Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available boat trailers in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any boat trailers that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any boat trailers that clearly exceed your price limit.
Start your search by establishing the dimensions of your boat. You will need to know the length, width (at water level) and gross weight (total loaded weight) of your vessel. If you have any special needs such as unique design characteristics you may need to have your selected trailer modified to fit your exact needs.
The hull design will start to narrow your search. The major hull designs are deep-v, flat bottom, multi-chine hulls, multi-hull boats and pontoon boats. Each type of hull will be married onto a trailer frame designed for that type of boat.
Further refine your selection by identifying the appropriate Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your new trailer. This will include both the fully loaded weight of your boat plus the weight of the trailer. This combined total will be the GVWR. Trailers will come rated either for this total weight or the manufacturer may simplify the process by stating the boat weight range that the trailer is capable of bearing.
Tip:
Consult with local law enforcement officials for special requirements or local ordinances when selecting the appropriate configuration of the trailer for your boat.
Trailers are outfitted with a varying number of axles depending upon the GVWR. In general, trailers in the 900 to 2,900 pound range have a single axle. Larger trailers in the 3,000 to 10,000 pounds range need double axles. Trailers capable of carrying very large vessels will likely be special designs with three axles.
The suspension and braking systems are designed for the individual trailer. Some trailers are equipped with rubber torsion axles which yield a very comfortable ride. Brakes are needed to control trailers over 3,000 pounds. Brakes can be of the electrical, hydraulic or air variety. The brake system is normally chosen during the design and construction phase based upon the projected GVWR.
Trailer frames and the materials utilised to build them vary. Normally, galvanised steel is used. More durable and long-lasting frames are constructed of aluminium and stainless steel. Frame configurations of c-channel frame (steel or aluminium), aluminium I-frame, and tubular box frame (welded steel or aluminium) are available. Use of stainless steel for added durability is optional on all these configurations.
Tip:
Check for regionally appropriate certification on each trailer under consideration. The National Marine Manufacturers Association is universally accepted in North America and much of the rest of the world.
The length of your boat is your next consideration. Boat trailers will have a stated specific range of lengths they are capable of carrying. The width of your boat - at the waterline - is the last consideration. Once you have reduced the field of trailer candidates to this point you will have a very good idea of the specific trailer you want and need.
Finer points which exactly fit your boat to a particular trailer will be fitted by a trailer technician when your boat is seated upon the trailer. The bunks, guides and rollers are components of the trailer which are adjusted to accommodate each individual boat configuration. The guides and rollers are individually adjusted to an exact fit for your boats hull surface.
Tip:
In general, the more rollers the better. Numerous rollers will make your life much easier when loading and unloading your boat.
Special considerations for your boat include motor mounting (inboard or outboard), prop guards, extensions to accommodate a unique boat design, and any other special needs of your boat. Some of these needs will require modifications of the trailer frame.
At this point you have selected the trailer and fitted it to the exact needs of your boat. Now is the time to add any of the many options available which make boating simpler and a more pleasurable experience.
Items such as waterproofed axles, wheel hubs, and lighting fixtures not only greatly reduce maintenance, they lower the over-all costs of upkeep. Painting and striping will add to the appeal of your trailer. You may wish to color-coordinate your trailer to your boat and even your tow vehicle.
Special non-skid steps and ladders make access during loading and unloading more convenient. An electrically powered winch will eliminate the back-breaking work of loading the boat by manual labor. Options will add to the cost of the trailer and increase the resale value. Only you can weigh the potential gains against these costs.
When you were considering your requirements in a boat trailer it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as the correct size to fit your boat, design, construction materials, winch type and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various boat trailers meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Trailer Design by Boat Types
- Flat bottom
- V-bottom
- Multi-chine hulls
- Multi-hull (catamaran, trimaran)
- Pontoon
Boat Trailer Axle Category by Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Single axle - 900 to 2900 pounds GVWR
- Double axle - 3000 to 10,000 pounds GVWR
- Triple axle - 8,000 pounds and above GVWR
Most Common Construction Materials Used in Boat Trailers
- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminium
- Fibreglass
- Various plastics including PVC
- Wood (treated or untreated for bumpers and guides)
Standard Boat Trailer Frame Types
- Tubular box frame (welded steel or aluminium)
- Aluminium or steel I-beam frame
- C-channel frame (steel or aluminium)
Basic Boat Trailer Components
- Chassis or frame
- Axles
- Brake system
- Suspension
- Guides and rollers
- Wiring and lighting
- Hitch (dolly or jockey wheel attached)
- Jockey wheel
- Tires and wheels
- Spare tire
Special Considerations
- Inboard motors
- Outboard motors
- Special mounted motors
- Prop guards
- Extended frames for lengthy boats
- Upgraded frame tubing for heavier than standard boats
- Additional or specially adapted trailer cross-members for unique boat shapes
Trailer Hitching Systems Available
- Bumper-pull (Single and double axle and independent suspension)
- Gooseneck - also known as a fifth wheel hitch (Single or double axle)
Boat Trailer Options
- Extra bunks, rollers and guides (all adjustable)
- Special braking systems (electric, hydraulic, air, disc)
- Waterproof lights
- Paint & striping (color coordination with boat or tow vehicle)
- Diamond plate non-skid step pads
- Swing parking jack (with dolly wheel)
- Rubber torsion axle instead of traditional suspension systems
- Lights (reverse backup light, side lights, recessed lighting)
- Waterproofed axle and wheel hubs
- Access and step ladders
- Power winch (battery powered electrical)
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your boat trailer needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a boat trailer.
Once you have finished evaluating the boat trailers available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the boat trailers one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Boat Trailer compares with competing Boat Trailers
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of boat trailers that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of boat trailers that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which boat trailer on my short-list can provide everything I need?
Which of these boat trailers seems the best value for money?
Which of my short-listed boat trailers has the best warranty?
Which boat trailer is the easiest to tow and use?
Which of the boat trailers seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed boat trailer best suits my boat?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating boat trailers that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the boat trailer, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the boat trailer is put together. Check the assembly - is the boat trailer solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the boat trailer from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the boat trailer prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the boat trailer fits your boat properly, and that it is user-friendly - some boat trailer look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use the trailer on rougher terrain than that recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour, Mechanical, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other accessories are required - do you need an access ladder, for instance? What about a contract or service plan? It's also important to consider consumables, such as tires - some products have higher associated costs than others.
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Upgrades - will the product need upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- Registration - what are the time frames and costs?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- Contracts or Service Plans - conditions, penalties, costs
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of boat trailers that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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