These pulling, or ratchet-type, winches have the ability to pull cable freely from the drum to attach it to the load, the handle spins when this is done. They are not self-locking, like a brake winch or worm gear winch and are only recommended where the freewheeling characteristic is of primary importance. This lack of a self-locking feature makes them unsuitable for hoisting or lifting applications, so they are only recommended for horizontal or incline pulling, such as pulling a boat onto a trailer.
Although these winches are intended for using the ratchet function in both directions (recommended), the load is sometimes lowered by releasing the pawl and turning the handle in the reverse direction. When used in this fashion, you will still have the mechanical advantage of the gearing, but you must control the load and the speed of the handle as there is no brake.

A general ratchet winch sizing guideline is to choose a winch whose capacity is half the total weight of the boat, or load, it must pull. The winch should be sized larger in high friction situations or where the boat must be towed a long way onto the trailer. It can be smaller if the boat can float most of the way onto the trailer
Freewheel ability when the ratchet (pawl) is disengaged
Efficient gear ratios, full-length drum bearings and comfort grip handle for cranking ease
Gears are high-carbon steel for strength and durability
Zinc-plated, stamped carbon steel frames provide rigidity for gear alignment and longer life
Max. pull is for first layer on drum; at full drum pull is approximately one half of maximum
All models are designed for use with rope or strap - cannot use wire cable
Straps and rope are sold separately