Buying a Boat Trailer? Here’s What Actually Matters

You’ve got the boat. Now you need the trailer to get it where you want to go. Simple, right? Kind of. While choosing a boat trailer isn’t rocket science, there are a few key decisions that can make all the difference between smooth sailing or a bumpy ride before you ever hit the water.

Here’s what to keep in mind when picking out the perfect trailer.

Will It Fit Your Boat?

Let’s start with the obvious: your trailer has to fit your boat properly. This means matching it to your boat’s length, width, and weight.

Each trailer comes with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). To find out what you need, take the weight of your boat, add in fuel, gear, batteries, and the motor, then tack on another 15%, this gives you a safe buffer.

As for length, you’ll want the transom (the flat back of the boat) to line up with the end of the trailer bunks or hang over just a bit. A good rule of thumb: measure from the bow eye to the transom, and ignore extras like trolling motors or swim decks.

For width check the chine beam, that’s the widest point where the hull meets the bottom of the boat. Your trailer needs to support this fully to keep things stable on the road.

Can Your Vehicle Tow It?

Not all vehicles are up for the task. Before you hitch up, check your vehicle’s towing capacity, it needs to safely handle the total trailer weight (boat, gear, gas, and all).

You’ll find this info in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside your driver’s door. That same manual will also tell you whether you need trailer brakes or any extra towing accessories.

Tip: An adjustable hitch can be a game changer, especially if you swap between trailers or vehicles.

Choose the Right Frame for Your Waters

Trailers come in three main materials: painted steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum. Each has its pros and cons:

• Painted steel is strong and budget-friendly, but it can rust over time best for freshwater use.
  
  

• Galvanized steel is more corrosion-resistant, making it a solid choice for saltwater. It’s tougher, but usually not as sleek-looking.
  
  

• Aluminum is lightweight and highly rust-resistant, perfect for saltwater. It’s the priciest option, but it’ll go the distance with less maintenance.
  
  

Think about where you’ll be boating most, your trailer should match your environment.

Bunks vs. Rollers: Which One's Right?

You’ll need to decide how your boat will rest on the trailer: bunks or rollers.

• Bunks are simple wood planks with carpet. They’re affordable, stable, and great for trailering, but they can make launching tricky unless your trailer gets fully submerged.
  
  

• Rollers let you launch more easily, especially in shallow water. They also distribute the boat’s weight more evenly, but they cost more and need a bit more upkeep.
  
  

If you launch in tight or shallow spots often, rollers might be worth the upgrade.

Don’t Overlook Lights, Brakes & Axles

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of trailering: lighting, braking, and suspension.

• Lights: Go for LEDs. They’re brighter, last longer, and handle rough roads better than old-school incandescent bulbs.
  
  

• Brakes: Depending on your state (and your trailer’s weight), you might be required to have them. Generally, single-axle trailers don’t, but multi-axles often do.
  
  

• Axles: You’ve got two suspension types, leaf springs and torsion axles.
  
  

• Leaf springs are cheaper and better for bumpy roads, but they wear out quicker and rust faster.
  
  

• Torsion axles are quieter, smoother, and more durable but pricier. Great if you’re in it for the long haul.
  
  

Also consider how many axles you need. Single-axle trailers are easier to maneuver and weigh less, but dual-axle setups offer more stability, carry more weight, and give you peace of mind if you ever blow a tire on the road.

Smooth Launches Start Here

You bought your boat for the fun not the frustration. Choosing the right trailer comes down to knowing your boat, your vehicle, and how you’ll use both. Get those basics right, and you’ll enjoy easier towing, safer travel, and smoother launches every time.

Need help picking a jack or mover to match your trailer setup? We’ve got tools that make parking and hitching easier than ever, especially if you tow solo.