Sports
A Beginner’s Guide To Trailer Boats
A boat trailer is a trailer designed to launch, retrieve, carry and sometimes store boats. Boat trailers can be paired with most road-going vehicles. Although many types of watercraft may be carried by road, only small craft can be launched by road. The size of the trailer required depends on the type of boat it is intended to carry.
A smaller boat can be carried on a larger trailer, provided that the frame has sufficient support and adjustability to accommodate the smaller hull shape.
Common Types of Boat Trailers
If you own a boat, chances are you will also need to purchase a boat trailer. Most boats come with trailers, but if you buy a used boat, the trailer may not be in the best shape. You may also need to replace your trailer if it is too small for your current boat or if it has suffered accidental damage. There are some common types of boat trailers:
- Roller trailer: Easy to load and unload, but prone to hull damage if not loaded correctly
- Hydraulic trailer: A heavy-duty trailer that allows the boat to be launched (and retrieved) from water with little effort on the part of the operator
- Sailboat trailers: Custom made for larger sailboats that are disassembled during transport
- Jet ski trailer: A motorised trailer with a winch that is designed for quick loading and unloading of jet skis and other small watercraft
Trailer Parts Marine
Many parts make up a boat trailer. Without these trailer parts marine, your trailer would not be able to function properly. Here are some of the important parts:
Axles
The axles on a boat trailer are used to support the weight of the boat and the trailer itself. They consist of two shafts that run down both sides of the trailer and connect the tyres. When purchasing axles for your boat trailer, you should consider whether you want a one-piece or two-piece axles. One-piece axles are stronger than two-piece axles, but they are more expensive as well.
Tyres
Boat trailer tyres are one of the most important parts of your boat trailer, but they are also one of the most overlooked because they don’t often wear out quickly. When your trailer tyres do need to be replaced, however, you need to put a lot of thought into choosing the right ones.
The first thing you need to consider is the load range and the weight rating. This is significant in determining the maximum load capacity for the tyre, which will ensure that it can carry your boat and all the gear you have on your trailer.
Another factor you need to consider when purchasing new tyres for your trailer is their size. You’ll need to determine if you should increase or decrease the size of your tyres based on how much weight they’ll be carrying. To calculate this, use a tyre load calculator with your specific information.
Another consideration is how many miles per hour you want to drive. Boat trailers, especially those that are used only in freshwater lakes and rivers, often don’t get driven at high speeds and may not require speed rated tyres. However, if you want to take your boat on a long road trip sometimes or take it out on the open ocean where there’s saltwater, then it’s best to go with speed rated tyres that can handle higher speeds.
Bunk Boards
Boat trailer bunk boards provide a firm surface for the boat to rest on while it is being transported. They are usually made from plastic or carpeted wood. The plastic bunk boards may last longer than the wooden, however, both of these materials will wear out over time and need to be replaced. To replace the bunk boards on your boat trailer, you’ll need to:
- Remove the old bunk boards
- Measure for new bunk boards
- Purchase new bunk boards
- Attach new bunk boards to the trailer
Bunk Board Carpet
The boat trailer bunk board gives the boat a smooth ride, and protects the hull from scratches. The carpet is frequently made from marine grade materials. It is available in different colours and thicknesses depending on your needs.
You can choose between a carpet that is 2.5 to 4 metres long, 4 to 6 metres long, or 7 to 9 metres long. You can find carpet for single bunk boards and carpet for double bunk boards. The carpet is affixed to the bunk board with staples or screws. The carpet may need to be cut down to fit the board properly, which can be done with a razor knife and a straight edge.
Jacks
Tongue jacks are a valuable tool for any boat owner, as they make hitching your boat to your trailer an easy one-person job. Not only do tongue jacks make it easier to connect your boat to the trailer, but they also take some of the load off of the hitch, making it easier to tow. If you have ever tried to hitch your boat trailer on uneven ground, you know how difficult it would be without a trailer jack. Tongue jacks are especially helpful if you own a larger boat, since these boats weigh more and can be harder to hitch.
