Once you have made the exciting purchase of a new boat, the next investment may seem a little less glamorous. Unless you plan to stay on the water all year, you will need a boat trailer to transport your boat to and from your journeys. Choosing a boat trailer within your budget is not complicated, but there are plenty of options. As you begin to search for the best boat trailer for you, here are a few key considerations.

Weight

Each trailer carries a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) which is the maximum weight the trailer can carry, set by the manufacturer. When identifying GVWR for your trailer, account for boat, engine, and fuel weight, and weight of all supplies. Manufacturers list the boat’s ‘dry’ weight, which does not account for any extras. Calculate the weight of everything on board, then add an extra 15%.

Brakes

Boat trailer brakes are required in many states. Boat trailers may have electric brakes, surge brakes, or disc brakes. Electric brakes do not hold up well in saltwater. Disc brakes are increasingly popular because they shed water and adjust automatically.

Trailer Type

Boat trailers are classified as two types: roller trailers and bunk trailers. Roller trailers do not need to be submerged in water. They work well in shallower water, but are more expensive and require more maintenance. Bunk trailers are lighter, cheaper, and require less upkeep, but trickier to launch and load. As you consider add-ons for your trailer, keep in mind that investing in quality boat trailer parts Pennsylvania will pay off in overall safety and lower long-term maintenance

Material

When it comes to material, you have options of painted steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Painted steel is cheapest, but it will not hold up for saltwater boating. Galvanized steel provides great protection, but is also heavy and tends to rust. Aluminum is lighter weight and resistant to corrosion.

As you can see, there are many considerations in selecting a boat trailer. The right boat trailer will help ensure the safety of your boat and towing vehicle so you can enjoy many exciting journeys on the water.