| Boat trailers are as diverse as boats themselves. Just | | | | question its strength. Which boat trailer you choose |
| as you researched your boat before you bought it, | | | | will ultimately depend on a combination of price and |
| you need to do the same thing with your trailer. | | | | personal preference. In order to extend the life of |
| There are a number of styles, shapes and prices, so | | | | your trailer, be sure to rinse it with fresh water after |
| doing your homework will benefit you. Reading | | | | each use. |
| magazines and searching online will give you access | | | | Many accessories are available for boat trailers. While |
| to all of the information you need to pick the ideal | | | | some are essential, others can be considered luxuries |
| trailer for your boat. | | | | you can do without. Load guides assist you with |
| Boat trailers are sold in two basic types: bunk and | | | | centering the boat on the trailer. |
| roller. Although the bunk trailer is generally considered | | | | They are especially helpful in windy weather |
| superior for riveted aluminum boats due to their thin | | | | conditions. A transom saver will support your boat's |
| hulls, most boats can be equally supported on either | | | | engine by reducing pressure. This can ultimately |
| type of trailer. The major difference has to do with | | | | extend the life of your boat. Both of these |
| how you will load your boat into and out of the | | | | accessories are highly recommended. |
| water. | | | | While there are no required accessories for your boat |
| Your choice of boating marinas may help you choose | | | | trailer, several things will make life easier. Some of |
| between the basic types of boat trailers. A roller | | | | these include a swing tongue, swivel jack, and a hitch |
| trailer is generally preferred if you will mostly load and | | | | swivel. |
| unload your boat in shallow water. The drive-on, | | | | You will need to determine whether the trailer needs |
| drive-off configuration makes it unnecessary to back | | | | brakes. State laws are not standard on this topic. |
| very far into the water. | | | | Check with your trailer dealer or consult your state's |
| By contrast, the bunk trailer's float-on, float-off | | | | website for details. |
| configuration makes this type of trailer ideal for those | | | | Whatever trailer you choose, make sure that your |
| who will mostly load and unload in deeper water. You | | | | tow vehicle is adequate. Trailers and boats are heavy |
| will need to back the trailer fairly far into the water. | | | | objects and attempting to tow them with an |
| Bunk trailers are generally less expensive than roller | | | | improper vehicle is both dangerous and illegal. Your |
| trailers. Combination bunk-roller trailers can also be | | | | vehicle operator's manual should tell you the |
| found, combining the best of both technologies. | | | | maximum safe towing weight. |
| These are generally the most expensive boat trailers. | | | | You spent a lot of money on your boat, so you |
| You will also need to decide what type of material | | | | should make sure that you choose an appropriate |
| you wish to use for your boat trailer. Both galvanized | | | | boat trailer. Doing so will ensure the protection of |
| steel and aluminum have their own pros and cons. | | | | your boat. As with all aspects of boating, take the |
| Galvanized steel is rust-resistant but not impervious | | | | time to research boat trailers. Look online and ask |
| to decay. Aluminum will not rust, but will corrode into | | | | the industry experts. They will help you find the best |
| a fine white powder. | | | | trailer for your boat. |
| Aluminum's flexibility makes some boat owners | | | | |