mode: Dual (Both electric and manual)

Bravex Electric Winch Features:

• The Bravex trailer winch features dual direction electric winching that gives enough power for pulling and spooling.
• This boat trailer winch has a robust power motor that guarantees unproblematic winching operation.
• It comes with an electric automatic braking system that ensures safety during the winching process.
• The galvanized steel cabled featured on this electric winch makes it possible to withstand up to 6,000 pounds pulling capacity.
• This electric winch has a low noise design, which gives an assurance of noise-free operation mode for a larger boat.

2. Best for Capacity: Megaflint Trailer Winch, Reversible Electric Winch

To make the Megaflint trailer commence its operation, connect it to a 12V battery with power in and out. The 12v electric boat trailer winch comes with a high winching power that can accommodate up to 6000 lbs. winching capability. This winch has a dual-mode operation; the electric and manual can easily switch from electric mode to a hands-on process.

The low noise design incorporated in this reversible electric winch makes it easy to operate with minimal ratcheting noise. The galvanized steel winch cable with a hook comes in handy for additional safety. It comes with a dynamic brake and a mechanical friction brake for freewheel operation.

This is the best winch for boat trailer because it was designed for boats and corded remote control for versatility.  Its 16 ft. power cord is ideal for a winch in a boat, truck, car, and even trailer. This provides a dependable and steady pulling operation at all times.

Megaflint Trailer Winch Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: MF
• Brand: Megaflint
• Item Weight:4 pounds
• Package Dimensions:5 x 11.7 x 10.6 inches
• Noise Level: Low
• Max Boat Weight: 5000 lbs.
• Capacity: 6,000 lbs. (rolling); 5,000 lbs. (marine); 2,000 lbs. (pulling)
• Operation Mode: Dual

Megaflint Trailer Winch Features:

• This Megaflint trailer winch features an exceptional 30% winching power that can bear up to 6000 lbs.
• The winch is equipped with a dynamic brake and mechanical friction brake that delivers a freewheel operation.
• It comes with a galvanized steel cable with a hook that works well for additional safety at heavy loads.
• The dual-mode operation featured on these winch trailers enables you to switch from electrical to manual mode with ease.
• It has a low noise design that ensures that you run your operation with minimal noise operation.

3. Best Heavy-Duty: Dutton-Lainson Company SA12015AC 120 Volt

This is a quality winch to invest in that features a two-speed setting, enabling you to choose from low or normal gear. With a single line load capacity, this electric winch can handle a pulling capacity of 2500 pounds. If you have an average-sized boat, this electric winch is perfect for you making it a good investment.

With this heavy-duty electric boat trailer winch, you can handle a double line operation. This means you can use a pulley block and second hook, maximizing capacity to 4000 pounds. It also comes with a 7/32-inch x 50 feet aircraft cable and hooks making it easy for you when pulling.

If you are looking for the best winch on the market, go for the Dutton-Lainson Company electric winch due to its ease of use. Its 10-foot cord guarantees reliability during operation because of the long cord. The inbuilt remote control helps you operate the winch from a distance with your heavy duty boat alongside heavier loads in it.

Dutton-Lainson Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Dutton-Lainson Company
• Brand: Goldenrod
• Item Weight:6 pounds
• Product Dimensions:75 x 10.25 x 12.25 inches
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Single Line Load Capacity: 2700 pounds (dead weight)
• Remote: Built-in with a 10-foot cord

Dutton-Lainson Company Features:

• This electric winch features 2700 pounds single line load capacity, which is suitable when pulling.
• This winch’s double line operation uses a pulley block and a second hook to increase capacity.
• It is equipped with an installed remote control that you can use for your operations from a distance.
• An electric winch with a 10-foot cord ensures that you can handle all tasks with ease with a long cord.
• A 7/32-inch x 50 feet aircraft cable and hook are provided by this electric winch that makes pulling and installing relatively easy.

4. Best Reversible: Hantun Trailer Winch, Reversible Electric Winch

The Hantun Trailer Winch features a powerful Motor Design with a 30% higher winching power than a standard 6000 lbs. trailer winch. It also features power-in, power-out freewheel operations making it quite exceptional. This reversible electric winch has a dynamic brake and mechanical friction brake to accommodate a boat weight of 5,000 lbs.

This is an electric winch with remote corded control enabling you to operate from a distance giving control for a 10 feet lead.  It is portable, having an inbuilt carry cable that eases transportation for movements made from one place to another. A rapid mount bracket for trailer hitch ball is also available to ease with operations and a 16 ft. power cord that can be used on boats and trucks, cars, bass boats, and trailers.

The upgraded design of this winch offers dual-direction electric winching meant for pulling and spooling. Its dual operation makes it the best winch for the money because it can be used for electric and manual winching. The hand crank winch model comes in quite handy during an emergency.

