Types of Boat Trailers

There are several types of boat trailers available for your watercraft. Some are roller-loaded, while others are bunk-loaded. Bunk-loaded trailers are easier to load and offer better support for the boat’s hull. Bass boats and offshore go-fasts almost always ride on bunk trailers. The bunks are usually carpeted, and some have plastic tops that make sliding the boat onto the trailer easier. You can look for posts around like “boat trailers for sale near me” if you’re interested in getting one.

Commercial hydraulic boat trailers

These trailers are made to carry boats on public highways. However, you can also use them for private road transport. According to Hostar, hydraulic boat trailers are “on-and-off-highway vehicles,” and their first intended operations are haulers and watercraft transport. These trailers have an HPT (highway-trackable) series and an HST (highway-specified trailers) series.

Commercial hydraulic boat trailers are designed to save both time and money. The numerous features of hydraulic trailers make them easy to load, unload, launch, and block. Moreover, they do not require extra transport costs, a significant benefit for boatyard owners. These trailers are available in a variety of models and styles. In addition to the hydraulic features, you can pair them with various accessories to suit your specific needs.

Roll-on boat trailers

Roll-on boat trailers are a common type of boat trailer for use on the water. They have an enclosed steel frame to carry the load and run over the axles. They typically have two bunks on each side, mounted on hinges and lift to allow the boat to be loaded. They can be removed by unscrewing the bunks and removing the bolts. These trailers are ideal for transporting larger watercraft or other equipment.

These trailers are most often made of aluminum or galvanized steel. They are ideal for saltwater use because they minimize corrosion. Some companies even offer trailers with corrosion-resistant coatings, which protect metal surfaces and keep them looking new longer. While this type of boat trailer is a common choice for water sports, it isn’t the best choice for every situation. Consider your needs before making a purchase.

Float-on trailers

There are various float-on boat trailers, and they can vary widely in price and functionality. A roller trailer, often made of polyurethane or rubber, is a convenient option for launching and retrieving your boat. These trailers have more moving parts than a float-on boat trailer, but they allow you to move the boat on and off quickly. They are generally more expensive than a float-on boat trailer, but they also offer more flexibility when launching and retrieving your boat.

Another type of float-on boat trailer is a bunk trailer. This type of trailer is much simpler than a float-on trailer because it uses a bunk system. The boat is loaded into the bunks and dropped onto the trailer from the water. This makes loading the boat more accessible than ever. To pack a float-on ship, you back it into water deep enough for it to float and most of the way onto the trailer. It is a simple process, but it does require you to be in a deep enough lake to back into the trailer. Using a ramp, you can easily place the guiding rope in the water for a more straightforward loading process.

Glider-path trailers

If you are a novice or an experienced flyer, you may not be sure what to look for in a boat trailer. These trailers have many different uses, but one thing is sure: they all require specialized equipment. A glider trailer is relatively thin and long. When you fly, you will split the glider into two pieces for loading and unloading and load the fuselage and wings onto the trailer. Therefore, you will need a specialized vehicle, such as an SUV, to pull these trailers.

When shopping for a boat trailer, consider your needs and budget. Bunk trailers are generally less expensive and easier to maintain. However, they require more maintenance than rollers, so they are not an excellent choice for a budget boat trailer. Roller-path trailers, which are more expensive, have balls under the hull that allow the boat to roll off easily. Roller-path trailers are also more costly, requiring a heavy-duty winch to raise them.

Submersible trailers

If you have a boat trailer, installing fully submersible LED lights is a good idea. These lights provide all-weather protection and function as stop lights and tail lights. These lights are also excellent for visibility when towing and launching. However, these lights are more expensive than standard lights. Therefore, most boat trailers do not need to have them. Instead, they are best used when you often plan to bring your boat out of the water.

A submersible boat trailer can be easier to use than a traditional one, but the initial investment will be higher. Additionally, submersible boat trailers require more upkeep if used in saltwater. For example, light rust on the trailer frame should be sanded down and painted, but if you see signs of structural damage, you may need to replace it. Similarly, if you purchase a trailer with a galvanized frame, rinse it after using it in saltwater thoroughly.

