First time trailer buyer

[Gfriedman]

I am buying a trailer for an 18 foot star craft bowrider. I do not know that much about boats, except how to drive them and to water ski. any advice for a first time trailer buyer? things i should look for when i look at trailers?

 

[Belchy]

Re: First time trailer buyer

First, are you going to be using it in fresh or salt water...if salt water you will want a galvanized. With an 18 ft bowrider, I would be looking at a trailer with a hydraulic braking system. <br /><br />As for bunk or rollers....<br />I prefer bunks because the better distribute the loading of the boat, but are a little harder to load and unload at shallow ramps..<br /><br />Hope it helps..<br /><br />Belchy

 

[Silvertip]

Re: First time trailer buyer

The next decision is roller or bunk style. That's personal preference. Swing tongue is handy if your boat is stored in a garage. Cuts a couple of feet off the trailer length.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First time trailer buyer

i would add trailer guide ons, make loading so much easier, and a drive on trailer. be sure it is heavy enough to carry a full load, boat, motor, gear, fuel, full cooler, etc. if your at the almost max on laod wieght, go heavier. Always use a 4" tied down strap, with ratchet, and a bow tie down strap. look at "lesson learn the hard way" post below this one.

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: First time trailer buyer

thanks for the great information. all great to know. I am planning on using this boat almost always in fresh water. it isn't that big and wouldn't be able to take the ocean. On occasion i still plan to put it in salt water. <br />

• <br />
• do i still need a galvanized trailer for infrequent salt water use?<br />
• what do i need to be looking at on the tires and rims to make sure they will be reliable?<br />
• Do you really think its that important to get a trailer with breaks? i will be towing with a jeep grand Cherokee and/or a Volvo XC?<br />
• I am estimating my boat will weigh with trailer about 3000 pounds. is this correct for an 18 foot star craft bow rider with an inboard/outboard 175 hp?<br />
• i have money to spend, but i am trying not to blow the bank on a trailer, i was thinking max expense of about 800-900. am i low balling it?<br />

<br /><br />I saw the post about the guy who dropped the boat off his trailer. sorry to see that, but i sure won't make that same mistake.

 

[tommays]

Re: First time trailer buyer

You dont want a painted trailer if its going to even be close to saltwater<br /><br /><br />Tires need to based on a real total weight i try to get as many plys as i can 6 at the least<br /><br /><br />I am pretty sure you over both the legal and common sense weight were brakes are required<br /><br /><br />i am not seeing to many trailers that will handle an 18 ft boat in that price range<br /><br />And a big part of any trailer is getting it adjusted correctly for your boat<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: First time trailer buyer

Originally posted by tommays:<br /> <br />Tires need to based on a real total weight i try to get as many plys as i can 6 at the least<br />

not sure i am familiar with this term, what are plys. and what does 6 mean?<br /><br />not new trailers in the price range or used ones? i am looking at used ones. i see plenty of ones that hold 18-20 ft boots for under 1,000.

 

[tommays]

Re: First time trailer buyer

Used is a different story its just a matter of waiting for the right one<br /><br />keep in mind it can be really hard to loosen the things that will need to adjusted for a different boat <br /><br />Load Range: B (4-ply)<br />Max. Capacity: 1430 lbs. each<br />Overall Diameter: 26.3"<br />Maximum PSI: 35 lbs.<br /><br /><br />Load Range: C (6-ply)<br />Max. Capacity: 1870 lbs. each<br />Overall Diameter: 26.3"<br />Maximum PSI: 50 lbs.<br /><br />here are two 14' tires if you total load was really 3000# the B tire would be to small and the C tire would be a pretty safe bet<br /><br />tommays

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: First time trailer buyer

any opinions on something like this?<br /> http://boston.craigslist.org/boa/148799603.html <br /><br />

 

[BIGALF]

Re: First time trailer buyer

My first boat was about your size and I had a single axil trailer used down the New Jersey shore in salt water. This was a galvinized trailer and it held up well. However, anything that is not galvanized, alumunium or stainless steel will rust and fall apart quickly, like the springs and springs clamps. <br />The tires should be checked before each trip to the ramp. It's no fun to loose a tire on your way to the ramp.<br />Your trailer is just as important as your boat. Make sure you maintain it well.

 

[tommays]

Re: First time trailer buyer

its looks fine(a bit to big ?) the issue will IF AND HOW you can make the bunks support your boat !!!<br /><br />The other boat was 4' longer so a bunch of stuff is not in the right place and will have to be moved to get the correct tongue weight amoung other things <br /><br />I dont know what kind of resources or DIY abilty you have ?<br /><br />I have a crane/welding shop/machine shop/for FREE/so it would cost me nothing but time to make the mods<br /><br />tommays

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First time trailer buyer

the 1st thing wrong is no fenders on the wheels, will throw rock, grit all into your hull. imho it need keel rollers, this trailer was too small for the 22' boat, notice how far the bunks are extended past the trailer frame. and if you'r at 3,000 lbs, brakes are a must, after being pushed several times thru quick changing red lights, you'll get brakes. and hope the red lights are the worst you encounter.

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: First time trailer buyer

thanks for all the great info. how much do you think i can find a used trailer with breaks for?

 

[tommays]

Re: First time trailer buyer

i would price out a new one FIRST this will give you a good idea about the size and such to look at a used one<br /><br /><br />THEN you look around at the used and see how much money it will take to get it in safe condition and decide which way you want to go<br /><br />If needs brakes and tires thats and easy 400 to 500 dollars right off the bat<br /><br />Like i said before your DIY skills can make a used trailer a GOOD or BAD way to go<br /><br />tommays

 

[Belchy]

Re: First time trailer buyer

Remember when looking at a trailer, brakes or no brakes...most trailers use only 1/8" steel...aluminium or galvainzed framing... All that is is 1/8 thickness that keeps the pride and joy off the asphalt. Look around for used, but do a good inspection of the trailer first.<br /><br />Belchy

 

[Lou C]

Re: First time trailer buyer

Be careful buying a used trailer, they can nickel and dime you esp if it was used in salt water. I re-did my old 94 Load Rite and I upgraded the axle, tires, adding brakes and rollers. Parts alone to do this was about 900, plus my free labor! I'd say you definitely need brakes, based on your est of the weight.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: First time trailer buyer

Look for a galvanized trailer made with a "C-Channel" or Mill-Channel frame, instead of a box or tube frame. C or Mill Channel steel is open on one side, allowing all sides of the frame to be exposed during the galvanizing process. You can see all sides of the frame and see that it has been properly coated. With a box or tube frame, you cannot see the inside of the frame and the mfr or dealer will not guarantee that the inside has been completely coated. All it takes is one air bubble inside the frame during the galvanizing process, and your trailer will rust from the iniside out. I've seen it happen. As far as I know, Magic Tilt is the only major mfr that still makes a C or Mill Channel framed trailer. I did a lot of research last year for replacing my trailer. As for bunks or rollers. go for the bunks. They give better support to your baby.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First time trailer buyer

continental out of Miami still makes a very good trailer, with galvinized C channel. i have 2 at the present time.