Choosing The Right Boat Trailer: Different Types of Trailers

In Vito Dumas' words, "Out there at sea, you are yourself." Maybe this is why the number of people who prefer recreational boating on all types of adventures is on the rise. If you decide to own a boat, you will also need a boat trailer. You need a trailer to transport and sometimes even store your boat. 

A boat trailer is a frame with wheels designed to transport boats of all types. When you tow a boat behind your vehicle, it is transported on a trailer. In terms of boat trailers, there are a variety of sizes, shapes, and weight capacities, and depending on the size of the boat, there are several types of trailers available. 

Types of Boat Trailers

When purchasing boat trailers, it's important to consider the unique features of your boat type.  Before we see what can be the most useful option for you, it's pertinent to build your knowledge around the common boat trailers available out there. 

1. Bunk trailers

2. Roller Trailer

3. Float-on trailers

4. Keel rollers

 1. Bunk Trailers

Boat trailers are used to haul small boats that are less than six meters in length. When purchasing boat trailers, it is important to consider this. This is why it is also called a small boat trailer. These trailers are fairly affordable and easy to maintain due to their simple size and design. The bunk trailers are available in galvanized steel or aluminum with varying loading capacities. Unlike a traditional trailer, bunk trailers have soft wooden boards that make it easy to place the boat in the water. To prevent scratches and damage to the hull, boat trailer bunks should also be protected. Loading and unloading a boat trailer is made easy with bunk slides.

Bunk trailers are usually submerged for loading and unloading. The trailer needs to be submerged for about two-thirds of the way. You must ensure that you can submerge the trailer safely and deeply.  As a result, certain boat parts, like brakes, springs, and axles, may be affected by the water conditions and may depreciate faster.  

2. Roller Trailers

A roller trailer is a relatively expensive but effective way to transport your boat. 

A roller trailer bears the boat's weight using several cylindrical plastic pieces known as rollers. The rollers make it very easy to launch the trailer. When you use roller trailers, you can launch your boat even at shallow or relatively undeveloped ramps.

Roller trailers have more moving parts and require more maintenance. As opposed to bunk trailers, their rollers do not have to submerge, so the boat and trailer parts are less likely to be damaged.  

A roller trailer is the perfect choice for anglers and hunters who want to explore wildlife and follow unusual water paths.  Make sure you protect this expensive type of boat trailer when not in use by using a boat trailer cover.

3. Float-on Trailers

The best option for large boats that require deep water launching is a float-on trailer.  These trailers are usually used by boaters who use saltwater boats, pontoons, and other large boats. Float-on trailers make it easy to load and drop a boat. When you drop your boat into the water, you bury the trailer and submerge it until it can float off. The boat can also be loaded onto the trailer simply by submerging the trailer so that it can be easily loaded. It is also necessary to use a guiding rope here. 

4. Keel Rollers

The keel roller is not the trailer, but it is used to help load boats on traditional trailers. By using these boat rollers, you minimize the risk of damage to different parts of the boat or trailer. Keel rollers are normally placed in the middle of the boat trailer, making loading and unloading the boat easy. Using an offroad boat trailer roller guide makes hauling a breeze.

How to Choose a Boat Trailer?

Boat trailers offer many benefits, mainly because you don't have to pay rent to transport your boat. Additionally, your boat will have a lot of value added. You should be able to select the right trailer for your boat if you want to feel like you have an absolute boat package. When buying a new boat, some dealers and manufacturers offer trailer packages. Consider the following factors if you are buying one separately. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time launching the boat and traveling. 

1. Consider the Boat Size

Choosing a trailer that fits your boat should be a wise decision. To put it simply, you should buy a trailer that matches the size of your boat. According to experts, it should be at least two feet long.   You can take your boat dimensions manually or check them from the manufacturer's manual. 

2. Consider the Boat Type

The type of boat you own will also determine whether you need a simple bunk trailer or a roller trailer. Would you like a trailer for a sailboat or kayak, for example?  Occasionally, you want a trailer that is as good as the expensive one. Some boat owners also want matching trailers. You should choose a trailer based on the features of your boat.

3. Trailer Weight Carrying Capacity

There is a defined weight carrying capacity for every trailer. Your boat's weight carrying capacity includes all gear, fuel, batteries, engines, and other accessories.  Boats and loadings should not exceed the trailer weight capacity since this may cause damage. 

4. The Axles Style

Boat trailers are available with single or double axles. Although single axle trailers are generally cheaper, they aren't any safer or more stable than double axle trailers. 

5. Consider the Brand Name

A brand is always more reliable since it doesn't compromise on quality and maintains its good reputation.  The brand name is important when investing in any type of boat trailer. It may cost a little more, but it's well worth it.  Boat trailers such as venture and eagle are popular names.

6. Your Unique Boating Experience

The type of trailer you choose depends a lot on your unique boating desires. You should inform your dealer if you prefer to do saltwater boating, for example. Thus, the dealer will be able to suggest what material you should prefer. Steel can be painted, galvanized, or aluminum. Trailers can also be coated with corrosion- and scratch-resistant coatings. This ensures a long-lasting newer look and newer look to the trailer. 

7. Boat Trailer Accessories

A boat trailer can also be equipped with certain accessories to increase its value. The law requires certain accessories on certain types and sizes of trailers. If your trailer is less than eighty inches, you need lights on the tail, side markers, and reflectors (with stop lights and turn signals).  Shapes above eighty inches require more light to be defined.  Trailer lights of this type are usually waterproof. Boat trailer light kits are easily found online at marine parts stores. The following accessories are available for boat trailers;

• Trailer Boat Fenders

• Boat trailer tie downs

•  Boat trailer winch

Conclusion

There is no doubt that boat trailers are one of the most important vehicles for boat owners. Trailers like these not only save you money in the long run, but also allow you to store your boat as needed. Boat types and budgets vary, so you have plenty of options.  When buying a boat trailer or trailer boat parts, choose a reliable brand and supplier. 

Whether you have a boat, RV, vehicle, or car, you can get a quote from the best transport to see just how much money you'll save instead of doing the heavy lifting yourself