You’ve got your boat, but you are confronted with the issue of the best place to put it.
A marina or mooring is the best option for large boats. For boats that are larger than 25 feet or 26 feet, a trailer could be an effective alternative. Most small vessels, RIBs and dinghies can conveniently and safely be stored and transported using a properly constructed trailer.
What are the pros and cons of a trailer?
THE GOOD NEWS
Let’s look at cost first. A good, new, trailer for a 16 footer boat costs about 2500 dollars. The marina berthing charges typically around this amount. However, you need to pay them every year. The savings from marina fees is equivalent to getting the full amount of interest on your investment! This is a fantastic financial incentive.
If you’re planning to do any work on your boat, keeping it at home on a trailer is much easier than the need to walk to the marina. I’ve seen from personal experiences that when you go down to the marina it is often that you don’t have the right tool with you to finish the job.
It is not necessary to keep your boat on the water and can offer it fresh water after every journey. This will keep the hull in great condition. This means that you won’t need to antifoul your hull every year, which can be a savings in money.
The boat being at home means that you are able to travel to any area of the world you like – you’re not tied to your typical marina. All you require is a suitable launch ramp or slipway. There are many across the United States and they are completely free.
DISADVANTAGES
Of course, you’ll require four essentials – a boat that is small enough to be able to be towed, the trailer itself as well as a vehicle that is capable of towing the trailer as well as boat and finally somewhere (on your driveway, or somewhere else) to keep them. If you don’t have these then unfortunately a trailer option isn’t feasible.
SIZE MATTERS
The right size trailer for your boat is crucial.
A trailer is typically suitable for anything, from a small sailing boat to a larger yacht that is 25 to 26 feet. They are not usually viable for sailing yachts with deep keels. Although it is possible to purchase trailers for small boats with a deep keel but it’s more costly than hiring ramps. Additionally, the crane costs extra and makes the savings insignificant.
The weight and size of your boat will determine the type of trailer you need. It is important to consider the size of your LOA (length over the entire length) as well as any outboards.
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WEIGHTY MATTERS
The dry weight of the boat, along with freshwater, fuel, and blackwater in the boat are the most important weights. Larger boats might require twin axle trailers.
If the trailer’s gross weight is not more than 775 kg or half the towing vehicle’s weight, brakes are not required. These rules are a bit complicated.
ADJUSTABILITY
A key element when finding the right trailer is its adaptability. It should be able to fit the boat you are using. There are many aspects to this.
Firstly as you load the boat, the rollers should automatically adjust to the changing profile of your boat’s hull.
This is accomplished using the swing axle method of Indespension Trailers to ensure that the change in bow-stern dimensions can be covered. (see photo) Then the change in the portstarboard dimension (i.e. The pivoting of the arms of the rollers is a cover for the keel angle (see photo). Indespension trailers are the pioneers of this design of swing axle (see the video below for an explanation) that is a crucial element of their boat trailers.
In addition, for larger flexibility, all major components should be attached to the frame by U-bolts. Then you can very easily adjust all the dimensions by removing the nuts, shifting the U-bolts, and then re-tightening. Indespension has also developed the idea of fully bolted trailers. The bolts are rectangularly shaped to fit the component’s shape and not “U-shaped” but are still called U-bolts by everyone! This allows for adjustability as well as ease of replacing any damaged components.
Certain boat manufacturers may try to offer you a trailer if you are buying a new vessel. It’s all fine and dandy however there’s a caveat. A trailer is generally designed to fit a specific model of boat and is not able to be adjusted. adjustment. What happens if the buyer decides to not purchase a trailer when they sell their boat? The trailer would be almost useless. We suggest that you buy an adjustable trailer like the Indespension range.
SIZE AND WEIGHT MATTERS AGAIN
You have your boat. You have the perfect trailer. Now you require an appropriate vehicle or towing vehicle.
The majority of cars have a tow bar at the rear. Porsche 911s and other special cars are notable examples. The manufacturers determine the car’s towing weight. This is often called the “gross train weight” and is located in the owner’s manual or the VIN plate of the car. You need to check the weight of the trailer, boat and the many bits of boating paraphernalia which you’ll put in the boat.
It’s your responsibility to verify that the model you are using has the required towing capability.
PROTECTING Your HUBS
In the event of repeated immersion in seawater, it can cause damage to the hubs on the trailer. They become corroded due to this! Indespension offers two fantastic solutions. Their brake flushing kit lets you easily flush the saltwater using freshwater. their hub-savers help protect the hub’s bearings.
Pretty Colours
You might be attracted by the sight of a vividly colored painted trailer. Our suggestion is straightforward. Don’t be. Saltwater can wash away even the most durable paint, especially if it’s scratched or scraped. An all-galvanized trailer such as the ones provided by Indespension is the most suitable option. We admit that a painted trailer might look prettier – but only in the short term.
WEIGHTY LEGAL MATTERS
It is interesting to note that the amount of weight you are able to tow is influenced by your driving test in your car. If you passed the test before or after January 1, 1997, you can:
A trailer that can tow up to 750kg MAM and the vehicle can be with a maximum of 3500kg weight (MAM), is possible
tow a trailer over 750kg MAM , as long as the MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is not greater than 3,500kg
The maximum weight of a vehicle when loaded is called MAM. You have to pass the driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.
If you have passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you’re usually permitted to drive a car and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg MAM. The Government website provides more details.
A SUMMARY
When buying a trailer, the most important aspects to consider include weight, size as well as cost savings, and the complexity of the rules. You will then be able to have fun boating by getting the right combination of these factors.