Cuba Libre
Well-Known Member
I got tired of hand winching the Cuba Libre up on the trailer , so while I was getting the swing hitch removed from the trailer tongue, I had CV Marine in Courtenay install a TRAC 3500 lb electric winch. First time I tried it out, it was slow and jerky. Second time, it barely pulled the boat to the front of the trailer then crapped put. You can imagine some of the nasty words going through my mind .
I talked to Wayne at CV and he figured I got a lemon, so he order a new one . While i was waiting , I decided to see if I could force the winch to pull the boat up another 10 inches so the boat would not bounce on the trailer. Well no wonder it stopped working.. the stainless cable had jumped off the spool and was jammed between the spool and the frame. ( it was not apparent without getting my nose almost right into the winch housing) I managed to free it up, but the cable had taken a beating. Cut badly in two locations. When I explained to CV what happened, I was prepared to buy a new cable. But Wayne said it should not have jumped off, so he replaced the complete winch, and installed a new one. I am sure the "other" large marine shop in Courtenay (ask FA about them!!) would have said "operator error" and I would have been on the hook for a new cable.
Much appreciate the service.
I talked to Wayne at CV and he figured I got a lemon, so he order a new one . While i was waiting , I decided to see if I could force the winch to pull the boat up another 10 inches so the boat would not bounce on the trailer. Well no wonder it stopped working.. the stainless cable had jumped off the spool and was jammed between the spool and the frame. ( it was not apparent without getting my nose almost right into the winch housing) I managed to free it up, but the cable had taken a beating. Cut badly in two locations. When I explained to CV what happened, I was prepared to buy a new cable. But Wayne said it should not have jumped off, so he replaced the complete winch, and installed a new one. I am sure the "other" large marine shop in Courtenay (ask FA about them!!) would have said "operator error" and I would have been on the hook for a new cable.
Much appreciate the service.
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