Boat Trailer Buying Guide
As a proud boat owner, you’ll have many important decisions to make regarding your vessel. Something you’ll have to deal with regularly is figuring out how to transport your craft from one place to the next. At Boat Country, we know you want to keep your boat in good condition when you’re hauling it to the dock. Read our boat trailer buying guide below for some helpful tips.
Size Considerations
When you begin browsing the market, one of the first factors to consider is the size of the boat trailer you need. You can figure this out by using a tape measure to determine the full length of your boat. Start at the farthest point at the bow and measure down to the end of the hull’s running surface. Be as precise as possible when taking these measurements as this will determine how long of a boat trailer you need.
Next, determine the weight of your boat. This information is significant because it will tell you how much weight your boat trailer needs to be capable of hauling. This is another area where precision matters, so be sure to include fuel, gear, and equipment into the total weight. You don’t want to end up with a boat trailer that’s weight capacity is dangerously close to your boat’s overall weight. When this happens, you’ll be at risk of exceeding the weight capacity.
Number of Axles
Boat trailers with one axle are ideal for hauling small, lightweight vessels. It’s also worth noting that these models are affordable and easy to maneuver. You won’t have to worry about excessive maintenance, which is a nice bonus. However, if you have a larger and heavier boat to haul, you’ll need a trailer with two axles. These models are more expensive, but they’re the safest option for hauling larger boats.
Materials Matter
Another thing to think about when choosing a boat trailer is the material. Three of the popular options include aluminum, galvanized steel, and painted steel. When it comes to saltwater environments, you’ll be in good hands with aluminum or galvanized steel.
Aluminum is more expensive and galvanized steel is heavier. Unfortunately, steel is more susceptible to rust and corrosion. Aluminum may not be as durable as steel, but it offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio. You’ll want to consider a painted steel model for freshwater boating.
We hope our boat trailer buying guide has been useful. Stop by and browse our boat trailers for sale in Everett, WA, today! We’re located near Snohomish and Marysville. Our staff would be glad to assist you in finding the right model.