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Do you dream of warm summer days when you can spend hours out on the water with family and friends?
If so, you’re not alone. After all, there’s nothing better than the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, speeding across the water in a boat. For anyone wanting to buy a boat for the first time, there are plenty of tips you’ll need to understand to have the best experience possible. This includes making sure you have the right trailer for pulling your boat.
Fortunately, this article can help. Here we discuss boat trailers and how to pick the perfect one to meet your boating needs. Keep reading the boat trailer guide to learn more.
Understanding the Basics
Let’s start by discussing the fact that when you buy a boat, you’re going to need a way to transport it from place to place. Thus the need for choosing a boat trailer.
Regardless of the type of boat you buy, it will need to be pulled behind your vehicle and backed down into the water once you arrive at the lake.
And yet not every trailer is created equal. You’ll need to choose between bunk trailers and roller trailers, and make sure your trailer is the right length. Below, we will take a closer look at the specifics.
Bunk Trailers vs Roller Trailers
What is the difference between bunk trailers vs roller trailers?
Well, for starters, bunk trailers are typically more affordable because they have fewer working parts and the design is more simplistic. Bunk trailers have to be backed down a ramp into the water so you can drive the boat on and secure it in place.
Roller trailers, on the other hand, are more expensive and a bit more complicated to operate. This type of trailer is ideal for low tides and shallow ramps, and you won’t need to worry about submerging the trailer very far into the water.
Another advantage of investing in a roller trailer is the fact that the running gear isn’t exposed to the water as frequently. This means you won’t have to worry about as much long-term damage. Just keep in mind that every boat has different requirements.
Here’s a great resource that will help you understand more about the difference between a bunk trailer vs a roller trailer.
Choosing the Right Length
Now we need to look at choosing the best length for your boat trailer.
The key is to measure your boat from the bow eye to the drain plug. The parts that can be ignored include the bow pulpits, the swim platform, and Euro transoms.
Just make sure the measurement from the bow eye to the drain plug is correct, others the fit won’t be right. If necessary, take your boat’s owner’s manual to the trailer dealership so that they can help you find the perfect trailer for your boat.
Pay Attention to Boat Weight
The weight of your boat is another important factor to consider when shopping for a trailer. After all, if your boat is too heavy, it will damage the trailer. Plus, your trailer might not be capable of pulling the load.
This is another reason it’s wise to take your owner’s manual to the dealership.
Keep in mind that there are two different weights to consider. These include the boat’s “wet” weight as well as the “dry” weight. What’s the difference? Great question.
The dry weight refers to the boat’s weight before it has gone into the water. The wet weight is most important and refers to the weight of the boat after it comes out of the water. This is because the boat will weigh more once it’s gotten wet.
Aluminum Frame vs Steel Frame
What’s the difference between an aluminum frame boat trailer vs a steel frame boat trailer?
Aluminum is a lighter material, thus it’s easier to pull. But it will also corrode and isn’t as strong.
Steel, on the other hand, is incredibly strong but has a tendency to rust.
Brakes
When it comes to boat trailer tips, nothing is more important than making sure it has good brakes. This is especially important with big boats that are heavy and difficult to stop.
Vehicle Towing Capability
It’s also crucial to make sure your vehicle is capable of pulling the load. Thus you need to assess the combined weight of the boat and trailer before deciding which vessel is the right investment for your lifestyle needs.
The Tongue Jack
What is a tongue jack? This is an essential part of a trailer that enables you to crank your boat up the length of the trailer quickly and easily.
The process simply requires hooking the tongue jack cord to a bracket on the hull of the boat and then cranking it until the bow of the boat is seated securely in place on the trailer.
Boat Trailer Lights
If you’re going to pull your trailer at night, it will need lights. Make sure the lights work at the time of purchase, otherwise you’ll need to install them yourself. It’s also important to test your lights every time you hook the trailer to your vehicle.
Storing Your Boat Trailer
Do you have a good place to store your boat and trailer? Keep in mind that proper storage is essential for keeping your boat in good running condition. Thus the bigger your boat and trailer, the larger the space you’ll need for parking it when not being used.
The best strategy is to build a covered area with a poured slab and a roof that provides enough overhang to protect it from rain, snow, and other harsh outdoor conditions.
A Guide to Shopping For Boat Trailers
It’s no secret that boating is one of the best ways to spend hot summer days, no matter where you happen to live. Fortunately, the tips here for choosing boat trailers will help make your time traveling to and from your favorite body of water much less stressful.
Please continue exploring the vast library of articles on this blog to discover additional content filled with unique lifestyle-related tips and advice.
