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.