About Boat Trailers

The Boat May be the Biggest Draw, but the Trailer is the Most Essential Tool

It is not likely that during your search for the perfect boat that the trailer it was being carried on made any impact on your decision to purchase the vehicle, but boat trailers are monumentally important when a boat is purchased. Even though buyers rarely consider the actual trailer, here are some things that you will want to know about this important support structure to the boat.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

People understandably misjudge the size of boat trailer they need in regard to weight. They simply consider the weight of the actual boat without any thought to the fact that other factors such as engines, fuel, and gear onboard contribute to the weight as well. The added weight can add up to a lot of pounds, so simply going on the simple dry weight of the boat is misguided. The solution is to take the weight of the boat and add 15% to ensure that the total gross vehicle weight rating meets the standards of the full weight of the boat with everything included.

Think About Width

The length of the trailer is very important, but so is the width of the trailer as well. The boat should fit within the width of the trailer. This is a no brainer for sure, but it should also maintain a width of at least 10cm between the trailer and the boat to secure the vessel properly.

How Many Axles

The number of axles you need for the boat is not always dependent upon the size of the vessel. It is more about the maneuverability of the trailer itself. The single axle configuration is ideal for maneuverability and getting into tight spaces, but in the event of a blowout on the highway, the boat trailer can become a hazard for both the other motorists as well as the driver. The double axle design of a boat trailer alleviates this problem. If a blowout does occur, the trailer can maintain its forward motion without losing control, so the motorist is able to slow the vehicle easily.

The Finish

With the standard freshwater boats, most finishes are fine for the trailer, but when the boater intends on using the boat in a saltwater environment, things become a little more complicated. The standard painted aluminum finish is fine for freshwater, but this finish will corrode easily from the salt water. A galvanized steel construction maintains optimal durability, but also keeps corrosion and rust away from the surface of the trailer.

Check for Brakes

When purchasing a trailer for any boat, the buyer has to make a decision as to include brakes or not. Not all states require brakes on a trailer, but in the state of Florida, trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs. require brakes on every wheel. This makes for a much easier transportation of any vessel and maintains control throughout the trip. A trailer without brakes can push a vehicle into another one on the highway leading to either a single accident or even a pileup, so it is best to stick with brakes even if they are not actually required in your state.

Check the Trailer Out

A boat trailer is not just an everyday average piece of equipment. It is going to be hauling quite a large investment and therefore should be in very good condition. Even if the trailer is in new condition, a check of all components is in order. The wires should be unworn and have no connection issues to the lights. The lights should be free of scratches of cracks of any type and special attention should be given to the tires of the trailer as well. If the tire tread is not at lease 4mm thick, the tires will need to be replaced before heading down the street with any boat. Another thing to look for on any trailer is the evidence of rust. Even though dealerships are supposed to maintain this, some might simply paint over the area, so if the boat has a place where the paint looks a little too fresh or discolored, it could be an indication of the dealership attempting to hide rust and wear.

Looking for a Boat for that New Trailer?

Buying a boat is not always so easy when relying on the dealership or the standard online boat classified sites. High prices and limited inventory can scare buyers away. We at Vessel Vendor have formed the best online boat classified site proven time and time again for our ability to deliver the right boat to the right buyer. We maintain the cheapest seller fees of any other site in the area and our sellers are able to pass that savings onto you. We also offer an easy to follow self posting format, so listing a boat with us is easier than with other sites. Our inventory is always being updated with new vessels of all styles from small boats to large super yachts, so you can easily find the vessel you have been looking for. Visit Vessel Vendor today and fill out our online contact form and see what we have waiting for you.

 Boat Trailer Buying Guide   Learn About the Best Boat Trailers