POWERWINCH RC23 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Models RC23, RC23-S & RC30
12 Volt Powered Winch
Wireless Remote Operation
Remote Power-in/ Freewheel-out Operation
Thoroughly read manual furnished with this product and be
familiar with controls. Do not allow individuals to operate winch
without understanding safe operation and procedures for
equipment.
P5593107AVr7 Printed in the USA July, 2023
pwRC003
These instructions apply to all models listed.

Spot Light Mounted in Housing

P7040104r6Printed in USA May, 2022
OWNER'SMANUAL
Model 915
BOAT TRAILER WINCH
pw915101
Setup with double line pull (pulley block)
12 Volt Powered Winch
Power-In / Power-Out Operation
Hand Held Wired Remote Control
Thoroughly read the manual furnished with this product and be
familiar with the controls. Do not allow individuals to operate
the winch without understanding the safe operation and
procedures for the equipment.

The Powerwinch RC23 and RC30 Trailer Winches are products of Scott Fetzer Electrical Group
or SFEG, located in Fairview, Tennessee, USA. The information contained or disclosed in this
document is considered proprietary to SFEG. Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information presented in this document is accurate and complete. However, SFEG assumes no
liability for errors or any damages that result from use of this document.
PROPRIETARY STATEMENT


reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or add any parts and assemblies, described in this
manual, without prior notice.
SFEG agrees to allow the reproduction of this document for use with SFEG products only. Any
other reproduction or translation of this document in whole or part is strictly prohibited without
prior written approval from SFEG.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION.......................................................................................
SPECIFICATION.....................................................................................................
INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................
OPERATION.............................................................................................................
MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................
WARRANTY..........................................................................................................
ASSEMBLING PULLEY BLOCK (P55950 & P55750 ONLY)..............................................
WIRING UNIT....................................................................................................................................
REMOTE TRANSMITTER..............................................................................................................
MOUNTING UNIT............................................................................................................................
UNLOADING BOAT........................................................................................................................
LOADING BOAT...............................................................................................................................
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCH...................................................................................................
LUBRICATION..................................................................................................................................
REPLACING CABLE........................................................................................................................
REPLACING IN-LINE FUSE..........................................................................................................
iii
iv
1
2
2
1
4
1
6
15
4
5
5
6
7
9
DOUBLE LINING WINCH..............................................................................................................1
TESTING REMOTE.......................................................................................................................... 2
PROGRAMMING A REPLACEMENT REMOTE...................................................................... 3
REMOTE OPERATIONAL NOTES.............................................................................................. 3
REPLACING REMOTE BATTERY................................................................................................ 3
EMERGENCY HAND CRANK.......................................................................................................
OPERATING LIGHT.........................................................................................................................5
6
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...................................................................................................10
REPLACING STRAP........................................................................................................................8
Powerwinch
by SFEG
2268 Fairview Blvd Fairview, TN 37062
1.800.793.4793 | www.powerwinch.com
ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST................................................................................11

The following Safety Precautions Must be followed at ALL Times. Failure to follow the
warnings and cautions in this manual could result in serious injury and/or property damage.
SAFETY INFORMATION
This product can expose you to chemicals including Di- isodecyl
phthalate (DIDP), Vinyl Chloride and Cumene, which are known
to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more
information visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov.
ALWAYS block vehicle wheels to help prevent vehicle from moving
when pulling a load with winch.
SHOCK HAZARD. ALWAYS unplug wiring harness before attempting
to install, relocate, service or perform maintenance on winch.
NEVER use winch to lift or move people or animals.
iii
NEVER use winch for overhead lifting.
NEVER attempt to pull a load greater than rated load of winch.
ALWAYS stand away from winch during operation. ALWAYS stand
clear of area behind and between load and winch. ALWAYS keep
objects, people and animals away when operating the winch. Serious injury could occur if cable
breaks.

