Trailer Jacks

When it comes to maneuvering trailers, having the right jack can make all the difference. Trailer jacks come in various types, each designed to suit different trailers and towing needs.  Read More

Swing Jack

These are attached with bolts to the tongue of your trailer and feature a wheel on the bottom. A swing jack swings upwards once it is connected to the tow vehicle. This ensures the jack won’t interfere when towing your vehicle. They are usually equipped with a ground wheel. These wheels have 360-degree swivel abilities and allow you to move most boats by hand. They max out at about 2,000 pounds of weight capacity.

Fixed Jack

A fixed jack does not swing away once attached to the tow vehicle and is often welded instead of bolted to the frame. They must be raised to a height that won’t interfere with the ground while towing your boat. Because of this, they require more cranking than swing-away jacks. Most fixed jack options come with a simple plate that contacts the ground. They do have a higher tongue weight capacity than swing-away options

Power Jack

A power jack uses the towing vehicle’s battery to raise and lower the jack. These are nice because they don’t require cranking, but there are several drawbacks. They require a power source to operate and rarely come with a wheel and are also prone to corrosion in saltwater environments.

Choosing one is simple, but it is important to get the right jack for your vessel. Getting a jack brand that has the correct tongue weight rating is imperative. Failure to do so could result in the failure of your jack. To estimate the approximate tongue weight of your trailer, take 10% of the total weight. Read More

So, if your boat and trailer weigh 4,000 pounds total, your jack should be able to support at least 400 pounds. Always err on the side of additional capacity; it’s much better to have a jack that’s a little too big than one that’s a little too small. If you find yourself wanting to move your trailer while off the vehicle, make sure your jack has a sturdy wheel to help roll it.

Trailer Winches

These winches attach to the bow of your boat via a strap or cable when loading and allow you to pull it forward onto it until it contacts the bow roller. Once it is seated, the winch locks it in place. Like jacks, the proper winch goes a long way in the ease of loading. A winch also uses a cranking arm to give you leverage while loading.

Manual vs Electric Winches

Powder-coated bolts are used in highly visible areas where hidden bolts are needed. By changing the color of the bolt, it is less likely to be seen. Powder coating also adds increased corrosion resistance to the bolt.

There are several available colors to help find the perfect match for your hull or deck.

A good marine winch has several key components. Firstly, when purchasing a winch make sure it has adequate power to safely pull the weight of your vessel. If your vessel is large, you'll want to look for a two-speed winch that allows you to switch gears and gain more leverage. All good winches should come with an anti-reverse ratchet that stops the boat from slipping back when hoisting.

A good boat jack is key to your vessel's safety off the water. When buying one, firstly make sure it can hold roughly 10% of the total weight of the boat and trailer. If you use your ship in marine environments, you want to make sure your jack is resistant to saltwater. A jack made from aluminum is going to be your best choice for longevity.

Yes! If the wheel on your trailer cracks or ages, replacement wheels are available. These jack wheels are sized; check what size wheel your jack requires to safely operate before purchasing replacement wheels.

If you have a large boat or trailer, an electric winch might not be a bad idea. Electric winches and jacks are wired to your towing vehicle’s battery and provide you with electric power. If your vessel is exceedingly large, the increased pull from an electric motor could come in handy. These are also handy for people who aren’t able to, or don’t want to, operate a manual crank. On the other hand, manual winches and jacks are less expensive and more reliable.

When purchasing a jack for trailers, weight capacity is the first factor you should consider. They should be able to comfortably lift 10% of the total weight of your boat and trailer combined. This will ensure it is safe when not hitched to the tow vehicle. Your winch should generally be able to pull three-quarters of the combined weight of your vessel. This will make pulling your it up easier and put less stress on your trailer and strap.