You have your nice boat – but are faced with the dilemma of the best place to put it.
If you own a huge boat, then there is no other choice than to utilize marinas or mooring. If your boat is larger than 25 feet or 26 feet, a trailer can be a viable alternative. The majority of small boats, RIBs and dinghies can easily and securely be stored and transported using a well-constructed trailer.
So , what are the pros and cons of a trailer?
THE GOOD NEWS
Let’s start with the cost. A trailer for a boat that is 16 feet long costs around PS2,500. The marina berthing fees are typically about this – however, you must pay them every year. You get 100% interest on the investment you make when you save the marina fees. This is a great financial incentive.
If you want to work on your boat, keeping it in your home on the trailer is more convenient than having to traipse down to the marina. I’ve seen from personal experience that after a trip to the marina it is often that you don’t have the right tool with you to finish the job
A trailer implies that you don’t have to keep your boat on the water. You can also provide it with a fresh water wash down after every trip. This keeps the hull in good condition. It also means that you don’t have to antifoul your boat every year, which can be a financial savings.
A boat that is in your home area means you can travel to any region of the country you like – you’re not tied to your typical marina. All you need is an launching ramp or slipway that’s suitable for your boat. There are numerous across the country and public ones are free for use.
When looking for boats & motorbikes trailer parts, make sure you visit TrailerTek.
DISADVANTAGES
It is necessary to have four items: a boat that is able to be towed, the trailer, your vehicle that can tow the trailer and boat and a location to store the items (on your driveway or anywhere else). If you don’t have the above then a trailer isn’t feasible.
SIZE MATTERS
It is crucial to choose the right size trailer for your boat.
A trailer can be used for any type of vehicle that is small, such as a sailing boat to a large yacht with a length of 25 to 26 feet. They are not suitable for sailing boats with deep keels. While you can purchase trailers for smaller boats with deep keels, it is more expensive than hiring ramps. Additionally, the crane costs extra and makes the savings insignificant.
The boat’s size and weight will determine the size trailer you require. The LOA (length overall) and any outboards must be considered.
WEIGHTY MATTERS
The dry weight of the boat plus fuel, freshwater, and blackwater that is on board are the pertinent weights. Twin-axle trailers might be needed to transport heavier boats.
The trailer isn’t required to have brakes if the weight of the gross trailer weight is not more than 750kg or half the towing vehicle’s kerb weight – whichever is less. These rules are complicated.
ADJUSTABILITY
Adjustability is an important factor in deciding on the right trailer for your requirements. It must be able to fit your boat, and it should keep fitting your boat while you load and unload it. There are a variety of factors to this.
First, when you load your boat, the rollers will automatically adjust to the changing profile of the boat’s hull.
This is done by the swing axle technique of Indespension Trailers so that the change to the bow-stern dimension can be accommodated. (see the photo). The change in the portstarboard dimensions (i.e. The pivoting of arms of the rollers is a cover for the keel angle (see the photo). This swing axle design was first introduced by trailers with Indespension (see video below). It is an essential feature of the trailers for boats.
For better adjustability for greater flexibility, the main parts must be secured to the frame by U-bolts. This allows you to easily alter the dimensions by unscrewing the nuts, moving the U-bolts, then tightening them again. Indespension is focusing on trailers that are completely bolted. (The bolts actually are rectangular to fit the shape of the components rather than being the ‘U’ shape, but everyone calls them U-bolts!) This gives you the ability to adjust them and also the ability to replace damaged components.
Certain boat makers will attempt to offer you a trailer if you buy a brand new boat. This is all well and good however, there’s a drawback. The trailer is typically designed exclusively for that particular type of boat and typically isn’t adjustable or has a limited range of adjustment. What happens if the purchaser decides not to buy an additional trailer when they sell their boat? The result is an almost useless trailer. Our general recommendation is to purchase a trailer with an extensive range of adjustability like the Indespension range.
SIZE and WEIGHT MATTERS – Again
You’ve got your boat. You’ve got the perfect trailer. Now you need an appropriate vehicle or towing vehicle.
The majority of cars have tow bars at the rear. Porsche 911s as well as other specialty automobiles are notable instances. Manufacturers decide the car’s weight. This is often called the “gross train weight” and is located in the owner’s manual or the VIN plate of the vehicle. It is crucial to know the total weight of the trailer, the boat as well as any other boating accessories you intend to put into the vessel.
It is your responsibility to verify that the model you are using has the required towing capability.
SECURE your HUB
The trailer hubs are subject to continuous immersion in seawater. They get corroded from this! Indespension provides two solutions. Indespension offers two great solutions The brake flushing kit lets you effortlessly flush out saltwater using freshwater and their hub-savers safeguard your hubs.
PRETTY COLOURS
You may be tempted by the appearance of a vibrantly colored painted trailer. Our suggestion is straightforward. Don’t be. Saltwater is able to wash away the most durable paint especially if it’s scratched or scratched. The most effective solution is to have a fully galvanised trailer, such as the ones offered by companies like Indespension. While we acknowledge that a painted trailer might appear prettier, but only for a brief period.
WEIGHTY LEGAL MATTERS
Strangely enough, the amount you are able to tow varies on the date you passed your driving test. If you passed the test before or after January 1, 1997, you may:
Towing a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg MAM as well as the vehicle can be up to 3500kg max authorised weight (MAM) is possible.
tow a trailer over 750kg MAM , as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
MAM is the limit on the amount a car can weigh when loaded. To haul heavier objects it is necessary to be able to pass the trailer as well as the driving test.
You are able to drive a vehicle with a trailer that weighs up to 8.250kg MAM if you have completed your car inspection before January 1997. For more details see the Government website.
SUMMARY
Weight, size, cost savings, and the complexity of the rules are the primary factors to take into consideration when purchasing an RV. You will then be able to have fun sailing by ensuring you have all of these things right.
