ARK Boat Trailer Hand Winch – 275kg, 3:1 Ratio with UV Webbing & Stainless S-Hook (SKU: W273W)

ARK Boat Trailer Hand Winch – 275kg, 3:1 Ratio with UV Webbing & Stainless S-Hook (SKU: W273W)

The ARK W273W Hand Winch is a compact yet powerful manual winch, purpose-built for small boat trailers. With a working load of 275kg and a smooth 3:1 gear ratio, it delivers reliable pulling power without the bulk—perfect for quick retrievals at the ramp.

Ready for the Ramp:

Fitted with a 4.5m UV-resistant polyester webbing strap and a stainless steel S-hook, this winch is ideal for saltwater use. The multi-fit base ensures compatibility with a wide range of trailer frames, while solid plate gears and heavy-duty hardware ensure long-term durability.

Key Features:

• Rated capacity: 275kg – perfect for small boats & PWCs
• Gear ratio: 3:1 for smooth and controlled winding
• 50mm x 4.5m UV-coated polyester webbing strap
• Stainless steel S-hook for rust-free reliability
• Rust and saltwater resistant build
• Heavy-duty stainless steel bushes & washers
• Multi-fit base – easy to install on most trailers
• Solid plate gears for lasting performance
• 12-month manufacturer warranty

Built tough for Aussie conditions—launch it, land it, winch it like a pro.

ARK Winch Family Series – Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the rated pulling capacity?

A: 275kg, which is suitable for small boats, tinnies, and personal watercraft.

Q: Is the strap weather-resistant?

A: Yes, it’s made from UV-coated polyester and built to resist saltwater and rust.

Q: How long is the strap?

A: The included webbing strap is 4.5 metres long and 50mm wide.

Q: What gear ratio does it use?

A: It uses a 3:1 gear ratio for smooth manual cranking.

Q: Is it compatible with most trailers?

A: Yes, thanks to the multi-fit base, it installs easily on a variety of trailers.

How to Measure Winch Load Rating – What Does It Really Mean?

When choosing a hand winch for your trailer or boat, it’s crucial to understand what the rated capacity (also called “load rating”) actually refers to, and how it’s determined. Let’s break it down:

1. What Is a Winch’s Load Rating?

The load rating is the maximum weight a winch can pull under ideal conditions on a level surface, assuming no friction. For example, a winch rated to 900kg means it can pull up to 900kg of rolling weight.

Important: This is not the same as lifting weight vertically – it’s pulling a load across a surface (usually a boat hull on rollers or skids).

2. What Is It Measuring?

• It measures the pulling power of the winch itself (the gear system strength and crank leverage).
• It does not measure the load your trailer can carry – that’s a separate rating.
• It does not mean your boat or vehicle has to weigh less than 900kg – more on this next!

3. How Do You Choose the Right Winch for Your Boat?

Here’s a basic rule of thumb:

Winch rating = 1/2 to 1/3 of the boat’s total weight

Why? Because most trailers have rollers or skids to reduce friction. A 1200kg boat on a roller trailer might only need a 400–600kg rated winch.

But if you’re using a skid trailer or launching uphill or on grass, increase the winch rating to be closer to the boat’s weight.

4. Factors That Affect Pulling Power

• Friction: Boat slides on rollers easier than skids.
• Incline: Pulling uphill increases effective load dramatically.
• Winch Gear Ratio: Higher ratios (e.g., 12:1) = more power, less speed.
• Length of Strap Out: More line out = less mechanical advantage due to drum diameter change.

5. What Happens If You Underrate or Overrate?

• Underrated winch = heavy cranking, risk of breakage or failing gears
• Overrated winch = okay, but heavier, more expensive, and sometimes slower

6. What About Dyneema vs Steel Cable vs Webbing?

• Dyneema Rope: Super light, strong, safe to handle, floats – great for marine use
• Steel Cable: Strong but heavy, can fray, needs gloves
• Webbing Strap: Easy to handle, won’t kink, ideal for light to medium boats

7. Final Summary – Who Needs What?

Pro tip: Always check that the winch is mounted securely to a strong point and use quality mounting bolts!

Need Help Choosing?

Browse our full range of ARK winches or contact us for tailored advice based on your setup.

How to Measure Winch Load Rating – What Does It Really Mean?

