Boat Trailer - Research

Research your options and needs before buying a Boat Trailer

Boating has long been a popular pastime, whether it's to go fishing, waterskiing or just to cruise around on the tranquil surface of the local lake. Unless you live on a waterfront property you will need a trailer to transport your boat.

However, when you are actually buying a boat trailer the number of different options may be confusing and it can be difficult to decide which is your best buy. The Buyz123 three step guide - Research, Evaluation, Purchase - is designed to assist you in this buying process.

The Research step firstly involves investigating essential features of boat trailers available on the market, and secondly identifying your actual needs in a boat trailer.

In the Evaluation step you focus on how well the different features of individual boat trailers meet your needs, and then how well the most suitable boat trailers compare in detail, one to another.

Finally, in the Purchase step, the issues considered are: what to look for when actually buying the boat trailer, what questions to ask and what information you should seek on warranty, customer service, and after-sales support.

As you work though the Buyz123 purchase strategy you will clarify your thoughts about your intended purchase, confidently compare boat trailers one to another, and then purchase a boat trailer that really does meet your needs.

Step 1: Research

In order to end up with the boat trailer best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of boat trailer are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a boat trailer.

Research the market: Boat Trailer essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the boat trailer market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Frame Material: The most basic component of a boat trailer is the frame. Frames come in tube-steel, aluminium, or galvanized steel. Aluminium is very light-weight, but it tends to warp or dent easily. Steel is stronger, but it is a heavier material than aluminium.

Weight and Axle Considerations: Look at the weight classification of the boat trailer. Different boat trailers are designed for very different weight classifications. Don't forget to keep in mind the weight of all of your gear, motors, liquids, and batteries as well as the weight of your boat.

Bunk: The bunk is the area where the boat sits during transport. These are sometimes made of rollers and sometimes made of solid carpeted rails. They also come in a flexible 'teeter-totter' style which allows the bunk to stay in contact with your boat during loading. This gives more constant support for your boat's hull during loading and unloading. Also, look for extra keel supports on the boat trailer.

Brakes: There are three types of brakes that you will find on boat trailers; hydraulic, electric and air. The type of brake that you choose depends upon the weight of your boat and your personal preference.

Safety Issues: Most trailers have lights on the back and side, some have new LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights. If you have a larger boat, look for a winch to help you haul the boat up onto the trailer. Some winches are even enclosed to prevent finger or hand injuries. Also, look for enclosed wiring, this keeps your brakes and lights going strong and prevents frayed wires.

Wheels and Fenders: Some boat trailers have an extra spare tire and carrier; this is very handy. If the boat trailer has fenders, look for composite fenders that don't dent very easily.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a boat trailer. For example, will you use the boat trailer only to carry your boat on your annual fishing trip or do you go water-skiing every weekend?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used a boat trailer before?
	If you have used a boat trailer, work out what you did or didn't like about the boat trailer. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What type of boat should the trailer be able to carry?
	This depends on what type of boat you have and what it is constructed of. It will make a difference if it is fibreglass or aluminium, a pontoon, tri-toon, or deck boat. You also need to consider if it has an inboard motor or an outboard motor.

What is the overall length and width of the boat I will be transporting?
	Measure the total length of the boat that you will be carrying. What is the length from the bow eye to the transom? What is the width of the chine beam?

How much weight can my truck, van, or SUV tow?
	You need to determine the maximum weight that your vehicle can tow and how much your boat and motor weigh. It's a good idea to factor in how much your gear, fuel and water weighs as well as your battery too.

What type of exterior finish do I want?
	You can choose a fancy powder-coated custom finish to match your boat and/or towing vehicle or a galvanized aluminium finish that you can really beat up.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of boat trailers and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.


Video Links

Buyz123.com Research Links:

Accessories

Boat trailer accesssories

Brakes

Article: Trailer brakes are critical

Buying a trailer

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