POWERWINCH 712 Boat Trailer Winch Owner’s Manual

POWERWINCH 712 Boat Trailer Winch

OVERVIEW

• 12 Volt Powered Winch
• Power-In/Free-Wheel Out Operation

Thoroughly read the manual furnished with this product and be familiar with the controls. Do not allow individuals to operate the winch without understanding the safe operation and procedures for the equipment.

PROPRIETARY STATEMENT

The Powerwinch Trailer Winch is a product of Scott Fetzer Electrical Group or SFEG, located in Fairview, Tennessee, USA. The information contained in or disclosed in this document is considered proprietary to SFEG. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in the document is accurate and complete. However, SFEG assumes no liability for errors or for any damages that result from the use of this document.
The information contained in this manual pertains to the current configuration of the models listed on the title page. Earlier model configurations may differ from the information given. SFEG reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or add any parts and assemblies, described in this manual, without prior notice.
SFEG agrees to allow the reproduction of this document for use with SFEG products only. Any other reproduction or translation of this document in whole or part is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from SFEG.

SAFETY INFORMATION

The following Safety Precautions Must be followed at ALL Times. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions in this manual could result in serious injury and/or property damage.

• WARNING This product can expose you to chemicals including Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Vinyl Chloride and Cumene, which are known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov 
• CAUTION ALWAYS block the vehicle wheels to help prevent the vehicle from moving when pulling a load with the winch.
• CAUTION SHOCK HAZARD. ALWAYS unplug the wiring harness before attempting to install, relocate, service or perform maintenance on the winch.
• CAUTION NEVER use the winch to lift or move people or animals.
• CAUTION NEVER use the winch for overhead lifting.
• CAUTION NEVER attempt to pull a load greater than the rated load of the winch.
• CAUTION ALWAYS stand away from the winch during operation. ALWAYS keep objects, people and animals away from the camper and camper top when operating the winch. Serious injury could occur if the cable breaks.
• CAUTION NEVER wear loose fitting clothes, scarves, ties or jewelry when operating the winch. Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts.
• CAUTION ALWAYS keep hands clear of the cable spool (drum area).
• CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel cable can cause serious damage to hands.
• CAUTION Remove all tools used for manual override operation before operating the winch with the electrical power.
• CAUTION NEVER use the winch to exclusively hold, support or permanently secure the load. Use separate straps to support the load.
• CAUTION ALWAYS stand away from the winch during operation. ALWAYS stand clear of the area behind and between the load and the winch. Serious injury could occur if the cable breaks.

SPECIFICATIONS

Various load conditions affect winch performance. The line pull required for a specific application depends on the weight of the load, condition of the trailer rollers, and the degree of the loading ramp incline. The charts below are based on a single line pull and provided as a guideline in calculating pulling capabilities.

WARNING The cable fasteners on this or any winch are not designed to hold rated loads independently. Always leave a minimum of five wraps of cable on the drum to achieve the rated load values.

Winch Specifications

Model

| Line Speed

@ Capacity (FPM)

|

Gear Ratio

|

Voltage

|

Circuit Breaker

|

Unit Weight

---|---|---|---|---|---
712| 14| 225:1| 12VDC| 60 amps| 34 lbs.
912| 8| 450:1| 12| 60 amps| 39 lbs.

Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in pounds)

% Incline| Level| 5%| 10%| 20%| 30%| 50%| 70%| 100%
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
˚ Incline| 0˚| 3˚| 6˚| 11˚| 17˚| 26˚| 35˚| 45˚
712| 24000| 13340| 10040| 6800| 5220| 3720| 3060| 2580
912| 40000| 23345| 17570| 11900| 9135| 6510| 5355| 4515

• A 10% incline (6˚) is 1 foot rise in 10 feet.
• To convert from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kgs) divide by 2.2.
• Capacity can be increased by using a pulley block.

Winch & Boat Capacities (values are in pounds)

 | Vertical Lift

Capacity

| __

Double Line Pull

| Approximate

**Boat Weight***

| Approximate

**Boat Size***

---|---|---|---|---
712| 2400| 4300| 7500| 17-23 Feet
912| 4000| 7500| 11500| 23-30 Feet

Boat size and weight is approximate and varies depending on boat type.
When calculating boat weight, use the fully loaded weight that includes boat, motor, fuel, water, gear etc.

