Our Top Dos and Don’ts For Buying
a Boat Trailer
After all the dreaming and the
research, you have finally bought what’s probably your second
largest investment, next to your home; a boat. Congratulations! The
focus now turns to the most essential accessory, the
trailer. Now we can be honest, boat trailers are not sexy (unlike
the boat), however they are a type of insurance for your prized
possession. Choosing the right trailer and trailer set up will
guarantee that your boat is well-protected while being towed. It also
makes the launching and retrieval process of your boat stress-free.
You can spend more time creating enjoyable family memories, rather
than worrying about your boat on an ill-fitted trailer. Here are our
top do’s and don’ts for purchasing a boat trailer.
Do: Ensure your trailer is the right
length
For your first consideration, you must
ensure your trailer is the right length for your boat. This is
calculated on the true hull length. Boat manufacturers usually have
this listed in their specifications online, however you can also grab
a tape measure and measure for yourself. Simply measure from the bow
sprite to the transom, and do not include swim platform in your
measurements.
Do: Know the weight of your boat
Every boat trailer has a maximum weight
rating that determines the trailer’s capacity to correctly support
your vessel. There is also the BMT (Boat Motor Trailer capacity) to
consider. This BMT includes the total weight of the boat, motor,
trailer, not just its dry weight. When making your trailer purchase,
you must always consider the weight within the boat, such as fuel,
water, oil, safety equipment, anchor and all other contents as this is
incorporated into the BMT capacity.
Click
here to download a table of boat
weight maximums and BMT.
Do: Choose the right axle
This boat trailer consideration is
dependent on the size/weight of your boat and in what capacity and
distance you will be towing your trailer. Smaller, light weight boats
only require a single
axle trailer. Single axle boat trailers, below 750kg are not
required by law to have brakes, so this can be a consideration
regarding safety if you are in that mid weight/size category where it
becomes a personal choice for single or dual axle. Dual and tri axle
boat trailers help disperse the weight load across each axle,
therefore providing more stability, less bounce and less sway under
tow, therefore being advantageous to long distance/highway driving.
Do: Have a Boat Fitting
Correct boat fitting extends the life
of your boat and trailer. Do not risk an ill-fitted trailer when
towing. This can cause expensive damage to your boat. Reputable
trailer manufacturers will have overhead gantries, drive on scales,
experience and equipment to snuggly, safely and correctly fit your
boat to your trailer. Well worth the investment. This correct fitting
should also ensure launching and retrieving your boat and overall
boat ramp experience is carefree and stress-free.
Purchase A Quality Trailer From
Swiftco
Always purchase a boat trailer from a
reputable, experienced
manufacturer who can offer sound, knowledgeable advice to
guarantee safety, longevity and ensuring a stress-free towing
experience. Browse our website to find your perfect trailer, or give
us a call on 1300 95 95 80 to
discuss your trailer needs.
