How To Install A Hydraulic Mooring Winch Properly

Finding and purchasing a hydraulic mooring winch is only half of the process. You must eventually install this properly. Without doing so, even if you have one of the more powerful mooring winches on the market, it will not function as it should. It is vitally important that it is attached to the deck of your ship so that it can withstand all of the weight that it is going to be pulling. Here are a few vital tips on how to install a hydraulic mooring winch the right way so that it will function as advertised.

Make Sure The Foundation Is Solid

The first and perhaps the most vital step is to make sure that the foundation is proper. If it is a week foundation, the mooring winch could literally come up off of the deck and go into the ocean. Therefore, you need to verify the stability of the deck, and reinforce it if necessary. Once you have done that, you will then need to check on the winch itself to secure it properly.

Hydraulic Mooring Winch for Sale
Hydraulic Mooring Winch

Check The Hinge Pins And Drums Thoroughly

The hinge pins, as well as the drums on the mooring winch, need to be properly designed. When you are using the winch, and letting out the chain or cable, you do not want to have the drums coming off of the winch itself. It is also vital that you check the brakes. By doing so, you will know if it will stop if necessary. You will always need to use the brakes when slowing down. It is recommended that you tighten them if they are to lose, and once you have verified that everything is in order, you can then begin the installation process.

Verify That You Have Good Insulation To Keep The Boat Safe

When you are using these units, they can get very hot. That is especially true if you are using them to pull and a load very rapidly. Even though they may only go between 9 and 11 m/m, this is still going to generate a substantial amount of heat. The materials that you use can be upgraded before the installation, which is recommended, or you can add them later depending upon the design of the winch itself. This will allow you to feel safe about the installation of the winch when it is being used.

Waterfall Type Mooring Winch
Waterfall Type Mooring Winch

How To Maintain Hydraulic Mooring Winch Once It Is Installed

The final thing you need to do after the installation is to do regular maintenance. You need to check the chain, locking bars, anchors, and the mooring lines if that is what you are using. By making sure that everything is intact, and functioning properly, you will know that it will last for many years. Even if you have to replace it after a decade, this will only be possible because you have taken the time to install it properly and provide regular maintenance.

Installing a hydraulic mooring winch does not have to be difficult. If you have done this before, you are likely aware of the steps. Even if you are not, these are just simple precautions that must be taken to ensure that it works properly, and that people on the boat are completely safe. Once you have completed the installation, verify that it is working properly. By doing regular checks on the mooring winch from that point forward, you can always feel confident about its ability to function.