When choosing a hand winch for your trailer or boat, it’s crucial to understand what the rated capacity (also called “load rating”) actually refers to, and how it’s determined. Let’s break it down:

1. What Is a Winch’s Load Rating?

The load rating is the maximum weight a winch can pull under ideal conditions on a level surface, assuming no friction. For example, a winch rated to 900kg means it can pull up to 900kg of rolling weight.

Important: This is not the same as lifting weight vertically – it’s pulling a load across a surface (usually a boat hull on rollers or skids).

2. What Is It Measuring?

• It measures the pulling power of the winch itself (the gear system strength and crank leverage).
• It does not measure the load your trailer can carry – that’s a separate rating.
• It does not mean your boat or vehicle has to weigh less than 900kg – more on this next!

3. How Do You Choose the Right Winch for Your Boat?

Here’s a basic rule of thumb:

Winch rating = 1/2 to 1/3 of the boat’s total weight

Why? Because most trailers have rollers or skids to reduce friction. A 1200kg boat on a roller trailer might only need a 400–600kg rated winch.

But if you’re using a skid trailer or launching uphill or on grass, increase the winch rating to be closer to the boat’s weight.

4. Factors That Affect Pulling Power

• Friction: Boat slides on rollers easier than skids.
• Incline: Pulling uphill increases effective load dramatically.
• Winch Gear Ratio: Higher ratios (e.g., 12:1) = more power, less speed.
• Length of Strap Out: More line out = less mechanical advantage due to drum diameter change.

5. What Happens If You Underrate or Overrate?

• Underrated winch = heavy cranking, risk of breakage or failing gears
• Overrated winch = okay, but heavier, more expensive, and sometimes slower

6. What About Dyneema vs Steel Cable vs Webbing?

• Dyneema Rope: Super light, strong, safe to handle, floats – great for marine use
• Steel Cable: Strong but heavy, can fray, needs gloves
• Webbing Strap: Easy to handle, won’t kink, ideal for light to medium boats

7. Final Summary – Who Needs What?

Pro tip: Always check that the winch is mounted securely to a strong point and use quality mounting bolts!

Need Help Choosing?

Browse our full range of ARK winches or contact us for tailored advice based on your setup.

How to Measure Winch Load Rating – What Does It Really Mean?

When choosing a hand winch for your trailer or boat, it’s crucial to understand what the rated capacity (also called “load rating”) actually refers to, and how it’s determined. Let’s break it down:

1. What Is a Winch’s Load Rating?

The load rating is the maximum weight a winch can pull under ideal conditions on a level surface, assuming no friction. For example, a winch rated to 900kg means it can pull up to 900kg of rolling weight.

Important: This is not the same as lifting weight vertically – it’s pulling a load across a surface (usually a boat hull on rollers or skids).

2. What Is It Measuring?

• It measures the pulling power of the winch itself (the gear system strength and crank leverage).
• It does not measure the load your trailer can carry – that’s a separate rating.
• It does not mean your boat or vehicle has to weigh less than 900kg – more on this next!

3. How Do You Choose the Right Winch for Your Boat?

Here’s a basic rule of thumb:

Winch rating = 1/2 to 1/3 of the boat’s total weight

Why? Because most trailers have rollers or skids to reduce friction. A 1200kg boat on a roller trailer might only need a 400–600kg rated winch.

But if you’re using a skid trailer or launching uphill or on grass, increase the winch rating to be closer to the boat’s weight.

4. Factors That Affect Pulling Power

• Friction: Boat slides on rollers easier than skids.
• Incline: Pulling uphill increases effective load dramatically.
• Winch Gear Ratio: Higher ratios (e.g., 12:1) = more power, less speed.
• Length of Strap Out: More line out = less mechanical advantage due to drum diameter change.

5. What Happens If You Underrate or Overrate?

• Underrated winch = heavy cranking, risk of breakage or failing gears
• Overrated winch = okay, but heavier, more expensive, and sometimes slower

6. What About Dyneema vs Steel Cable vs Webbing?

• Dyneema Rope: Super light, strong, safe to handle, floats – great for marine use
• Steel Cable: Strong but heavy, can fray, needs gloves
• Webbing Strap: Easy to handle, won’t kink, ideal for light to medium boats

7. Final Summary – Who Needs What?

Pro tip: Always check that the winch is mounted securely to a strong point and use quality mounting bolts!

Need Help Choosing?

Browse our full range of ARK winches or contact us for tailored advice based on your setup.