I don't know how to explain it , but here it goes

I have a 1999 triton trailer for my tr-17 .

The front strap has the winch thing to crank up the boat onto the trailer .

There is a little lever to engage the winch , so it can go forward or reverse .

When you switch that little lever , it also makes a little "u" shaped piece pivot , to lock the sprocket in place when you crank the boat all the way up . (this is the piece i believe that makes the ratcheting noise when cranking )

The little lever is loose now , and i think the there was a little spring in there to hold everything in place , and i think it is gone .

My trailer winch wont stay in a locked position after i am done cranking the boat up on the trailer . Unless i move that little "u" shaped piece by my hand to press up against the sprocket .

I don't feel this is safe , cause if that little piece moves the front strap will back off and the boat will become free

So my question :

Can i buy that little spring from somewhere , without buying the whole winch ?

Thanks . Sorry if that's confusing , i can try to post a pic. .