The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums : Balex Automatic Boat Loader https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:32:25 +0000 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:16:29 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.01 360 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=137778 <![CDATA[The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : It&#039;s all in the ratio of...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834356&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834356 Author: strx7
Subject: 137778
Posted: 14 Aug 2023 at 11:16am

It's all in the ratio of the winch vs the torque output of the drill.

we have a 5M alloy boat, I use a $70 cordless drill, the winch is a 2 speed, 5:1 and 10:1.  While it will winch on the 5:1 I use the 10:1 as the speed the boat comes up at on 5:1 is dangerous.  even in 10:1 on the low speed it fair hoofs it up the trailer, miles faster than anyone could hand winch a boat up.  I'm currenting building a 6m alloy, and the winch on the trailer for that has 10:1 & 15:1.  at 15:1 my cheapy drill should still get it up the trailer faster than any handwinch will.

The biggest thing you have to be careful of when using a cordless on a trailer is the torque applied to the drill when the load goes on the winch.  it needs to be braced against your body well or you could very easily do yourself a arm or wrist injury.  If this was an issue, you could look at making a L bracket and U bolting it to the winch post for the drill to load against meaning a child/smaller person to older fragile person could still safely operate it.
]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:16:29 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834356&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834356 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : Yup, high output is needed. I...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834294&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834294 Author: kimber7wsm
Subject: 137778
Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 6:29am

Yup, high output is needed. I use a Dewalt 996. Just checking the specs it does 95nm. It's more expensive but I do a lot of heavy work and it's been exceptional. I think the 999 has superseded it, so you might find a deal somewhere. Any other brand with similar output will do the job, I think my mate uses a AEG. Don't know what model.

That's on the 5:1 side of the winch. you could use a lower power drill on the 10:1 for sure, but how low I'm not sure.

If you don't mind waiting a can borrow a lower power drill and try that, to see what happens. I'm hoping to go out on the weekend. I suspect something like the Dewalt 805 would do it, but don't know so can't recommend that. Mitre10 are doing them in a kit for about $340.

How big is your battery and was it fully charged? I suspect a 2Ahr wouldn't be large enough. I use a 5Ahr.
]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:29:47 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834294&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834294 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : I am unsure why my Ryobi 18v drill...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834276&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834276 Author: letsgetem
Subject: 137778
Posted: 10 Aug 2023 at 8:47am

I am unsure why my Ryobi 18v drill wont do it. Its set to the low gear. Could you describe a drill that would do it.
Is torque whats needed. My Ryobi is max torque 45Nm.  
]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:47:22 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834276&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834276 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : I use one of the drill adaptors....]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834270&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834270 Author: kimber7wsm
Subject: 137778
Posted: 10 Aug 2023 at 7:28am

I use one of the drill adaptors. 7.2m Challenger, so not particularly light. It rips it up on the 5:1 side, let alone the 10:1. You do need to make sure your drill speed is set to low, not one of the higher speeds. If I start to winch the same time as someone with a 5m boat does manually, I'll be 4 times faster. I'm not kidding.

It also helps to have one of the higher drills from a manufacturer, not the cheapest one. Cheaper ones don't have the power out put.

For $35 or $39, I really struggle to understand why you would invest in either a Balex or stand alone winch, battery, solar pack system. Even if you have to buy a better quality drill. It's still way cheaper and lighter and you can use it for all the jobs around the house.
]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:28:53 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834270&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834270 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : I had a RC 30 on my trailer, like...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834265&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834265 Author: deltadreams
Subject: 137778
Posted: 10 Aug 2023 at 12:02am

I had a RC 30 on my trailer, like the link to Marine Deals above.  I have a Fi Glass Lightning which is not a heavy boat, the winch has  given me nothing but trouble over the past 18 months+[over heating on a pull out of the water.]
 I decided to get a Kings winch fitted, like what is used on a 4 X 4.
Here in Perth it cost $269.00 plus fitting, so all up the cost was around $500, I had a stand alone battery pack fitted to the draw bar which was extra but if I go out with another vehicle no problems for power.
  I know that in NZ the cost is more but with a quick recovery makes it worth even when doing a solo trip.  I would post a photo but it's on the phone so if you want like me to send it to anyone leave a PM with you phone number [i'll check messages from time to time]
DD
]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:02:29 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834265&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834265 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : Wouldn&#039;t have occurred to...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834233&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834233 Author: davidc
Subject: 137778
Posted: 07 Aug 2023 at 9:37am

Wouldn't have occurred to me to use a drill to winch in a boat. Seems rather small, especially with the power of a cordless.

Thanks for all the thoughts on a Balex. Will consider that option versus a dry stack.

]]> Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:37:48 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834233&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834233 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : letsgetem wrote:I tried winching...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834227&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834227 Author: Kandrew
Subject: 137778
Posted: 06 Aug 2023 at 7:44pm

Originally posted by letsgetem letsgetem wrote:

I tried winching with a Ryobi 18v drill. Started ok, with the boat partly supported in the water, then later it wouldnt move it.
I thought that might be the problem you would need a really low geared winch.]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:44:16 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834227&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834227 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : I tried winching with a Ryobi...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834226&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834226 Author: letsgetem
Subject: 137778
Posted: 06 Aug 2023 at 7:21pm

I tried winching with a Ryobi 18v drill. Started ok, with the boat partly supported in the water, then later it wouldnt move it.]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:21:58 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834226&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834226 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : I have a balex on a Haines 725....]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834222&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834222 Author: Gurnie
Subject: 137778
Posted: 06 Aug 2023 at 11:53am

I have a balex on a Haines 725.

Wife recommended getting one and while it was expensive I would not get a biggish boat without one now.

Turns retrieving and launching on any ramp in pretty much any conditions into a one person job.

The build quality and operation of the balex has been great.

I would not recommend one if you never boat by yourself, are beach launching or at a really rough ramp, A cage on your trailer, a boat catch system or an organised crew will be faster at getting your boat in and out of the water.
]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:53:26 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834222&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834222 <![CDATA[Balex Automatic Boat Loader : letsgetem wrote:Not backing...]]> https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834221&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834221 Author: Kandrew
Subject: 137778
Posted: 06 Aug 2023 at 11:45am

Originally posted by letsgetem letsgetem wrote:

Not backing the trailer in as far, would also reduce salt water causing rust!!! At the back where salt water gets, its rusting; at the front it isnt. 

I am thinking I should get an electric winch, for my boat; the $1099 one at Marine Deals would do.
The winch I have had enough grunt to put my 6.0mtr tinny on dry, handy if there’s a big roll onto the beach. I just beach the boat and crank it onto the trailer.

I reckon those sea sockets would be worth a try, you would need a good cordless drill but the benefit would be charging the battery at home on the charger.

Electric trailer winches need a car battery to run off, you can either run heavy cables down to the back of the car then plug your winch into the plug or like I’ve done mount a separate battery on your trailer and hook a smart charger onto it when it’s sitting at home.]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 11:45:01 +0000 https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137778&PID=1834221&title=balex-automatic-boat-loader#1834221