Hantun Trailer Winch Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Hantun
• Item Weight:4 pounds
• Package Dimensions:4 x 11.7 x 10.3 inches
• Capacity: 6000 lbs.
• Remote: Corded remote control
• Type: Portable and reversible electric winch
• Operation Mode: Dual (Electric and manual)

Hantun Trailer Winch Features:

• A reversible electric winch having a dynamic brake and mechanical friction brake that can take up a boat weight of 6,000 lbs.
• It is a portable electric winch with an inbuilt carry cable that makes it easy to transport from one place to another.
• The Hantun trailer features a rapid mount bracket for trailer hitch ball that is meant to ease operations.
• This electric winch is designed with a 16 ft. power cord long enough to be used on trucks, trailers, boats, and cars.
• It comes with dual operation meaning it can be used electric and manual winching; you can easily switch operations from one mode to the other.

5. Best Waterproof: RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof IP68 Electric Winch with Hawse Fairlead

What makes the RUGCEL WINCH outstanding is its waterproof features. No matter how harsh the weather is, it cannot affect this electric winch trailer making it the best waterproof electric winch. The fact that it is made out of stainless steel makes it quite resistant to moisture and corrosion, so it is the best waterproof winch. This winch comes with a unique design for a boat, utility trailers, and modified vehicles, meaning it can handle them all.

You will love its viciously pulling powerful combination that works exceptionally well to get you out of a critical circumstance. Its dual-mode operation works remarkably well to work hand in hand with wired and wireless functions. Apart from that, this electric winch is equipped with mechanical and dynamic brakes to ensure control as you continue winching. The three-stage planetary gear system works exceptionally well to ensure smooth operation is enhanced with a free spooling clutch.

The versatile winch from RUGCEL WINCH is constructed with a permanent magnet motor having a low amp, which is protected by a circuit breaker. This makes it deliver dependable performance having a 3500-LB pull rating.  It also features a steel wired rope of a 50-feet radius that makes it possible to handle any winching task without challenges. You can operate this electric winch from any distance or position thanks to its wireless remote and antenna operation.

RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: RUGCEL WINCH
• Item Weight:3 pounds
• Package Dimensions:6 x 14.7 x 9.7 inches
• Voltage: 12 volts
• Capacity: 6000 lbs.
• Remote: Corded remote control
• Type: Portable and reversible electric winch
• Operation Mode: Dual (Electric and manual)

RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof Features:

• This electric winch can operate from any distance due to its wireless remote and antenna, making it quite convenient.
• The RUGCEL WINCH 3500 lbs. rated capacity is meant to ensure efficient and smooth operation delivering dependable operation.
• It features dual-mode operation that works well with a wired and wireless function enabling you to switch easily from electric to manual mode.
• A steel wired rope of 50-feet radius is featured in this electric winch enabling you to handle winching tasks without challenges.
• It is an electric winch equipped with mechanical and dynamic brakes that gives you optimum control when winching.

6. Best Overall: STEGODON New 9500 lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch S2

This new model that belongs to the S2 series of STEGODON comes with 3-stage planetary steel gear which will provide you with stronger pulling power. It has a 5.5HP series electric motor which is easily capable of loading 9500 lbs. The gear system of this model comes with a free spooling clutch that will give you extra flexibility. No wonder, the amazing jungle explorer logo of this new model will certainly blow your mind.

The cable is a synthetic rope that is pure green which is strong enough to make this machine highly efficient. It has a 500 AMP solenoid contactor which is sealed and can do a heavy-duty performance. When empty, the speed level is 24.6 feet per minute. On the other hand, the full load line speed of this electric winch is 6.4 feet per minute.

Needless to say, this amazing product comes with fast circuit speed with a good control system. It has a wireless remote control which is highly sensitive. Besides, the exclusive clutch brake system will ensure even easier control. With a good gear ratio, a solid construction,  and a huge maximum capacity with an ergonomic handle, it’s one of the most powerful winches at an affordable price.

STEGODON New 9500 lb Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: STEGODON
• Item Weight: 48 pounds
• Product Dimensions:3 x 6.3 x 7.9 inches
• Color: Black/Green
• Cable: Synthetic rope (Pure green)
• Motor:5 HP/4.1 KW series wound
• Gear Ratio: 265:1
• Finish: Frosted black
• Rated Line Pull (Single): 9500 lbs. (4310 Kgs)
• Control Switch: Remote switch

STEGODON New 9500 lb Features:

• You’ll get a 3-stage planetary steel gear with this boat trailer winch for heavier boats.
• This boat trailer winch has a 5.5 HP series electric motor with amazing pulling power.
• It has a 500 AMP Solenoid contactor which is sealed and can give you heavy-duty performance.
• The full load line speed of this comfortable trailer winch is 6.4 feet per minute.
• It has a wireless remote control and an exclusive clutch brake system to give you great control.