MOUNTING THE UNIT

The following instructions are for standard mounting of the winch. A quick mount kit is available (p/n P7700000AJ). If installing with the quick mount kit, follow the directions with the kit. Steps 3, 4 and 6 apply when using the kit.
The winch can be mounted on the trailer in the same position and location as an existing hand winch

1. Remove the existing hand winch.

2. Position the unit on the trailer mount stand.

3. Confirm that the winch’s cable hook and the bow eye on the boat are at the same height when the boat is in the fully loaded position on the trailer.
   If the bow eye is too high, extra pull is required of the winch and extra stress is exerted on the boat’s stern and bow eye.
   If necessary to create equal height, raise or lower the winch stand. In most cases, trailer manufacturers have adapters available for use with a winch.

4. Confirm that there is a minimum of 12 inches clearance between the winch and the bow eye when the boat is in the fully loaded position. If necessary, extend the bow stop to obtain the clearance.

5. Bolt the unit using a minimum of two (2) 3/8″ grade 5 machine bolts and lock nuts. If the existing mounting holes do not line up with the winch, use the bottom of the winch as a template and drill two (2) 7/16″ holes in the mounting surface of the trailer stand.

6. If using a double line pull (using a pulley block), install a 3/8″ eyebolt on the stand as close as possible to the base of the winch. See illustration on page 5.

WIRING THE UNIT

• WARNING SHOCK HAZARD. ALWAYS disconnect the battery before working on electrical equipment.
• WARNING ALWAYS use the recommended wire size and rated circuit breakers. Failure to use the furnished and recommended sizes can cause a fire hazard and void warranty.
• NOTICE When routing the wiring, avoid sources of heat.
• NOTICE When routing the wiring, avoid sharp edges that can cut or fray the wire insulation.

The following instructions are for permanently wiring the winch. Two additional wiring kits are available and sold separately: A universal bumper wiring kit (p/n P7702101AJ) and a quick connect wiring harness (p/n P7866000AJ) for temporary connections. If installing one of the kits, follow the directions with the kit.

1. Attach the circuit breaker to the battery’s POSITIVE (+) post or positive (+) terminal of the starter solenoid.
2. Attach the ground wire (black) to the vehicle frame. Clean the metal frame with a wire brush or equivalent then attach the ground lug using a 5/16″ bolt and lock nut (bolt and nut not furnished).
3. Route the wire under the vehicle and along the frame. Avoid sharp edges and moving parts. Secure the wire to the frame approximately every 18″ using nylon ties or equivalent.

PULLEY BLOCK

The pulley block can increase the pulling capacity approximately 55%.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Place the two screws through one of the tear drop plates and hold in place.

2. Slide a bushing over each screw.

3. Slide the pulley wheel and hook over the bushings as shown. The components fit loosely on the bushings.

4. Wrap the cable around the pulley.

5. Place the second tear drop plate over the screws and secure using the washers and nuts provided.

6. Mount an eyebolt next to the winch. The eyebolt should be mounted as close to the winch as possible. Eyebolt is furnished by the installer.

Double Lining the Winch

1. With the cable threaded through the block, hook the pulley block to the eye on the bow.
2. Power out the cable and attach the cable hook to the eyebolt next to the winch.
3. Power in the cable.

OPERATING THE WINCH

• WARNING To avoid personal injury and property damage, clear the area around and behind the boat of people, animals and obstructions before  loading or unloading the boat.
• WARNING Never stand between the load or anchor point and the winch. Serious personal injury could occur if the cable breaks.
• WARNING NEVER use the winch alone to secure the boat to the trailer during transit. Use separate straps or equivalent to secure the boat to the trailer.
• CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel cable can cause serious damage to hands.
• NOTICE After using the winch, always disconnect the power cord from the socket to avoid moisture collection in the socket and prevent the possibility of short circuiting.
• NOTICE To prevent damage to the motor, do not operate the winch continuously for periods over 20 minutes. Allow the motor to “rest” for a minimum of 1 hour

UNLOADING THE BOAT

1. Attach the cable hook to the bow eye on the boat.

2. Connect the power to the winch. The plug goes into the socket on the right side of the winch.

3. Remove the tie down straps from the boat.

4. Slowly turn the clutch knob counterclockwise to release the winch brake.

5. Allow the boat to slide off the trailer. If necessary, the clutch knob can be tightened to slow the speed of the boat.

6. When the boat is in the water, release the cable hook.

7. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake.

8. While maintaining tension in the cable, press the switch on the winch. Roll the cable up completely. DO NOT allow the cable to roll up loosely, damage to the cable and winch components could occur.
   NOTICE Do not allow the cable hook to roll into the winch. Damage to the level wind plate can occur.

9.  Secure the cable hook to prevent any accidental injury or damage.

LOADING THE BOAT

1. Align the boat and trailer.

2. Loosen the clutch knob (turn counterclockwise) and free-wheel the cable to the boat. Attach the hook to the eye on the bolt.
   NOTE: If the cable is initially difficult to pull out, try engaging the motor for a few seconds with the clutch fully released. This should free the clutch allowing the cable to pull out.

3. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT over tighten the clutch knob; over tightening can cause damage to the clutch.

4. Step clear of the cable and boat.

5. Press and hold the switch. Power in the cable until the boat touches the bow stop. Release the button. Secure the boat to the trailer.

EMERGENCY HAND CRANK
An emergency hand crank is available when there is no power (i.e. a dead battery).

WARNING Never use the hand crank to assist a running motor. Serious personal injury can occur.

1. Disconnect the power cord from the winch.

2. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT over tighten the clutch knob; over tightening can cause damage to the clutch.

3. Remove the jam nut from the shaft on the right side of the winch.

4. Place the emergency handle onto the shaft and secure to the shaft with the nut removed previously. Tighten the nut snugly against the handle.

5. Turn the crank handle to wind in the cable. (Clockwise for 912, counterclockwise for 712.)

6. After the boat has been secured on the trailer, remove the handle from the shaft. Replace the nut on the shaft.

7. Store the handle.
   CAUTION Remove all tools used for manual override operation  before operating the winch with the electrical power.

MAINTENANCE

LUBRICATION
The following steps should be performed a minimum of once a year or when the unit is placed in storage.
Cable: Lubricate the cable with Whitmore’s Wire Rope Spray, WD40 or equivalent. Spray the shaft and the cable as the cable is being wound.
Gears: Remove the covers and lubricate the gears with lithium base grease. Be careful not to get grease on the clutch lining (refer to figure on page 10).

REPLACING THE CABLE

• CAUTION Always use the exact Powerwinch replacement cable (p/n P7188800AJ). Winch rating and cable strength are matched for safe and optimum performance. NEVER replace the cable with rope.
• CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel cable can cause serious damage to hands.

1. Disconnect the power cable.
2. Loosen the clutch knob (turn counterclockwise) and free-wheel the cable completely out.
3. Cut the old cable off approximately 2″ from the cable drum.
4. Slide the collar away from the cable then push the old cable out of the drum shaft.
5. Insert the new cable through the shaft. The cable must be inserted through the side opposite the counter bore.

6. Insert the stop sleeve over the end of the cable until the cable is flush with the end of the stop. Solder or crimp the stop onto the cable.
7. Pull the cable back through the shaft until the stop is seated in the counter bore of hole.
8. Slide the collar around the cable. The notch on the collar fits around the cable.
9. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT over tighten the clutch knob; over tightening can cause damage to the clutch.
10.  Reconnect the power harness to the unit. Power-in the cable, keeping tension on the cable as it is winding. The cable must wind from the top of the cable spool.
    NOTICE If the cable is not wound correctly, it may cause loss of power and risk damage to the level wind plate. If the cable is not correct (too loose or wound on one side), unwind the cable then rewind while keeping tension on the cable.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

W INCH D OES N OT O PERATE

A.| Confirm power to winch

1.  Check that vehicle battery is fully charged.

2.  Confirm connections are for tight & clean.

3.  Check wires that are worn or bare that may cause shorts.

|  |

Correct as required.

B.| Check circuit breaker at battery|  |
Bypass circuit breaker and test winch.

Does the winch run?

| YES| If     winch     runs,     circuit

breaker is bad, replace.

NOTICE| Do not operate the winch| NO| Reconnect circuit breaker.

Contact    your    authorized service center.

without the circuit breaker. Removing the CB from the circuit is ONLY for testing.
L OAD S LIPS
A.| Load slips during retrieval| Thrust washers and thrust bearings are worn or deformed. Replace.
B.| Load slips back after boat is retrieved| Clutch bearing inside the 120 gear has failed. Replace gear assembly.
C.| Check clutch lining|  |
The clutch lining is located on the 120

tooth gear under the LH (clutch side) of the case. Ensure that the clutch is clean free of grease.

| Clean as required. If clutch lining is

worn or damaged, replace the 120 tooth gear assembly.

C ABLE D IFFICULT TO P ULL O UT
A.| If the winch cable is initially difficult to pull out, try engaging the motor for a few seconds with the clutch fully released.  This should free the clutch allowing the cable to pull out.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

1. Notes 1. Fasteners are included with kit.
2. Fasteners and washers not indexed on illustration are part of the fastener kit (item 19).
3. The shaft and gear kits (items 20,21,22) contain the respective shaft, gears, bearings and associated hardware

References

• P65warnings.ca.gov
• Powerwinch | Trailer Winch | Windlass | Capstan

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