Boat-Trailer Marriage Had Better Be Good

Most boats built to be hauled on a trailer will spend 80 percent of their time there, according to industry studies. Unfortunately, people spend very little time considering the trailer, even though it can cause the most headaches.

Typically, a person buys a package: boat, motor, trailer, etc. And that goes for either new or used boat purchases. After the sale, we slap the boat on the trailer, if it’s not already there, and drive away.

There are three questions to think about. when considering boat trailers.

Does my trailer support the weight and shape of my boat evenly and symmetrically?

Is the trailer easy to handle when I load the boat and when I launch it?

And how about maintenance: Is my trailer easy to care for?

Manufacturers say the biggest mistake that boaters can make when purchasing a trailer is getting the wrong capacity for the boat they want to haul.

Trailers are rated for the load they’re intended to carry. Just because your boat fits between the wheel, doesn’t mean it is the right trailer. If you pick a trailer that isn’t designed to carry your load, you can expect chassis, suspension, or axle failures.

Getting a trailer that’s rated for a boat heavier than yours can also cause problems. Heavier-duty trailers have heavier suspension and less flex under lighter loads. That in turn transmits road shock to the boat that can lead to damage.

To pick the right trailer, first determine the capacity you need. Start by adding the weight of the boat, gear, fuel, water, batteries, anchors, skis, coolers, and everything else you’re likely to haul in it to the lake.

Trailers generally have either a hot-dipped galvanized finish or a paint finish. Paint will chip over time and rust will set in. Galvanized frames are more expensive and fall off in the looks department, but will resist corrosion longer.

Bolt-on trailer fenders for ease of replacement and gravel guards on your vehicle will help protect the boat from roadway gravel.

Rollers, padded rails or a combination of the two support the boat on the trailer. Maximize the surface area in contact with the boat (within reason) to lessen the chances of contact damage.

Brake requirements for big trailers vary from state to state. Any reputable dealer or the local motor vehicle department can advise you of the specific brakes required for heavier trailers.

And don’t forget a safety chain. Some trailers even feature a breakaway chain that sets the trailer brakes in the event of a sudden disconnect.

Tires are designed with capacities, too. Use the correct wheels and tires with the trailer. Remember that a larger wheel and tire will rotate more slowly at a given speed than a smaller one. This produces less wear on axles and bearings. Consider the bigger wheels and tires and don’t forget an appropriate spare. Also think of upgrading your vehicle jack to ensure you have the lifting capacity necessary to change a wheel on the trailer.

Security is becoming a major concern for trailer boats. Look into devices that secure the tongue or a good old-fashioned wheel lock like parking enforcement people use. A boat theft is usually a time-limited event. Thieves will often avoid a boat that has been properly secured. For classic or collectable boats, indoor storage and good insurance are the best bet.