operating winch. Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts.
ALWAYS keep hands clear of cable spool (drum area).
ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling cable. Steel cable
can cause serious damage to hands.
ALWAYS remove all tools used for manual override operation before
operating winch with electrical power.
NEVER use winch to exclusively hold, support or permanently
secure load. Use separate straps to support load.


on the weight of the load, condition of the trailer rollers, and the degree of the loading ramp incline. The
charts below are based on a single line pull and provided as a guideline in calculating pulling capabilities.
SPECIFICATIONS
Cable fasteners on this or any winch are not designed to hold rated
loads independently. ALWAYS
cable on drum to achieve rated load values.
Model Part Number Line Speed @ Capacity (FPM) Gear Ratio Voltage Circuit Breaker Unit Weight
RC23 P55750 14 225: 1 12 VDC 60 amps 34 lbs.
RC23-S P55750-S 14 225: 1 12 VDC 60 amps 24 lbs.
RC30 P55950 8 450: 1 12 VDC 60 amps 36 lbs.
% Incline Level 5% 10% 20% 30% 50% 70% 100%
Incline 0° 3° 6° 11° 17° 26° 35° 45°
RC23 24000 13340 10040 6800 5220 3720 3060 2580
RC30 40000 23345 17570 11900 9135 6510 5355 4515
APPROXIMATE ROLLING LOAD CAPACITIES (VALUES ARE IN POUNDS)
Model Part Number
Vertical Lift
Capacity Double Line Pull
Approximate
Boat Weight*
Approximate
Boat Size*
RC23 P55750 2400 4300 7500 17-23 Feet
RC23-S P55750-S 2000 N/A 6250 17-23 Feet
RC30 P55950 4000 7500 11500 23-30 Feet
Boat size and weight is approximate and varies depending on boat type.
When calculating boat weight, use the fully loaded weight that includes boat, motor, fuel, water, gear etc.
*
• A 10% incline (6°) is 1 foot rise in 10 feet.
• To convert from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kgs) divide by 2.2.
• Capacity can be increased by using a pulley block.
iv
WINCH & BOAT CAPACITIES (VALUES ARE IN POUNDS)
APPROXIMATE ROLLING LOAD CAPACITIES (VALUES ARE IN POUNDS)
Noise Level during Operation: less than 98db (A).
9 1/2”
9”
11 1/2”
Power Socket
Light Switch 12V Light
Override/Learn
Switch
pwRC005
S
e
t
R
e
l
e
a
s
e
Clutch Knob
Emergency
Crank Handle

1
PowerwinchRC23, RC23-S, & RC 30 Trailer Winch
INSTALLATION
MOUNTING UNIT
The following instructions are for standard mounting of the winch. Winch can be mounted on trailer in
the same position and location as an existing hand winch.
1. Remove existing hand winch.
2. Position unit on trailer mount stand.
3. 
loaded position on trailer.
If bow eye is too high, extra pull is required of winch and extra stress is exerted on boat’s stern
and bow eye.
If necessary to create equal height, raise or lower winch stand. In most cases, trailer
manufacturers have adapters available for use with a winch.
4. 
boat is in fully loaded position. If necessary, extend bow stop to obtain clearance.
5. 
mounting holes do not line up with winch, use bottom of winch as a template and drill two (2)

6. 
possible to base of winch. Eyebolt is supplied by installer.
1. Place two screws through one tear drop plates and hold in
place.
2. Slide a bushing over each screw.
3. Slide pulley wheel and hook over bushings as shown.

