Let's say I wanted/needed that last 3 inches of forward placement, could I relocate the winch on the front side of the post? Yes, I know I'll have to cut the top off so it sits in the same spot. Assume the boat is perfect other than wanting just that little extra.

If you draw a horizontal line across even with the base of the winch and cut off the post, you could have the winch base welded on top of the post and that would give you a lot more adjustment, the welding may lead to a corrosion problem down the road unless you send the post back and have it re-dipped

I wouldn't think I'd need to have it welded? Draw the line, cut the post, relocate the winch platform, turn the bolts around and tighten 'em up. Probably spray some cold galv on the cut just in case.

Could you cut the strapps that hold the front roller shorter so that they hit under the bow eye? This would allow the boat to move forward 3 inches. Then move the winch as far to the front of the plate as possible. You can easily get your 3" that way.

That too

Jon, wouldn't want roller under the eye...the eye would hang up on the roller during launch/recovery. The post is all the way forward now.

What I actually plan on doing is getting a real bow catcher (V style) made but I want to be able to move the winch forward and out of the way so the bow has a little room to move and pivot during launch/recovery, instead of rolling on the winch-roller.

Thanks guys for the ideas...keep 'em coming.