Sherpa "Grunter" Electric Boat Trailer Winch - 8,000 lbs Vertical Lift

Why Choose the Sherpa Grunter for Marine Use?

• 8,000 lbs (3,600 kg) Vertical Lift Capacity: Perfect for boats up to 5,500 kg including large fishing boats, cruisers, and pontoons
• 316 Stainless Steel Fittings: Marine-grade corrosion resistance for saltwater and freshwater environments
• Permanent Installation Ready: Ideal for docks, pontoons, boat ramps, and marina applications
• Dual Voltage Options: 12V or 24V configurations for different power systems
• 6.0 HP Series-Wound Motor: Powerful, reliable performance for heavy boats
• 50mm Heavy-Duty Webbing Strap: 10m strap rated to 11,000 lbs - safer than cable for marine use
• Waterproof Hand Remote: Hoist-style control (wireless kit available separately)
• Albright 800 Amp Solenoid: Heavy-duty international-grade contactor
• 5-Year Warranty: Comprehensive Australian warranty

Perfect For These Marine Applications

✓ Boat Trailers (Primary Use)

• Fishing boats up to 7m
• Ski boats and runabouts
• Aluminum tinnies and dinghies
• Small cruisers and cabin boats
• Jet skis and PWCs

✓ Permanent Dock Installations

• Fixed dock boat lifts
• Waterfront property boat hoists
• Marina berth installations
• Boat ramp permanent winches
• Dry dock lifting systems

✓ Pontoon & Floating Dock Systems

• Pontoon boat lifts
• Floating dock winches
• Adjustable height pontoon systems
• Tidal zone installations
• River and lake dock systems

✓ Other Marine Uses

• Boat maintenance and servicing
• Yacht club facilities
• Commercial fishing operations
• Boat storage facilities
• Emergency marine rescue

Boat Weight Capacity Guide

Suitable for boats up to 5,500 kg including:

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always check your boat's actual weight including fuel, equipment, and gear. For boats over 5,000 kg, consider our Sherpa Stallion 25,000 lb winch.

Complete Technical Specifications

Variant Options Explained

Standard vs High Performance (HP)

Standard Models (12V / 24V):

• Perfect for most boat trailer and docking applications
• Reliable 6.0 HP motor
• Best value for money
• Suitable for boats up to 4,000 kg

High Performance Models (12V HP / 24V HP):

• Enhanced motor for heavier boats (up to 5,500 kg)
• Faster line speed
• Better performance in demanding conditions
• Recommended for permanent dock installations
• Ideal for commercial or frequent use

12V vs 24V - Which Voltage?

Choose 12V if:

• Your boat trailer has a standard 12V system
• Installing on a dock with 12V power supply
• You want easier battery/power setup
• Most common choice for boat trailers

Choose 24V if:

• Your system has 24V power available
• You want lower current draw (half the amps)
• Running long cable distances from power source
• Commercial marina or dock installation
• You have dual 12V batteries that can be wired in series

Why Webbing Strap is Better for Marine Use

Advantages of 50mm Webbing Strap:

• ✓ Safer: Won't whip dangerously if it breaks
• ✓ Boat-Friendly: Won't scratch or damage gel coat, paint, or aluminum
• ✓ Easy to Handle: Lightweight and flexible
• ✓ Corrosion-Free: No rust or corrosion issues
• ✓ UV Resistant: Designed for outdoor marine environments
• ✓ Floats: Easy to retrieve if dropped in water
• ✓ Quiet Operation: No cable noise or vibration
• ✓ 11,000 lb Rating: Exceeds winch capacity for safety margin

vs Steel Cable: While steel cable is traditional, webbing strap is the modern choice for marine applications. It's safer, won't damage your boat, and performs better in wet, salty environments.

Installation Options

Boat Trailer Installation

Requirements:

• Winch post or mounting plate on trailer
• 12V or 24V power from tow vehicle or trailer battery
• Suitable power cables (4-6 AWG recommended)
• Circuit breaker or fuse (100-150 amp)
• Mounting bolts (M10 or M12)

Permanent Dock/Pontoon Installation

Requirements:

• Solid mounting structure (timber, steel, or concrete)
• 12V or 24V power supply (battery or mains-powered charger)
• Weatherproof electrical connections
• Proper cable routing and protection
• Pulley system if required for angle changes
• Professional marine electrician recommended

💡 TIP: For permanent dock installations, consider a solar panel + deep cycle battery system for off-grid operation.