Top 5 Preparation Tips for Your Charter Cruise Trip

After weeks of anticipation, you want your first charter cruise trip to be successful and fun. This is possible when you prepare and get everything organized. Besides chartering a yacht for the trip, you should keep several things in mind during preparation. This guide explains the top preparation tips.

Pick Comfortable Clothes

You get the best from your efforts when cruising in the water is enjoyable. Wearing heavy or uncomfortable clothes will make the trip unworthy of your efforts. Pick the right clothes to have a pleasant experience. Bathing suits, shorts, light jackets, and t-shirts will give you the desired experience.

Check Your Travel Documents

The chances you will cruise in international waters during the trip are higher. This also means you will encounter different laws and regulations depending on the foreign countries you go through. It is crucial to check and organize your travel documents to avoid inconveniences. Keep your passport and other travel requirements with you before boarding the yacht.

Get to Know Your Ship

Before taking further steps, ensure you research the ship you want for your cruise trip. It is important to know what to expect from the trip, which is possible by getting to know the ship. You can use the internet to search for information about the ship and the different travel packages you can enjoy. Check out for Alaska vacation packages to understand the relevance of the charter yacht to your trip.

Carry Medical Kit

While the charter yacht has medical kits and emergency services, you still need a personalized medical kit to address your issues. Before your trip, it is important to visit your family doctor for consultation and guidance. You need guidance to address your illness or underlying medical condition and get the best from your trip.

Have a Financial Plan

After chartering the yacht and paying for the cruise, you still need money for stop-over purchases. This calls for a sustainable financial plan. It is important to create a budget for unexpected expenses during the trip. Also, currency exchange makes the process easy and effective.

A charter cruise trip can positively influence your vacation. You also need to prepare effectively for a pleasant experience. The explained top preparation tips should be helpful.

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Boat From a Local Dealer

The marine industry is growing at a rapid rate, with new vessels hitting the water almost every day. But with so many choices available to you, how do you know which is the right one for you? There are many benefits to buying your boat directly from an independent dealer as opposed to a manufacturer or online reseller. Local boat dealerships will be able to provide you with a wide range of services that manufacturers won’t be able to offer. They’ll also be able to give you more detailed information about their boats and help you select the perfect one for your needs and budget. 

Maintenance and Warranty 

When you buy a brand new boat from a manufacturer, there are a few things you should be aware of. The first is that you will be responsible for the maintenance of the boat. Many manufacturers will offer a warranty that covers the boat during the first year, but after that, you’ll be responsible for any and all repairs. This includes engine maintenance and repairs. If you buy a used boat, on the other hand, you’ll have a warranty that covers any and all repairs. The only difference is that you’ll be paying a lower purchase price. A used boat will also have a warranty that covers repairs. This is known as a “transferable” warranty. Basically, this means the previous owner will be responsible for the repairs. After the repairs are completed, they will provide you with a warranty. You can then transfer that warranty to the next owner. 

Financing Options 

If you’ve ever shopped for a new car or home, you’ve likely experienced the headache of financing options and rates. The marine financing industry is not regulated and is notorious for high rates. When you buy your boat from a manufacturer, you might be offered an attractive financing option. However, be aware that the interest rate will probably be much higher than you would find at a local bank or credit union. When you buy your boat from a local dealer, you can speak with a financial consultant who can help you select the right financing option for you and your budget. 

Expert advice and handholding 

Another great reason to buy your boat from a local dealer is that they’ll be able to guide you through the entire process. You’ll be able to take advantage of their experience and expertise in finding you the perfect boat for your needs and budget. They’ll be able to walk you through the various boat models, help you select the one that’s right for you and your family and find the perfect fit for your budget. They’ll also be able to help you with financing, insurance and registration and provide you with any necessary after-sales service. 

Bottom line 

The marine industry is booming, with new boat sales and models hitting the water every year. If you’re looking to get into boating and want to buy a new boat, you have many options. Consider buying from a local dealer rather than a manufacturer, as the benefits are many. You’ll be able to take advantage of their expert advice, financing options and after-sales service.