Now that you've got your water beauty, it's time to find a trailer sturdy enough and long enough to transport her properly. Don't settle for anything less than the right fit; you want to protect your investment. Before you buy, know exactly what you'll need.
First, consider the length of that dream boat. The right trailer will need to be approximately two feet more than the boat's length. The measurement of the boat's length should not include any swimming platform that extends beyond the boat frame.
Several manufacturers do add this information as part of the boat's overall length, or LOA. In reality, though, the length of the boat only runs the length of the running surface of the hull itself. Don't forget, though, that the pulpit of the bow is included in the boat's length.
Another important consideration is the weight of the boat itself. Most people calculate what is referred to as the boat's "wet weight." This value isn't always published by manufacturers, so buyers may have to do some research to determine what the boat would weigh when it is completely loaded down with fuel.
To do this, calculate the weight of the fuel at 8-1/2 pounds for each gallon of fuel. The water weight is calculated at 6-1/2 pounds for each gallon. The weight of the batteries also has to be included, as do the engine and all the remaining contents of the boat. For boats weighing greater than 3,500 pounds, the best choice is often a tandem axle boat trailer.
The other important calculation in choosing the right trailer is the width of the boat at the waterline. Some buyers prefer trailer bunks, because these offer greater amounts of support for the boat's hull. Rollers, however, make getting a boat on and off the trailer much easier, especially when the boat launch slopes gently instead of steeply.
Some trailer bunks are constructed of plastic, and allow boats to load and offload more easily from the boat trailer. Others are constructed of wood that is covered by carpet. Another reason for choosing trailer bunks is that some manufacturers warn that using rollers will cause the hull's warranty to be void. This is because rollers, especially when used with heavier boats, can cause dimpling of the hull.
Construction
Manufacturers use three kinds of materials for making boat trailers. The most solid ones are tubular box frame boat trailers. These protect the boat's wiring, as well as the brake lines, most effectively.
The aluminum I-beam boat trailers are the most lightweight, and are strongest when calculating the trailer's strength compared to the weight of the boat. Despite these, these trailers don't offer as much overall protect as tubular designs do. Some boat haulers add extra protection by running lines in plastic conduit to compensate for this.
C-Channel boat trailers offer the most economical option and are perfect for use with lightweight boats. When hauling boats in C-channel trailers, be sure to protect lines by running them in plastic conduit.
When hauling a boat, be sure to follow all transportation and safety laws of the state in which you're hauling. Having your new treasure impounded for unsafe hauling could ruin a great vacation quickly. Know the rules of the road, so you can protect yourself, your investment, and other drivers. Drive safely, and enjoy boating!