Choosing A Boat Trailer
With summer well underway, scores of folks are heading for the Great Lakes to get in some boating under cloudless skies. Here in Nisswa, we’re conveniently adjacent to beautiful Gull Lake, but it’s far enough away that you’ll need some form of transport for yourself and your boat. Thus, a boat trailer becomes a necessary part of boat ownership if you want to hit up one of our 10,000 lakes. Many cargo trailers are well-suited to the task of hauling marine crafts, but it can be difficult to choose the right one for your particular vessel. You want the trailer to be sturdy, but easy to tow, and you need it to fit the dimensions of your particular boat.
This guide to choosing a boat trailer comes to you courtesy of your friends here at Nisswa Marine. We hope it helps you make a wise decision! Don’t hesitate to bring us any questions you may have when you’re finished reading.
Bunk Trailer
One option for towing your marine craft is to get a bunk trailer. This style has rails that run across its full length, allowing for float-on and float-off loading. You’ll need to be certain that the boat launch you’re using will permit you to back your trailer all the way into the water in order to use this style, because trying to get the boat out when it’s on land can do damage to both the craft and your trailer. You’ll need the assistance of the water’s buoyancy to make this option feasible.
Roller Trailer
This style has rollers along its rails to slide your boat on and off with ease. These models are designed for bigger and more powerful boats and for launches that won’t let you plunge the trailer into the water.
Because of their more rugged design, roller trailers can be a more expensive option, but if you have a big enough craft, they may be the best option for you. It’s best to invest in a more expensive trailer if you need its features rather than trying to make do with a cheaper option that doesn’t give you the support you need.
Which Material?
Boat trailers are constructed from two main materials: aluminum and galvanized steel. Each type of material has its own pros and cons, which is why it pays to be knowledgeable about both options before making your final choice.
Steel is extremely strong and rigid, meaning it won’t bend under your boat’s weight. When it’s galvanized (coated with zinc), steel is rust-resistant. Painted steel works in freshwater perfectly fine, but corrodes in saltwater, which is why galvanization is important. Steel is great for hauling heavier and larger boats, although it’s still useful in lighter weight trailers, too.
Aluminum is lightweight and flexible, which is helpful when you don’t want a lot of extra weight while towing. If you have a smaller craft, then aluminum is ideal. If you use an aluminum trailer for a larger boat, you’ll want one with more robust construction, which will minimize any benefit you may have had in terms of weight reduction.
Maintenance
When not using your boat trailer, store it under a cover or in a garage. This will keep it protected from rain, snow, ice and wind damage. If you have a steel trailer, keep some cold galvanizing spray or color-matching paint on hand to make small repairs to chips and rust. Whichever material you use, you’ll want to keep your trailer clean. This means rinsing it after use, especially when you’ve submerged it into saltwater. Maintaining your trailer will help extend its useful life.
Stop by our dealership in Nisswa today to check out our current selection of new and used boats for sale. We also carry boat and cargo trailers! Let our experienced staff help you find the perfect trailer for your towing needs. Nisswa Marine welcomes all our Minnesota customers coming from the greater Minneapolis metropolitan region as well as those in neighboring St. Cloud.