Bigger trailer for smaller boat

[Hai Nhi]

Good morning everyone.

So I got myself a Bayliner 245 at last, 2004. Problem is, no trailer.
I was wondering if a trailer for 26' boat could be used? I have two options, one is steel from trail-rite boat trailers, other is aluminum from WestCoast trailers.

Can't find any used 24' at all.

Thank you.

Nhi

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Most likely they are adjustable so the boat can fit. Only problem might be the trailer capacity. If its made for a lot heavier boat it could beat your lighter boat to death. Just check the trailer capacity and if its close your good to go. I like AL. IMHO

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

what you mean by "beat lighter boat to death"? sorry for my limited language knowledge as well.

Both of them have 10000lbs load rating. My boat is 5500, plus load =~6000lbs.

I like aluminum too, but it's 5x the cost. I plan to just spend minimal on my first boat to see how it's going. Maybe upgrading pretty soon if the wifey likes it too. If we do, then we can spend more on the trailer.

Thanks.

Nhi

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

in this case, load capacity won't be an issue and it won't beat the boat up... you will have to make sure that the bunks and winch stand can be adjusted to fit the boat and that the axle position can be adjusted to correctly balance the boat for correct tongue weight,

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Correct Tongue weight is 10% right?

Nhi

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

24 versus 26 feet . . . pretty close. you will be fine . . . nothing will get beat to death.

You may have to adjust things so that your tongue weight ends up being 7-10% of the total.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

I just checked the steel one. 7000# gross only. Max load carrying capacity is 5548#.

I think my boat dry weight is 5300#.

The whole trailer is 26' long.

Nhi

 

[Quit It]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

I just checked the steel one. 7000# gross only. Max load carrying capacity is 5548#.

I think my boat dry weight is 5300#.

The whole trailer is 26' long.

Nhi

You're not going with that trailer, right?

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

You're not going with that trailer, right?

I'm thinking not, because I'd pass the weight limit.

On the other hand, when checking on other trailer, most of them in 22-24' range are 7000# rating, minus the trailer weight.

Aluminum is better since it only weights 900-1000#. That'd give me 6000# load carrying. So I wonder how much is a safe enough (hence $ saving) trailer capacity for a boat.

A 7000# aluminum costs ~$4500-$5000, 10k costs about $1500-$1700 more.

Nhi

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Dry weight on my boat is 5.000 - add fuel, oil, water and gear and I am right at 6,000 - You are a little low on your figures I think.

LK

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Dry weight on my boat is 5.000 - add fuel, oil, water and gear and I am right at 6,000 - You are a little low on your figures I think.

LK

That's all yours weights? Dawn. That's cool. What's your trailer setup?

Nhi

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

That's all yours weights? Dawn. That's cool. What's your trailer setup?

Nhi

Here is my setup - I have since changed the decal colors to match the boat - 6,800lb capacity 2001 Shoreland'r galvanized roller - Surge brakes on both axles, Six lug hubs, radial tires, Etc. Was stored inside most all of it's life as the guy had the boat on a lift. Picked it up off of craigslist for 2k - (wanted $2,500) Works and tows great - The trailer is 1,600lbs and the boat is 6k loaded - 7,600 total. Works great. My second Shoreland'r and never had an issue with either.

LK

 

[Quit It]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

I'm thinking not, because I'd pass the weight limit.

On the other hand, when checking on other trailer, most of them in 22-24' range are 7000# rating, minus the trailer weight.

Aluminum is better since it only weights 900-1000#. That'd give me 6000# load carrying. So I wonder how much is a safe enough (hence $ saving) trailer capacity for a boat.

A 7000# aluminum costs ~$4500-$5000, 10k costs about $1500-$1700 more.

Nhi

Right, the weight limit is an issue but they may have one with larger axles. Continental Trailers has choices available (http://continentaltrailers.com/aluminum-a.htm). Also keep in mind that the trailer length you're looking at is only going to have 2' of tongue length. It means you may not be able to open your tailgate (especially if you have an SUV), your rig will have to be 3' closer to the water and it will tow differently (but backing into tight areas will be easier).

