A New Trailer

THE BIGHTS

- JERRY CULIK

Although the trailer is usually included when you buy a trailersailer, what if you're building a brand new boat? Or if the boat doesn’t come with a trailer? Or if the old boat’s trailer is not quite roadworthy anymore? This column focuses on single-axle trailers that are used to haul sailboats, dinghies, and small power skiffs. What are the issues and options? How do we decide what to purchase? Who are the major manufacturers? And what about buying a used trailer to save money?

First, make sure that your tow vehicle has enough capacity to handle the all-in” weight of the boat—plus the weight of a trailer. Get the boat’s weight from its design specs, add in the motor, and then estimate how much heavy stuff, such as anchors, water, and fuel, that you intend to carry while youre cruising. There may be concerns about keeping gear on the boat while you're towing rather than carrying it in your vehicle. I agree, if the boat is a featherweight. But most small boats are plenty strong; and batteries and portable fuel tanks will be fine carried in the boat as long as they’re secured and the boat is properly supported on the trailer. And since even the smallest boat trailers can carry 800 pounds of boat and gear, it should not be too hard to find one that’s big enough to handle a loaded boat.