used trailer advice

[jeagleson]

I am a first-time trailer buyer and am looking for advice on where to find the best deal on a used trailer for a 26' Sea Ray Weekender, as well as advice on things to watch out for. I've called around local marinas but they carry very few used trailers. I've checked ebay also. I live in Ohio, but am willing to travel out of state if necessary. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: used trailer advice

Run an ad in your local classifieds. New trailers are not as expensive as one might expect so check that out. A new trailer eliminates any problems you might have with a used one (bad or mismatched tires, bad/no brakes, bad wheel bearings, bad wiring, and rust).

 

[Lou C]

Re: used trailer advice

I rebuilt a roller trailer for my 20' Four Winns last year and if I had it to do over I'd advise buying new, parts cost to replace the axle, add brakes, add 8 rollers would up at close to 1/2 the cost of new! I did it because the width of this trailer fits well in my narrow driveway and works well on our narrow ramp. I was able to do all the work myself, but if you can't it gets expensive fast.

 

[plotalot]

Re: used trailer advice

The only used boat trailer I would consider buying for a boat the size of yours would be fairly new and used very little. Might find one that the owner now keeps his boat in the water or in a boat house and only used the trailer once. Then I would still give it a rigorous inspection and replace or repair anything that is suspect before putting it in service. With anything that involves maintainance, I've found that if I'm the one putting it through hell then its easier to spot and anticipate problems.

 

[ndemge]

Re: used trailer advice

Used boat trailers are hard to find, especially over 20'. If you have time to wait, you CAN find them, but it's hard.<br /><br />I bought one that was used with a 24' and it took over a year to find it, and then had to get 5 new tires, new coupler, bunks, rollers et. etc. etc. wasn't much under the price of new by the time I got done.

 

[salty87]

Re: used trailer advice

i bought my 23' without trailer, looked for a few weeks and bought a new one.<br /><br />another nice thing about new is that it's made for your boat's hull, there's no doubt about fit and you don't have to reset-up the trailer like you'd probably have to with a used one.

 

[Stinger313]

Re: used trailer advice

Buy a new one,be alot easier to sell a 26ft boat on a new trailer.

 

[Solittle]

Re: used trailer advice

Try to find a copy of Boat Trader. They are available at many convenience stores. I bought a triple axle trailer that way years back.