4. Wrap cable around pulley.
5. Place second tear drop plate over screws and secure using
washers and nuts provided.
ASSEMBLING PULLEY BLOCK
1. With cable threaded through block, hook pulley block to bow eye.
2. Power out cable and attach cable hook to eyebolt next to winch.
3. Power in cable.
DOUBLE LINING WINCH
Bow
Eye
Pulley Block
Level
12" minimum
pwRC006
pw915014
Side Plate
(x2)
Pulley
Cable
Hook
Bushing (x2)
Screw (x2)
Nut & Washer
(x2)
Only included with P55750 and P55950

2
Powerwinch RC23, RC23-S, & RC 30 Trailer Winch
WIRING UNIT
The following instructions are for permanently wiring the winch. Additional wiring kit is
available and sold separately: A quick connect wiring harness (p/n P7866000AJ) for temporary
connections. If installing with kit, follow directions with kit.
1. Attach circuit breaker to battery’s POSITIVE (+) post or positive (+) terminal of starter
solenoid.
2. Attach ground wire (black) to vehicle frame. Clean metal frame with a wire brush or

3. Route wire under vehicle and along frame. Avoid sharp edges and moving parts. Secure wire

NOTE: If winch does not operate, follow troubleshooting guide on page 10 and check in-line fuse
(page 10) before returning winch.
REMOTE TRANSMITTER
RC23, RC23-S and RC30 winches are equipped to operate with a RF (Radio Frequency)
transmitter and receiver. Transmitter and receiver are factory programmed to communicate with
each other.
TESTING REMOTE
1. Connect wire harness to winch.
2. Press and hold remote’s ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.

3. Loosen clutch knob, turn counter clockwise to prevent
winch from pulling cable in.
4. Press and hold hbutton and verify that motor is running.
Release button. If motor runs, winch is ready for use.
5. Tighten clutch knob, winch can now pull boat onto trailer.
WHEN NOT IN USE, press ON/OFF button to turn off remote. This
will prevent winch from accidentally operating when not in use.
60 amp
Circuit Breaker
12V Vehicle Battery pwRC007
Red Wire
Black Wire
Secure Harness to Frame
Approximately Every 18”
Winch Light
Press ON/OFF
ON/OFF
Press and Hold
for 3 Seconds to
Turn On Remote
Winch IN
Press to Pull
Cable In
LED On
When Transmitting
Power Plug to Winch
Attach Ground
to Vehicle Frame

3
PowerwinchRC23, RC23-S & RC30 Trailer Winch
Remote uses a 12V size A23 battery. Batteries are available through your local battery outlets.
For best performance, battery should be changed every 3 months or twice during boating season.
Actual battery life is dependent on frequency of use, environmental conditions and condition of
remote.
1. Connect wire harness to winch.
2. Release clutch knob and pull cable out about 4 feet.
3. Hold down up position of the toggle on back of winch for 5 seconds.
4. When LED on winch lights up, release toggle.
5. Press h
6. 
7. 
8. hbotton on key fob to run cable/
strap in. Press light button on then off to test LED.
PROGRAMMING A REPLACEMENT REMOTE
• Transmitter (remote) is an electronic device and should be kept dry at all times.
• Remote operates best within a 10’-15’ range from winch (receiver). Maximum operating
distance is 30’- 40’. Actual distance may vary depending on environment remote is used in.
• For best operation, hold remote level with or above winch.
• Transmitter and receiver have been tested and complies with limits for a Class B digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. There is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in any particular installation. This
interference may affect radio and television reception.
• To prevent accidental operation of winch and to preserve battery life, remote must be turned
off after every use.
REMOTE OPERATIONAL NOTES
1. Remove small screws from back of remote.
2. Carefully separate two halves of remote.
NOTE: When removing old battery, make note of polarity of battery. When inserting new
battery, place negative end against coil spring terminal.
3. Remove old battery and insert new battery.
4. Reattach covers and screws removed previously.
REPLACING REMOTE BATTERY
Press to Learn
Manual Override
pwRC009

