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seraphina
seraphina Posted on Oct 16, 2013
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I just bought a new boat and need to buy a boat trailer. Should I buy a boat trailer with the weight capacity of my new boat, or do I need to make sure it can tow more than that just in case?

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  • Geartrade
    Geartrade Dec 05, 2023

    It's generally recommended to have a boat trailer with a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of your boat. Here's why:

    Safety: Having a trailer with a higher weight capacity provides a safety buffer. Sudden weight shifts or unexpected loads, like extra gear or accessories, won't strain the trailer beyond its capacity.

    Durability: Operating a trailer near its maximum weight limit can cause premature wear and tear on the trailer's components, potentially leading to mechanical issues or failures.

    Resale Value: A trailer with a higher weight capacity might be more versatile and appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell it later.

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Geartrade

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  • Posted on Dec 05, 2023
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It's generally recommended to have a boat trailer with a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of your boat. Here's why:

  1. Safety: Having a trailer with a higher weight capacity provides a safety buffer. Sudden weight shifts or unexpected loads, like extra gear or accessories, won't strain the trailer beyond its capacity.
  2. Durability: Operating a trailer near its maximum weight limit can cause premature wear and tear on the trailer's components, potentially leading to mechanical issues or failures.
  3. Resale Value: A trailer with a higher weight capacity might be more versatile and appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell it later.

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  • Posted on Dec 07, 2014
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Agree totally with the previous answer. However, I'm not convinced that a safety margin of 100% of total load is absolutely necessary - I reckon 50% is sufficient.

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  • Posted on Oct 16, 2013
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Never buy a trailer with the same capacity as the weight of your boat! This can be very dangerous! Instead, make sure the trailer's capacity is at least twice that of the weight of the boat, all your gear, and the boat's motor.

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I just bought a 1989 Springbok pro series 196 and the specs capacity chart is rubbed off. Im wondering if anyone knows the max weight capacity and the max HP for it? Thank you
A boating insurance company may have a chart book on this information
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I have a 2001 18 6 Searay bowrider inboard outboard. I had a Shoreline trailer which was stolen and I need to replace. I can't find info on the size of trailer and weight of my boat. Thanks
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I need the boat and trailer (stock trailer) weight
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I am in the market for a used boat trailer. I found a good one at a reasonable price, but it has some rust on it. Is it still a good buy?
I wouldn't recommend purchasing a boat trailer that has issues with rust.While you may get a good deal on it now, you will more than likely end up needing to replace it much earlier than you'd like to.
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Oct 16, 2013 • Boating
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Is there a guide I can read about how to buy a boat trailer?
Ebay has one
http://reviews.ebay.com/Boat-Trailers-Buying-Guide?ugid=219
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I would try to get it repaired Under warranty.
And later use it in double line...
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Getting a title for a vehicle
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In states that charge a flat fee for Trailer plates, its much simpler. You can also go to a Vehicle Registration center and get a form for the registration. But you need to call ahead to find out if Police or Highway Patrol can verify the Hull# or Trailer ID.
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Mar 06, 2010 • Boating
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I need to manufacture a boat trailer for a
I have some tips I learned from finding a trailer for my 27 foot cruiser. Really, you can find deals in this economy that make rigging a trailer from scratch too much work.
You need to find the loaded weight of your boat and where the hull needs support from Carver. Your trailer needs to hit the "Chines" correctly, meaning the bunks have to be adjustable to the contours of the hull.
The bunk supports can fit outside, inside, or on top the frame rails Mine started on top of the rails and were converted to the torsion axles, requiring new supports.

The axles need to support enough weight and State laws will say how many axles need brakes. Your choice of electric or hydraulic. The bunks should be made of Cypress, but synthetic decking could be cheaper. Your tires should Load rated D or better and 15 to 16 inch wheels, not 14 inch because of the weight.

There are numerous Boat Salvage yards listed online.
There seems to be a "thing" about the region the boats are used. Some places have orphaned trailers everywhere and others are always married to a trailer.
I have seen Boatyard liquidations with ridiculously cheap trailer prices. Use the internet and look.
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1500Kg is more likely to be the maximum towing weight.

You should, in theory, be able to launch and recover a boat/trailer of this combined weight ok, but in practise you need to consider how slippery the ramp is and if your front wheel drive vehicle will be able to cope with it.

Use a long strop attached to the trailer and looped around the towing hitch, to launch and recover the boat, so your car stays well away from the water.

You could have some problems getting enough grip with your front wheel drive, when recovering a boat.

I have had to recover my boat from a rocky beach when I couldn't get it back to the launch ramp because of bad weather. I was very thankful that I had a four wheel drive car for that.

What ever you do, ALWAYS plan carefully exactly how you are going to do the launch or recovery and make sure you stop and think about it before doing it.

Regards, Andy

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I just bought a 1989 Springbok pro series 196 and the specs capacity chart is rubbed off. Im wondering if anyone knows the max weight capacity and the max HP for it? Thank you

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