If you are worried about maintaining batteries and damage or theft, it is amazing how much you can still get done with just a hand crank boat winch. Some use a worm gear for more reduction, but I don't think those have a release for paying out line.
For a step up from that, a common modification is to remove the handle and pin or weld the nut on, and run it with a cordless drill.
For a step up from that, a common modification is to remove the handle and pin or weld the nut on, and run it with a cordless drill.