www.iFourWinns.com

The purpose of tightening up the bolt is to help keep the double roller assembly in the vertical position as the boat is winched in. I didn't mean to imply tighten it so much that it would not pivot at all. Maybe snug would have been a better word. Once the bow contacts the top roller it starts to pivot with the angle of the bow so that it doesn't just flop horizontal allowing the bow eye to be under the lower roller somewhat. When that happens it doesn't matter how hard you or a child winches, the bow eye will not ride over the lower roller. Past threads talk about all of this extensively. Maybe it's just an issue with our type boats???? I have never had this problem with other boats I owned in the past.

I agree using the right winch speed at the right time makes a big difference.

Same issue on the Funship and I also "snugged-up" my bow roller for the same reason.

Also, don't know about anyone else, but my winch is a one-speed and I'm a pretty big guy and dragging the boat up the bunks is no easy task.....

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

FW is obviously getting cheap! I cant imagine a medium sized boat/trailer being equipped without a two speed winch.

That may well be my next upgrade...

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

I want to personally thank everyone who suggested for me to go the opposite direction!!! Retrieving the FW's yesterday was a breeze!!! I did spray some PAM on the bunks and only dunked the trailer 3/4 the way in with the rear guides sticking out of the water about 4 inches. I drove the boat up slowly until it stopped (without needing to power-retrieve), shut the engine off, jumped out the bow (I could use some of the steps someone mentioned in a different thread), hooked up the winch, and cranked it up with the bow roller in the verticle position. It was almost too easy!!!

Thanks again!!!

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2008 H220 Frenzy - 5.7L VP SX Drive
2013 Tahoe LTZ Tow Vehicle (admiral's ride)
2011 Ford F150 XLT Ecoboost Tow Vehicle

I'm glad this worked out for you. I know you will feel a lot better at the end of the day going back to the ramp knowing things will go smoothly!!!