7. Best for Performance: Goldenrod Electric Trailer Winch 1500LBS

If you are looking for a durable electric marine winch for a manual boat trailer, this is the right place for you. Goldenrod electric winch is specially designed for those boats which are up to 4000 pounds. It comes with both the power-in and freewheel-out operation to give you a flexible user experience.

This exclusive product is weighing only 20.9 pounds, so it is easily portable and you can move it into places without much hassle. It comes with a positive mechanical brake to give you great user-friendly control. Besides, the built-in 2″ x 20′ polyester strap will help you to complete the task successfully.

It comes with an exclusive clutch control knob which is designed for a very important task. Typically, it engages gears to get the job done conveniently. When it comes to releasing load in freewheel mode, you will also find the clutch control knob pretty much helpful.

Goldenrod Electric Trailer Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Dutton-Lainson Company
• Item Weight:9 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 9.5 inches
• Capacity: Boats up to 4000 lbs.
• Brake: Positive mechanical
• Operation: Power-in and Freewheel-out

Goldenrod Electric Trailer Features:

• This boat trailer winch can load boats up to 4000 pounds and does a wide range of applications.
• It has an exclusive power-in and freewheel-out operation feature, great for efficient water works.
• The positive mechanical brake in this boat trailer winch will give you easier control for heavy boats.
• It features a clutch control knob that helps engage gears or release loads in some specific freewheel modes.
• You’ll get a positive battery wire of 25 feet and a ground wire of 8 feet with this boat trailer winch.

8. Best Durable: Fulton FW32000101 F2 Two-Speed Trailer Winch with Strap

Fulton FW32000101 F2 two-speed trailer comes with a sleek and ergonomic design that is completely enclosed. The capacity of this trailer is 3200 pounds with a one-handed system which will shift from high to low speed. All of the components of this machine come with a precision fit construction. Besides, exclusive coating on the components made them highly corrosion-resistant.

This Fulton winch features a dual gear drum to give you options to have a smooth operating experience. The corrosion-resistant aluminum frame and handle will make the machine highly durable. On top of that, the handle has a 4-position which can be easily adjusted from 6 to 9-inch. Furthermore, the solid drive gear of this model will give you a highly reliable operation.

No wonder, FW32000101 is specially designed to give you a durable and maintenance-free user experience. The installation process is also super easy so that you won’t need to take any extra stress for that. While the ratchet system is center drive enclosed, the pull-turn knob comes in handy when you need to engage the ratchet plunger pin.

Fulton FW32000101 Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Fulton
• Item Weight:4 pounds
• Capacity: 3200 lbs.
• Drum: Dual gear
• Frame: Corrosion-resistant, built with aluminum
• Handle: Aluminum made, corrosion-resistant
• Handle Position: 4
• System: One-handed

Fulton FW32000101 Features

• It comes with a stylish and completely enclosed sleek design.
• All of the components of this machine are precision fit and corrosion-resistant.
• The handle has a soft grip which length is easily adjustable.
• It’s a great vessel trailer winch that comes with a 3200-pounds capacity.
• The dual gear winch drum ensures smooth operation for all types of boat.

9. Best Small Electric Winch for Boat Trailer: Reese Towpower 74329 Trailer Winch

If you are looking for the best electric boat winch with a small loading capacity, here is a perfect fit for you. Reese Towpower 74329 comes with a capacity of 1500 lbs. which made it perfect for loading small boats. The package includes 20 feet strap and hooks to help you out to get the job done.

It has a great finish that is zinc-plated to give you a highly corrosion-resistant user experience. We know cranking sometimes becomes quite a hassle. However, the handle of this winch comes with a comfortable grip so that you can hold the handle conveniently during the cranking process.

Furthermore, this exclusive product is designed with full-length drum bushing. It also comes with oil-impregnated shaft bushings, so you won’t need to do much maintenance work. Besides, the high carbon steel-made gear will resist wear and give you a durable user experience.

Reese Towpower Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Reese Towpower
• Brand: Reese
• Item Weight:9 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 10 inches
• Capacity: 1500 lbs.
• Finish: Zinc-plated
• Gears: Made of high carbon steel
• Handle: With comfort grip

Reese Towpower Features:

• The capacity of this product is boats up to 1500 lbs for mid-sized boats.
• It has a 20 feet strap and hooks for smooth operation, especially for a fishing boat.
• The zinc finish on this winch made the winch highly corrosion-resistant.
• The handle comes with comfort grip so that you can hold it easily while cranking.
• It features high carbon steel-made gears which are wear-resistant and durable.

