Choosing a Boat Trailer

Even if you’re a huge fan of boating, chances are that you probably don’t live right next to a convenient dock. This means that, for all your boating excursions, you’ll have to tow your boat to the nearest body of water, whether that’s a lake, river, or even the open ocean. Towing a boat requires you to choose the right boat trailer that suits both your boat and your towing vehicle. This may seem daunting, but luckily, this guide to the various types of boat trailers should help.

When you are ready to shop boat trailers for sale, visit The Sports Center. We are located in Perry, Georgia, and proudly serve those in Macon. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you narrow down your options so you get what you need at a great price!

Bunk Trailers

This style is great for very lightweight boats like aluminum boats or any boat that will be loaded into deep water using a shallow ramp. Bunk trailers allow your craft to float onto the trailer before it’s secured down. Sliding the vessel up and down your trailer can damage both trailer and boat, so it’s best that you use a bunk trailer only in locations where you can float the boat onto the trailer using a ramp.

Roller Trailers

If you have a powerful and heavy boat, you’ll want to get a roller trailer. These trailers are more suited to places where you don’t have to put the trailer all the way into the water. The rollers on a trailer let your boat slide backward into the water even when it isn’t totally submerged. This works very well for heavy boats. A roller trailer will be more expensive than a bunk trailer because of the complexity of the roller mechanism, but this extra cost is worthwhile. Make sure that your trailer is capable of handling the weight of your boat.

Consider the Number of Axles

Boat trailers with one axle are ideal for smaller and lighter boats. These boat trailers are more budget-friendly, easier to manually move around, and require less maintenance. Boat trailers with two or more axles are crafted for bigger and heavier boats. They are going to cost more, but they will be safer in the event you suffer a tire blow out.

Consider the Material

Regardless of the type of boat trailer you choose, bunk or roller, you’ll need to make a second choice as to the material it’s made of. Most boat trailers are constructed of either aluminum or galvanized steel, and each metal has its benefits and drawbacks. Make sure you know these pros and cons before you make your final choice since the type of metal will also affect towing and general durability.

Galvanized steel is very strong and rigid, but this also means it’s heavy. If your towing vehicle can’t handle the added weight of a steel trailer, this may not be the best choice for you. Large boat trailers are often made of steel since it’s not as likely to flex or bend under a full load. If you have a very heavy boat, then you’ll want a steel trailer to tow it securely.

Lightweight and flexible, aluminum trailers are going to be easier for a lot of towing vehicles to handle. The lighter weight can also make highway driving much easier. If you have a large boat and you want to invest in an aluminum trailer, you’ll want to make sure that you get a sturdy, durable rig, which can cost more and may end up weighing close to what a steel trailer would weigh. Aluminum trailers are ideal for smaller boats that aren’t as heavy.

Maintenance

Whichever style you choose, it’s important that you prevent corrosion by keeping your trailer clean. Neither of these metals will rust, but the effects of saltwater can still weaken their integrity. Make sure that you’re rinsing your trailer thoroughly after every trip, particularly if your boat was in saltwater. Store your trailer under a cover or in a garage to protect it during the winter months so that ice, rain, and sun don’t damage it further.

Now that you know what you need to look for, you can explore some boat trailers to make your final purchasing decision. Visit The Sports Center in Perry, GA, to see our wide array of boat trailers for sale. If you have any questions or need help picking the right model, our expert staff will be happy to help you out. We welcome all our friends coming from Columbus.