Pot Hauler Question

[rrr]

Im looking for a pot winder but I am not sure on what type to get. What is the difference in a hydrolic winder and an electic winder? What would be the best gear ratio to get also? I know it depends on the speed at which you move but what is everyone else using?

[rj]

They each have their own advantages & disadvantages,either may be right for you depending on your setup,,boat size, power,inboard,outboard & what you intend to do,pots,trotline or both
hydraulic is the prefered for the larger boats that have an inboard engine driven hydraulic pump,just easier to use & generaly more reliable, however if you lack an inboard then you must use a pony motor to drive a hydraulic pump, just 1 more gas motor to break,plus the tank,filter,hoses etc
if you have a smaller outboard boat you would need a lot of room for all this "stuff".
many smaller boat crabbers use an electric winder, these have their own set of problems, usually due to the dc motors being outside & near the water,,electric motors don't last long in this environment. condensation inside the motor , takes a toll.
also they consume a lot of power ,45 amps, which is a big draw on some outboard batteries, alternators & chargeing systems. many outboard alternators, especially the older ones,only put out 10-15 amps at wide open throtle, less at idle speed.

their is no real "right" answer without knowing your setup.

you are welcome to look at mine, I can show you how they are made,i have both here,they are setup for trotline pulling, but it is the same mechanical setup just a different housing & mounting for pot pulling

[rrr]

Well I am building a 27 footer and I am going with 2 outboards. I could put my hydraulic motor under my floor with an exhaust vent or on my roof like i've seen some guys do. The boat has pleanty of "under the floor space" for a tank etc. The boat will have a canopy so an electric hauler will not be in the elements too much. I will only be pulling about 100 pots a day also.

[JB Crabs]

rrr,

Can't wait to see this new rig you and family have been working on.

John