What's Included in the Box

• 1x Sherpa Grunter Electric Winch Unit
• 1x 10m Heavy-Duty 50mm Webbing Strap (11,000 lb rated)
• 1x Waterproof Hoist-Style Hand Remote Control
• 1x Hook with Safety Latch
• 316 Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware
• Power Cables (suitable for large 4x4s/boats)
• Installation Instructions
• 5-Year Warranty Card

Optional Accessories (Available Separately):

• Wireless remote control kit
• Extended webbing strap (15m or 20m)
• Replacement webbing strap
• Mounting plate for custom installations
• Pulley blocks for dock installations

Docking & Pontoon Installation Guide

For Permanent Dock Installations:

1. Choose Mounting Location: Select a solid structure point above the waterline
2. Install Winch: Mount securely using stainless steel bolts
3. Run Power Cables: Use marine-grade cables in conduit for protection
4. Set Up Pulley System: If needed, install pulleys to direct strap to boat
5. Connect Power: Wire to 12V/24V battery or power supply with circuit breaker
6. Test Operation: Run winch under no load to verify operation
7. Attach to Boat: Connect strap to boat's bow eye or lifting point

⚠️ SAFETY: Permanent installations should be inspected by a qualified marine electrician to ensure proper wiring, grounding, and safety compliance.

Maintenance for Marine Environments

Saltwater/Coastal Use:

• Rinse winch with fresh water after each use
• Inspect stainless steel fittings monthly for corrosion
• Lubricate moving parts with marine-grade grease
• Check electrical connections for corrosion every 3 months
• Inspect webbing strap for UV damage or fraying
• Cover winch when not in use to protect from elements

Freshwater/Lake Use:

• Inspect webbing strap before each use
• Lubricate moving parts every 6 months
• Check electrical connections annually
• Exercise winch monthly to prevent seizing

Australian Marine Conditions Tested

The Sherpa Grunter has proven itself in Australia's diverse marine environments:

• ✓ Saltwater boat ramps (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth)
• ✓ Freshwater lakes and rivers
• ✓ Tidal zones and estuaries
• ✓ Commercial fishing operations
• ✓ Marina and yacht club installations
• ✓ Remote coastal and island locations

Safety Guidelines for Marine Use

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• Never exceed the winch's 8,000 lb capacity
• Always check boat weight including fuel, gear, and equipment
• Inspect webbing strap before each use for wear or damage
• Ensure boat is properly balanced during lifting
• Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts
• Never stand directly in line with the strap during operation
• Use only marine-grade electrical connections
• Ensure proper grounding to prevent electrical hazards
• Never use winch to lift people
• Follow all local marine safety regulations

Sherpa Grunter vs OzWinch Comparison

Why Choose Sherpa Grunter?

• Sherpa Grunter: 8,000 lbs, 6.0 HP, webbing strap, 5-year warranty, Australian support
• OzWinch 240V: AC powered (requires mains), permanent installation only, no portability
• OzWinch 500kg: Lower capacity (1,100 lbs), better for small boats only

Sherpa Advantage: The Grunter offers the best of both worlds - powerful enough for large boats, versatile enough for trailer or permanent installation, and backed by superior warranty and support.

5-Year Comprehensive Warranty

Sherpa 4x4 backs the Grunter with a 5-year comprehensive warranty covering mechanical and electrical components, even in harsh marine environments. This is one of the best warranties in the marine winch industry.

Need help with boat winch selection or dock installation? Our team has extensive marine and boating experience. Contact us for expert advice on winch sizing, installation planning, and marine electrical setup!

VEHICLE’S ENGINE MUST BE RUNNING DURING WINCH OPERATION - The winch CAN NOT be connected to a stand-alone battery not being charged by the vehicle alternator. Doing so will damage the winch, voiding the warranty.