MasterCraft Trailer - Manual (Page 13)

Trailer Winch Assembly
Upon each use of the winch, check for the
proper ratchet operation. Do not use the winch
if it is damaged. Seek immediate repairs.
Maintain a firm grip on the winch handle
at all times. Never release the handle when
the ratchet lever is in the unlocked position
with a load on the winch. The handle will spin violently under
these conditions, which could cause personal injury.
Never use the winch handle as a handle for pulling or maneuver-
ing the entire trailer or other equipment. Never pull on the winch
handle against a locked ratchet.
Never exceed the rated capacity of the winch. Excessive loads
may cause premature failure and result in personal injury.
Never apply a load on the winch with the strap fully extended.
Keep at least two full turns on the strap that’s on the reel.
Inspect the condition of the winch strap. Using one that is dam-
aged or worn can result in serious personal injury or damage.
It is not recommended to use the winch as the sole method for
loading the boat onto the trailer. However, it is a satisfactory assistant
in the event of engine power loss.
Check the winch straps frequently. The strength in these can de-
teriorate from exposure to weather, ozone and ultraviolet light. If a
strap becomes frayed or worn, replace it immediately with a new one.
A heavy grease should be applied to the gears to provide a free-
running drive and to minimize the effort you have to expend to crank
the boat on the trailer.
The winch is intended solely as an aid to loading the boat on the
trailer. It is not intended or adequate to be the sole means of holding the
boat in place while trailering. Proper tie-downs fore and aft must be used.
Warnings at Tongue
Attention should be paid to
all warning labels. Pay par-
ticular attention to the warn-
ing labels that appear on the
pivot tongue.
MasterCraft Trailers • Page 12