want to build a winch.....

**Ron Burgundy** · 10-20-2010, 09:51 PM

new to the boards, but been lurking for quite some time.

im decently inclined and am curious about building one of these......from what i can see as long as the main components are right (motor, spool, chain, centrifugal clutch) the design obviously varies from one machine to another.

has anyone recently built one? ive been able to track down some pictures of one build only. every other "write up" i have found is so old that the pictures cannot be viewed any longer. im really trying to weigh the pros and cons of building one vs buying one of the ones that ridiculous wenches makes....

anyone have any experience with the skim specific one?

thanks in advance for any help...searched the forum and basically only found a couple old ones for sale and a couple of brief discussions around how amazing they are.

**lucasskim** · 10-20-2010, 10:17 PM

you have the best name
but no ive never built a winch, it seems like it would make more sense to just buy one

**Chrissy** · 10-20-2010, 10:20 PM

I would just save the time and just buy one...sure they're expensive, but they will save you a lot of time and you'll be sure that it was built correctly

**Ron Burgundy** · 10-20-2010, 10:31 PM

im thinking along the same lines. i really really really love building things, but it does seam like the parts cost would be borderline savings unless i scrap stuff together from old dirt bikes and steel laying around.

hmmmmmmmmmm

**Chrissy** · 10-20-2010, 10:43 PM

But hey, it's just me though. If you love building things and you think it would be a good investment of your time and money, by all means go for it. If you do end up building one post some pics or a vid! Welcome to SOMB by the way.

**tom** · 10-21-2010, 12:30 AM

i think you can diy a winch alot cheaper (for 500 bucks i think)

I had the plan... I learned alot from this pics:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...inch/?start=96

(not mine)

**Ron Burgundy** · 10-21-2010, 08:11 AM

i saw an old one for sale....but im looking at it and curious about the device they are using for the rope being reeled back in......appears to be just a normal pully of sorts?

http://skimonline.com/forum/showthre...ighlight=winch

and those pictures helped a lot.

thanks!! if i do end up building one ill take as many photos as possible and document,

**Denis** · 10-21-2010, 10:14 AM

deffinately look into wakeboarding forums... the wake boarding winch is exactly the same you need from skim... good luck let us know how it goes

**Ron Burgundy** · 10-21-2010, 07:08 PM

ive found many many different examples and plans on sites as everyone suggested.....thanks!

i didnt realize there were so many damn companies making these things. only time can tell what i will do.......regardless im gonna have a good damn time at the san diego beaches with this bad boy.

**drewC.** · 10-21-2010, 08:24 PM

I have a buddy that has a ridiculous winch and loves it. (he's sponsored by them just fyi)

Everything is do-able, just make sure you get your welding down before starting. Post up some good DIY sites if you find some. I've been wanting to build one as well

**Boyschoir** · 10-22-2010, 07:08 AM

Buy one and buy a rediculous. I've been wakeskating for years and have used these since the beginning. Grinches are junk they always seem to have problems and unless you can drive your vehicle on the beach the moving from point a to point b with a grinch blows! If your wanting to build one be original. There are more winch companies out there trying to make a buck on the same build. I've seen winches built on go cart frames using the go cart motor with the rope spool connected straight to the axel. Really sick and it was easy as shit to move around. The clutches and brakes are the biggest part as the gearing can be tough. If you do make one make sure you can get the pull up around 30mph. You will need it.. have fun and post the pics here no matter if you build or buy. Pm me if your looking into rediculous. If I don't respond right away im somewhere in Mexico and don't have communication to the outside world and ill get back to you.

**TY ler** · 10-22-2010, 08:35 AM

my buddy is actually slowly starting up his own winch and apperal wakeboarding company. he just finished and sold his first few winches. To get one running right it is definitely a lot more involving then you might think but if you are up for the challenge then go for it.

pic of his winch

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3578448_n.jpg