Abstract: A winch construction for a boat lift. The winch includes a pair of spaced side plates, and a shaft is journaled in aligned openings in the side plates. The ends of the shaft project beyond the side plates and a drum is located between the side plates and is journaled on the shaft. A chain drive connects one projecting end of the shaft to a second shaft which is journaled in the side plates, and a second speed reduction chain drive connects the second shaft with the drum which carries a cable which is attached to the boat lift. A hand wheel is connected to a hub that is threaded on the opposite projecting end of the shaft, and an annular ratchet is located between the hub and a backing plate attached to the respective side plate. The ratchet is composed of a brake material and has a brake surface facing the backing plate. To elevate the boat lift, the hand wheel is rotated causing the hub to move axially on the shaft and effecting engagement of the brake surface with the backing plate.