10. Best for Smooth Operation: Camco 50000 Winch (2,000 lb. with 20’ Strap)

Camco 50000 winch is a great product with 2000 pounds of loading capacity. The manual winch will help you to successfully load your boat onto the trailer. Besides, the heavy-duty construction of this winch comes in handy when it comes to complete loading tasks. If you want to load the boat smoothly and safely, Camco is always a perfect fit.

The body of this machine is zinc plated which made it highly resistant to corrosion. So, you will be able to use this amazing winch for a long time. On top of that, it comes with heavy-duty gears to ensure a durable and seamless operation.

The package includes a 20-foot strap which will help you in the loading time. This unit is weighing only 8 pounds, so it is easily portable and you can carry it into places. Undoubtedly, with all these exclusive features, this product can be a great option for you.

Camco 50000 Technical Details:

• Manufacturer: Camco
• Item Weight: 8 pounds
• Package Dimensions: 8 x 6.7 x 5.6 inches
• Capacity: 2000 lbs.
• Finish: Zinc-plated
• Gears: Heavy-duty
• Body: Zinc-plated, corrosion-resistant

Camco 50000 Features:

• The winch operates manually with great performance.
• It comes with a 2000-pounds capacity.
• It features heavy-duty gears for smooth operation.
• The body is zinc plated which made it highly corrosion-resistant.
• The comes with a 20-foot strap for smooth loading.

What Size of Winch Do I Need For My Boat Trailer?

The winch’s size for your boat trailer should be at least a 3/4 rating capacity of your boat’s weight. Where you launch your boat also determines the size of the winch for high-performance operation. You require a spool with a capacity to accommodate up to 50 feet of the cable having a snap at the end.

The size of the winch determines the winching capacity and the amount of weight it can pull. Therefore, you need a size that is heavier than your boat to ensure that it functions properly. Your boat weight should be able to be accommodated by the size of the winch you choose. The bottom line is, consider getting a winch size whose capacity exceeds the weight of your boat; that is the thumb rule.

Benefits of Using an Electric Winch for Boat Trailer

An electric boat trailer winch is meant to offload your boat from the trailer into the water and place it back onto your trailer. This is not an easy process and requires a lot of labor to accomplish, especially if you don’t have a winch. An electric winch comes with many benefits, making it easy for you to handle your boat much easier.

Installation

One of the most significant benefits of an electric winch is the ease of installation. This winch operates from an existing motor; that is why installing it is easy. You don’t need to have additional equipment when installing an electric winch; all you have to do is hook the winch to the motor, and you are good to go.

Efficient

Most people prefer electric winch because of its efficiency and fast operation. It has adequate power to load and offload your boat from the trailer without any complication. Due to its efficiency, an electric winch has better performance and uses minimal effort.

Transfer

You can transfer this winch to another boat quickly. To make this happen, reinstall the winch and connect it to the other boat. You will realize that it is not complicated to reinstall an electric winch compare to a hydraulic winch that is quite complicated when installing.

Affordability

Even though the initial cost of purchasing an electric winch may be high, it is more affordable to have it in the long run. Compared to other winches, an electric winch has minimal operating costs. This means you will not incur any further costs once you have this winch making it quite economical. You will also note that electric winches come in different designs and varieties that can suit your budget. Meaning no matter the amount you have, you can still find a good electric winch that suits your needs within a reasonable price.

Noise operation

An electric winch is excellent because it produces less noise during operation. This ensures that no disruption is caused, making every other thing around you run smoothly. The quiet mode of operation of an electric winch makes it one of the market’s sought-after winches.

Safety

This winch ensures safety because it comes with features that enable you to operate well without harming. Precaution safety is installed on an electric winch to keep you safe when operating on your boat. The risk of having an accident when using an electric winch is minimized, ensuring no hull damage.

Final Thoughts

The importance of having the best electric winch for boat trailer cannot be overemphasized. It ensures that you don’t keep worrying about loading and unloading the boat from the trailer, a task that can be quite frustrating. This equipment is a valuable investment, and with proper maintenance, it can serve you for many years.

The best electric winch for boat trailer is the RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof IP68 Electric Winch. What makes it outstanding is its waterproof features making it withstand any weather condition. It also comes with vicious pulling power and dual-mode operation having mechanical and dynamic brakes. The steel wired rope of a 50-feet length enables you to winch efficiently without challenges in water.

Resource article:

• What Size Winch Do I Need for My Truck?
• How To Choose A Winch 
• What Is A Winch Used
• Best Battery For Winching

William Hedlund

Hi, I am William Hedlund, I am a motor tool specialist and a businessman. I have a business where I sell all the latest obd2 scanners for honda & jeep, best automotive diagnostic scanner, off-road air compressor, best battery for winching, etc. Because of my business, I have to face so many clients of these tools users. While selling these products and giving them service, I saw many clients face difficulties with installation, maintenance, not getting the exact amount of service, and buying the wrong one. All those problems they face because of their lack of knowledge about these products.

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