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