4
Powerwinch RC23, RC23-S & RC30 Trailer Winch
OPERATION
1. Attach winch hook to bow eye on boat.
2. Connect power to winch. Wire harness plug goes into socket on right side of winch.
3. Remove tie down straps from boat.
4. Slowly turn clutch knob counterclockwise to release winch brake.
5. Allow boat to slide off trailer. If necessary, clutch knob can be tightened to slow speed
of boat.
6. When boat is in water, release cable hook.
7. 
8. While maintaining tension in cable, press hbutton on remote. Roll the cable/strap up
completely.
To avoid personal injury and property damage, ALWAYS
clear area around and behind boat of people, animals and
obstructions before loading or unloading boat.
NEVER stand between load or anchor point and winch. Serious
personal injury could occur if cable breaks.
NOTICE
ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling cable. Steel cable
can cause serious damage to hands.
DO NOT allow cable hook to roll into winch. Damage to level wind
plate can occur.
NEVER use winch alone to secure the boat to trailer during
transit. Use separate straps or equivalent to secure boat to trailer.
UNLOADING BOAT
9. Secure hook to prevent any accidental injury or damage.
After using winch, ALWAYS disconnect wire harness from socket to
avoid moisture collection in socket and prevent possibility of short
circuiting.
To prevent damage to motor, DO NOT operate winch continuously for

! CAUTION
1. Align boat and trailer.
2. Loosen clutch knob turn counterclockwise and free-wheel cable to boat. Attach hook to eye
on the bolt.
NOTE:
seconds with clutch fully released. This should free clutch allowing cable/strap to pull out.
3. 
over tightening can cause damage to clutch.
4. Step clear of cable/strap, winch and boat.
5. 
6. Press and hold hbutton. Power in cable until boat touches bow stop. Release button.
7. When fully loaded, secure boat to trailer.
LOADING BOAT

5
Powerwinch
RC23, RC23-S, & RC30 Trailer Winch
1. Connect power to winch. Wire harness plug goes into socket on right side of winch.
2. Align boat and trailer.
3. Loosen clutch knob, turn counterclockwise and free-wheel cable/strap to
boat. Attach hook to the eye on boat.
4. 

clutch.
5. Press down and hold manual override switch. Power in cable/strap until
boat touches bow stop. Release switch.
6. When fully loaded, secure boat to trailer.
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCH
If remote is lost or damaged before retrieving boat, a manual override switch is provided on back
of winch.
Press to Learn
Manual Override
pwRC009a
An emergency hand crank is stored in LHS cover. Crank is used when there is no power (i. e. a
dead battery).
1. Disconnect wire harness from winch.
2. Remove outer nut from shaft on side
opposite clutch knob.
3. Remove emergency crank handle from
storage position and place on shaft.
4. Secure handle to shaft with nut removed
previously. Tighten nut snugly against
handle.
5. Tighten clutch knob, turn clockwise until


cause damage to clutch.
6. Turn crank handle to wind in cable.
Clockwise for RC30, counterclockwise for
RC23.
7. After boat has been secured on trailer,

8. 
traveling.
EMERGENCY HAND CRANK
NEVER use hand crank to assist a running motor. Serious personal
injury can occur.
! CAUTION ALWAYS remove all tools used for manual override operation before
operating winch with electrical power.
pwRC010
Manual Crank
Clutch Knob
Outer Nut
Storage Position

6
Powerwinch RC23, RC23-S, & RC 30 Trailer Winch
OPERATING LIGHT
NOTICE To avoid damaging light, DO NOT operate light for longer than 20 minutes at
a time.
RC23 and RC30 winches are equipped with a 12V
light mounted on top of unit. Light can be used
when winch is running or when it is idle.
Two methods of operating light are available.
Connect wire harness to winch.
From winch: A switch is located on top of unit. To
turn light ON or OFF press and release light switch.
With remote: To turn light ON or OFF press and
release light button.
NOTE: Light will automatically turn off after 20
minutes.
MAINTENANCE
Following steps should be performed a minimum of once a year.
LUBRICATION
ALWAYS disconnect wire harness from winch before attempting to
install, service or perform any maintenance on unit.
Cable: Lubricate cable with Whitmore’s Wire Rope Spray, WD40 or equivalent. Spray shaft
and cable as cable is being wound.
pwRC011
OR
Gears: Remove covers and lubricate gears with a lithium base grease. Be careful not to get
  
Light Button
Press ON/Press OFF
Light Switch
Press ON/Press OFF
12V Light