Powerwinch 915 Trailer Winch

The 712 is a back saver. I wish this had a remote and light like i believe the 912?, The other Powerwinch with remote. I purchased the 712 because its reliability compared to the one with the remote, Look at reviews on both. So the 712 is tried and true, Good old faithful. I used "Trac" electrical connectors, Very nice. Had it for 2 months not one issue. My boat is around 4500 pounds. I usually have about 1/2 the trailer I believe in the water when recovering.

Brief history:Since the 80's I've had pretty good experience with two 315 Powerwinch’s, which are lower power versions of the 712. The 315's pulled my boat up, and my boat was light enough for their specs, but then over time they would wear out. The clutch went on one, and the motor weakened over time. I went through 2 315's.Then I went to the 712 for more than ample power, same boat. 712's power is about twice the pulling power that I need. My hopes are that the clutch and motor will not wear …out.The problem:Here is the problem. I bought this when it was on sale in spring. I used it twice, and it failed. Powerwinch would not ship me another one. I had to either pay myself to send the unit to repair, or drive 1 hour to take the winch for service. I think it's wrong that the customer should have to pay for shipping when the product had a manufacturing defect.After a month, I finally got the repair center to ship it back, as warranty did cover return shipping.While waiting for repair, and frustrated with the lack of support and that I would end up with a previously damaged unit, I bought another one, at a big box store, since I knew I could return it. After 1 use, it failed. I heard a bolt drop. So frustrated with the failure, I took the unit apart (something I was told I could not do or void warranty), and I found the bolt.There are 2 bolts that hold the motor that drives the gears on the Powerwinch, and 1 of them had fallen out! The second bolt was loose, not even finger tight! How is it possible that when they assembled the unit, they didn't tighten the two bolts, or check to see if they are tight?Two 712's failed, after just 1-2 uses.Therefore, for now, if you want the 712, I would consider buying it from a big box store, where you can return it easier, or take apart the unit when you buy it, and check that all bolts are tight.

Perfect trailer winch for my 18 foot center console G3 aluminum boat with 50 hp engine. Had to forego the remote control for the long time great quality 712 power winch

durable does its job well

Great winch

I bought my power winch 5 years ago, it is the same model as this but it was tan color back then. I own a 24' cruiser that weighs 5000 lbs. that I keep in a slip and trailer 6 times a year. I installed the pulley/block to make it easier for the 712 to pull my boat onto the trailer. The winch seems to struggle as if its under powered so I end up dunking the whole trailer even though its a roller (yes the rollers roll fine). I have followed the maintenance recommended but last week she started sm…oking and making noises but did get boat on, but is now dead. I will be buying the bigger 912 this week and hope it lasts longer and I hope I don't have to dunk the trailer so far in.

This product does not perform as advertised. It will not pull a 23ft boat, or a 7500 lbs boat. My boat weighs 5000 lbs at the most, and it struggles to move it at all, and left me stranded twice. Not worth it!

Works like a charm

Only used once, work excellent.Sylvester lewis

All good worth every penny