Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Boat

Now that you’ve got that shiny new boat, you’ll need to transport it from your home to the nearest body of water, whether it’s a lake, river or even the open ocean. A boat trailer comes in handy for safely transporting your boat, but it can be hard knowing which boat trailer best suits your needs. We've created a brief guide to help you narrow your search, so you can get what you need at a great price. If you have any questions or want to chat with the experts at Bob Hewes Boats, stop by our dealership today. We have locations throughout North Miami and Pompano Beach, Florida.

Bunk Trailer

Bunk trailers are designed to simply allow you to back up into the water and let your boat float. This makes the loading process a lot faster and you get a secure way to transport your vessel. They come with rails to keep everything contained, but you’ll want to make sure you have enough room to back all the way into the water. You’ll also need to practice a bit to make sure you don’t bump anything when you’re loading or unloading.

Roller Trailer

Roller trailers are equipped with rollers along its rails to slide your boat on and off with ease. These models are designed to carry larger, more powerful boats and for launches that won’t let you back up your trailer into the water. Because of their rugged design, roller trailers can be slightly more expensive, 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.

Construction Materials

Boat trailers are generally made from either aluminum or galvanized steel. Each of these materials has its pros and cons, which is why it’s best to be aware of both options before making your final choice.

Steel is extremely strong, which means it won’t bend under the weight of the boat. When it’s galvanized (coated with zinc), it becomes resistant to corrosion. Galvanization is important because painted steel is perfectly fine in freshwater, but corrodes in saltwater. Steel is great for hauling heavier and larger boats, although it’s also useful in lighter weight trailers.

Aluminum is lightweight and flexible, which is helpful when you don’t want a lot of extra weight while towing. Aluminum is ideal if you have a smaller craft. If you use an aluminum trailer for a larger boat, you’ll want one with more durable construction, so the weight savings may be minimal.

Cleaning and Storage

No matter which material you choose, keep in mind that you should keep your trailer clean. Wash it with fresh water after every use, especially if it is exposed to saltwater. When you’re not using your boat trailer, store it under a cover or in a garage to 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. Proper maintenance and care will help you extend the life of your boat trailer.

We hope you found this guide useful. Remember you can always visit Bob Hewes Boats for assistance finding the right boat trailer. We are happy to answer your questions and provide advice. Tell us your budget and what type of boat you have, then we can recommend different types of boat trailers. We proudly serve the greater Miami area as well as the city of Fort Lauderdale, FL.