When it comes to boat trailers, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every vessel is different; therefore, the trailer you need will also be unique. However, with the correct dimensions in hand, you can come close to finding the perfect match for your watercraft.
Dimensions to Consider When Choosing a Boat Trailer
Regarding boat trailers, there are a few dimensions you need to be aware of to make the right purchase for your needs.
Lenth
The most critical dimension is the Transom-to-Bow Eye Length, which is the distance from the transom (the back end of the boat) to the bow eye (where the boat attaches to the trailer). This measurement is essential for fishing and utility boats with short decks, as it determines how much weight will be supported by each corner of the boat.
Width
In addition, you’ll need to calculate Bottom Width and overall length. The Bottom Width is self-explanatory–it’s simply the width of the trailer at its Bottom. The overall length includes both Transom-to-Bow Eye Length and Bottom Width, so select an extended trailer to accommodate your boat.
Weight
Another thing you’ll need to take into account when selecting a trailer is Carrying Capacity. This number tells you how much weight your chosen trailer can safely carry.
Remember that different types of boats require various carrying capacities; for example, a bowrider or utility designed for bass bay will require a 1500 lb capacity or under, while a drift fishing Jon Boat or deep V Deck Boat will need an 1801 – 3100 lb capacity.
Once you have all this information, it’s time to go shopping! Remember that not every trailer is made the same, so even if your boat falls within a specific size range, there may still be some discrepancies.
With a bit of research and some measurements of your own, you’ll be able to find the perfect boat trailer for your vessel.
Various Types of Boat Trailers
There are many different sizes and designs of boat trailers.
-There are two main types: open and enclosed. Open boat trailers are best for small boats, but they can also be used to transport larger boats. Enclosed trailers are designed to carry small and large boats alike, but they can also be used to haul other cargo types.
-The best boat trailer for you will depend on your needs and preferences. It is essential to understand how different types of trailers are used so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
-If you are planning to haul a large boat, it is best to get an enclosed trailer. Enclosed trailers come in different sizes and can carry boats up to 55 feet long. They are also used for hauling cargo, so an enclosed trailer is a good choice if you want to haul other items in addition to your boat.
-If you have a small boat that you want to haul, a gooseneck trailer may be the best option for you. Gooseneck trailers are explicitly used for hauling boats and can carry up to 30 feet long. They are also straightforward to maneuver.
-If you have a small boat less than 20 feet long, it can be hauled on a utility trailer. Utility trailers are used for hauling small items, so they are much lighter than other trailers.
-If you have a large boat more than 20 feet long, it will need an open trailer to haul it. Open trailers are used to haul oversized and heavy items so they can carry boats up to 30 feet long.
Boat Trailer Material
If you are purchasing a boat trailer, you will need to decide what type of material is best for your needs. The three main types of materials that are used in boat trailers today include:
Steel: Steel is a very durable material that can withstand any weather. It’s also one of the most affordable options for boat trailers. The only downside to steel boat trailers is that they can rust if not correctly maintained.
Aluminum: Aluminum is another popular option for boat trailers. This material is lightweight, making it easy to tow and load your boat onto the trailer. Aluminum is also resistant to corrosion, and it’s a good option for those who live in coastal areas where saltwater can cause damage to steel boat trailers.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass boat trailers are also popular. This lightweight material makes it easy to tow and load your boat onto the trailer. The only downside of fiberglass is that it can crack if not properly maintained.
Tips to Ensure your Boat Trailer is Properly Sized for Towing
Regarding boat trailers, one of the most important things to consider is size. This will ensure that your trailer is safely within its weight capacity and won’t cause any damage while towing. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right size for your needs:
-The best way to know your trailer weight is to take the boat and trailer to a scale at a truck stop. This will give you an accurate reading of the combined weight of both items.
-The vehicle owner’s manual will have a chart indicating the maximum trailer weight, which also depends on the gross combination vehicle weight (GCVW) of both items. This number includes all passengers, gear, and tow vehicle weight when measuring the trailer’s Capacity.
-A boat towing company can weigh the trailer before and after the attached boat. This will help you determine if there is enough margin between the GCVW and max trailer capacity.
-When choosing a new or used boat trailer, be sure to get a professional opinion as to whether or not its Capacity is sufficient for your load. If you’re buying a used boat, make sure it comes with a good boat trailer too!
-You should also consider buying new or used tires to match the load capacity of your trailer. This will help keep you safe while towing.
How wide are most boat trailers?
Many people purchasing a boat trailer often wonder about the width of the average boat trailer. The answer is that most trailers have an overall width of 8 feet, and some can be as comprehensive as 8.5 feet. The length of the boat trailer is usually around 20 feet, but some are longer. This will depend on your boat type and how big it is.
How long is a 20-foot pontoon boat on a trailer?
A 20-foot pontoon boat trailer is usually 22 to 25 feet long, while the width can range from 8 to 12 feet. The standard width of pontoon boats is 7 feet, so most trailers can also fit them in width. However, a deck boat may be anywhere from 8 to 10 feet wide, so the trailer should have at least an 8-foot width to accommodate it.
How much length does a trailer add to a boat?
Boat trailers can vary in size, but the general rule is to add about 10 feet to the boat’s length. So, for example, a 20-foot boat will look 30 feet long on the trailer.
The length of the boat trailer is also significant because it can affect your ability to maneuver in tight parking spaces. The average boat trailer is 20 feet long and has a width of 8 feet, but you can find trailers as small as 16 feet and up to 30 feet long.