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

As for tongue weight I have seen reccomendations on this forum of 7%, 7-10%, and 10-15%... I have used 10-15% for a standard on all trailers and have always heard that for many years...

I'd say that 7% is the least that anyone should ever consider and that 10-15% is much safer especially as the trailers get heavier.

Also keep in mind that the more weight is carried by the tow vehicle (within reason) the less weight will be on the trailer axles and while it may not increase the weight rating on paper, it does increase the weight that could be on the trailer without overloading the axles... again, within reason... If you bust the tongue or blow the rear tires on the tow vehicle you haven't gained anything.


A good rule of thumb on trailer length, is to measure from the transom to the bow eye and add 10-20% for total length of the trailer.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Thanks for a very detail explanation Kevin.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Here is my setup - I have since changed the decal colors to match the boat - 6,800lb capacity 2001 Shoreland'r galvanized roller - Surge brakes on both axles, Six lug hubs, radial tires, Etc. Was stored inside most all of it's life as the guy had the boat on a lift. Picked it up off of craigslist for 2k - (wanted $2,500) Works and tows great - The trailer is 1,600lbs and the boat is 6k loaded - 7,600 total. Works great. My second Shoreland'r and never had an issue with either.

LK

Doesn't it mean you're overloading your trailer LK? Because trailers have to carry themselves too, right?

Nhi

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Doesn't it mean you're overloading your trailer LK? Because trailers have to carry themselves too, right?

Nhi

No, The trailer capacity is 6,800lbs - I'm 800lbs under the max capacity. This thing is built like a tank.

Here are the specs.


SLB68TCBB Specs (there are some updates since mine was built - disc brakes, fenders, Etc.)



Minimum Hull Length: 264 Inches
Maximum Hull Length: 300 Inches
Maximum Transom to Bow Eye: 281 Inches
Capacity: 6800 lbs.
Ship Weight: 1670 lbs.
GVWR: 8480 lbs.
GAWR: 4240 lbs.
Tires: ST205/75R15-D
Wheel Style: Directional
Frame Size: 3"x5"x10 ga.
Frame Width: 78.5 Inches
Overall Width: 101.5 Inches
Rear Cross Member Adjustment: 24 Inches
Max. Overall Length: 338 Inches
Fender Style: Custom with polish alum tread
Width Between Fenders: 84.5 Inches
Tongue Tube Size: 3"x4"x7 ga.
Tongue Length: 78 Inches
Coupler Size: 2 5/16" Brake Actuator
Axle Size or Style: 2"x3"x7 ga.
Hub Size: 1 3/4" X 1 1/4"
Bolt Pattern: 6 bolts on 5.5"
Bearing Protectors: Standard
Suspension Type: Leaf Spring
Spring Length: 25 (Hook)
Number of Leaves: 5
Rollers (# - type): 32
Length of Roller Rack: 92 Inches
Keel Rollers (# - size): 8 - 8"
Keel Protective Pads (# - size): 2 - 12"
Keel Protective Pads (# - size): 3 - 15"
Winch: DL2500A
Winch Line: 2" Nylon Strap
Brake Size / Style: 12" Disc Standard 2 Axles
Brake Actuator Model: UFP 12,000
Lighting: Sealed LED
Wire Harness: Fully Grounded
Trailer Style: Roller

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

Man it's tough buying a used galvanized or aluminum trailer here. Closest I came to was one galvanized one, but only 24' total, and 7000# gross, plus the two I told you guys earlier.

I probably end up buying new, which I don't really want to for my first boat just yet.

For salt water, aluminum is better than galvanized, right?

Nhi

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

you might be able to buy a used boat and trailer cheaper than a new trailer and sell the boat without one.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Bigger trailer for smaller boat

That's part of my plan too. But haven't run into any good combo yet (with a decent galvanized trailer and a resellable boat)

I need to do this quick because I have to take the boat back from the broker next week.

Nhi