Need help with boat dock winch project, 120 ac vs 12v dc

[Bonanza]

My lake is lowered 8 ft in the fall and brought back to full pool in April. I installed a pair of wheel jacks on the dock gangway ramp. Got a pair of aluminum utility ramps so I can push the boat dock out in the dirt this fall which will allow me to use the boat lift this winter (needs 5 ft water depth). Come spring I will need to winch the dock back to its original shore position. I have 120 v ac outlet at the shoreline but 120 v winch selection is limited, “1000-1500” lb warn pullzall, Harbor freight, Tractor Supply, etc. Seems the 12 v choices of truck winches have more powerful options - 2000-4000lb. Would have to haul a battery to the shore for once a year use. Don’t think 120 ac- 12v dc converter could handle the amp load. Any thoughts appreciated. 120V ac would be much easier for me. Will set a metal pole at shore for winch mounting.

[bshort]

I would think the 120 option would be easier, but would depend on the amp draw. Wire gauge permitting, you could up that to a 30 amp service like an rv outlet.

[Walkabout7781]

Can you get your 4x4 truck down to the dock, so you can use it for an anchor and 12v DC? I assume it's a 4x4, being you're in AL. I am familiar with the red clay there, and not just from watching "My Cousin Vinnie".

[grandbassslayer]

We had a 8000lb ramsey 12v winch for a similiar purpose growing up. If I remember right it had a transformer mounted on the ground next to it.

[BoatBuggy]

Check out electric winches for marine railways. Not sure how far you have to winch the dock but a good quality hand winch can do the job too. I dragged a 3000 lb boat up a railway with a fairly steep slope with a hand winch for several years. I now have an electric 3/4 HP winch (it's the one in the picture beside Hand and Electric Winch Options - https://naylorsystems.com/product-category.php?id=13) to do that job.

[Bonanza]

No shore access for truck or utv, not familiar with “30 amp service , rv outlet”

[Bonanza]

20 foot winch length, last 8 feet up the ramps at 45 degrees

[Bonanza]

Check out electric winches for marine railways. Not sure how far you have to winch the dock but a good quality hand winch can do the job too. I dragged a 3000 lb boat up a railway with a fairly steep slope with a hand winch for several years. I now have an electric 3/4 HP winch (it's the one in the picture beside Hand and Electric Winch Options - https://naylorsystems.com/product-category.php?id=13) to do that job.

whats the price (US $) of that rail winch?

[BoatBuggy]

whats the price (US $) of that rail winch?

Not sure. You'd have to call them. It was about $1000 12 years ago when I bought mine but it also includes a galvanized steel mount that fits over the rails. The winch itself is a Leeson farm motor that drives a gear that turns the spool with steel rope.

[Bonanza]

I was hoping to stay under $300 total for a once a year use.

[vatreefarmer]

Get a bigger outboard and use the boat to push it up. Sounds like a great way to justify a fun expense to the misses.

[markheb]

If you're only going to use it once a year, use a come-a-long.

[Bonanza]

If you're only going to use it once a year, use a come-a-long.

that might be the best solution, did some research on Northern Tool. don’t know much about “double / single” cable operation. They only have 7-12 feet of travel, bit of a pain to hook up twice but should work.

[BSSCT98]

You can buy a 20' chain 1.5 ton come a long and it would do the job. I bought mine off ebay and think it was $125 new and that wouldn't break the bank and you are only doing this once a year. I have used it to pull tractors and my zero turn out without any problems.

[bassboat1]

The hand winches/come-a-longs with a pulley at the hook double the pull force, given the same force exerted on the lever (the armstrong part:). I bought one years ago to rescue two trucks from our spring thaw mud (100' pull, and one was a diesel... one click at a time). Re-rigging time is almost insignificant. A 4-ton will run you $50, add in a few straps or choker chains, and get to pullin'.

[okhawg]

The converter definitely won't work. I'm not sure a battery will do it in one pull, you might have to pull it part of the way, charge and then finish. A 120v winch and a snatch block might do it for you. Couple of other options; call wrecker services and see what they charge or if you know someone with a winch $25 and a 6 pack might get it done.

A come-along with a cheater pipe for the handle might be a good test for you. If it comes up okay, the 120v might be your ticket. If you have Popeye arms after getting it up, go big.