-
Fulton F2 winch install
I just got a Fulton F2 two-speed winch. I know that some people already have an F2. It's only after getting my old winch off that I realise that the trailer's bow support only has a two-bold hole pattern, whereas the F2 uses three.
Another oddity is that the mounting bolts that come with the winch assume that it's on a plate, not a thick rectangular support. I can't imagine how the boats the boats of suitable size for this winch would be supported on a mere plate.
My question for those who installed the F2 winch: do you recommend drilling new holes, or using a washer over the lower opening (the one that's supposed to allow a bold head to pass through)? The F2's internal surface on the mounting area has a raised lip that doesn't allow a washer that's much larger than the hole, so I'm guessing that drilling is in order.
Either way, it's yet another trip to the hardware store for me.
I also have a note of caution for those putting this winch together: the handle is secured with a bolt that runs through a long sleeve, allowing the handle to spin freely. The kit includes a washer to go on one end of the handle itself (under the bold head), but not one for the other end. Because the crank's opening for the bolt is a bit too big, the sleeve that goes over the bolt can slip into the crank's hold, ruining it. This occurs at about 15 ft-lbs of torque, well below the recommended 20-25. This is a design defect and I'll be contacting Fulton about it. In the meantime, those who are yet to assemble it should do themselves a favour and stick a 3/8" washer between the handle and the crank.
Thanks in advance.
-
I used the same bolts from the old winch, larger washers, and centered the bottom hole on the wide slot. Has worked awesome for ~500 miles or so. Didn't budge.
http://img.tapatalk.com/18c01843-319f-61f1.jpg
-
Thanks. Can you say what ideal washer size fits that lower opening? Based on the tape measure I'm going to guess that 1-1/8" would fit the circle's radius, but something bigger would win based on going well over the edges.
-
I have no idea, I just grabbed one out of my junk box.
I also didn't have an issue with the handle, but I don't think mine is 2 speed- it has forward, neutral, back.