How to Select the Right Boat Trailer in BC?
Buying a boat and taking it out on the water is a thrill. Whether it is your first purchase or a new marine product in your inventory, it’s essential to research and find the correct option. People often do not pay as much attention to a boat trailer as they do to a vessel. However, boat trailers are essential, and you should not consider them an ‘extra.’
Today, we will try to highlight the importance of boat trailers, how to select the right option, how to assess the boat trailer, and how to save time and money when you plan to buy boats with boat trailers for sale in BC.
Why is a Boat Trailer Important?
Suppose you live at a distant location from the water or there is no mooring facility to keep your vessel at the dock. In that case, you don’t have any option other than buying a boat trailer. It becomes non-avoidable for you. However, owning a trailer for your boat has many exciting advantages. Let’s have a look.
- When you put your vessel on a trailer, you get the freedom to take it anywhere you want. It makes it convenient to carry your boat from one place to another to explore new locations and enjoy your holidays. A trailer is some of the quickest, safest, and cheapest modes of transportation for a vessel.
- You can learn to get your boat in or out of the water with some training and practice. A trailer allows you to launch and recover your vessel at your convenience freely.
- It is easy to get boat and boat trailer maintenance in Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino, or anywhere on Vancouver Island, BC. A good boat service provider can help you make a proper maintenance schedule and keep your vessel, outboard, trailer, and other marine equipment in good condition for a long time.
How to Select the Right Boat Trailer?
The simple point is, “you pay for what you get.” When you buy a trailer for your vessel, you can look for its size, type, safety, material, suspension system, and maintenance. These parameters will help you choose the correct option.
1. Size
It depends on the type and dimensions of your vessel. There are many boat dealers in Victoria, BC, as well as in other cities like Port Alberni, Tofino, Nanaimo, and more who can help you check the correct size estimate of your boat before going for the trailer. Many would recommend going with dual-axle trailers. Yes, they work efficiently, but as they have double the number of tires as single-axle trailers, you will need to replace more tires eventually. That is not an enjoyable task. Hence, unless you travel a lot with your trailer or have a boat with a 20-foot or long size or ultra-heavyweight, you can go for the single-axle boat trailers. In short, based on your boat size and you can buy triple-axle, dual-axle, or single-axle trailer for sale in BC.
2. Type & Safety
There are different kinds of boat trailers available for sale in the market. Bunk trailers, float-on trailers, roller trailers, and keel rollers are some common types with dual-axle and single-axle options.
Dual-axle trailers are safer and more stable at highway speeds than single-axle trailers. Moreover, on the dual-axle trailer, you can get an effectively distributed load for a good balance and carry. With a multiple-brake system, dual axles offer better stopping distance and enhanced safety. On the other hand, single-axle trailers are ideal for small inflatables, Jon, sailboats, and other vessels having a small size. You can go with single axles if you live near the water locations and do not travel long distances quite often. Single-axle trailers are not as safe as double-axle trailers, but they are pretty reliable.
3. Material
There are generally two types of boat trailer materials: aluminum and steel. Aluminum does not rust with time. Steel is more robust, but it will deteriorate as time progresses. Steel is available at a cheaper rate than aluminum. However, it does not mean that any boat trailer made with steel is more affordable than aluminum.
You can choose a steel trailer if you usually go boating or fishing in the freshwater. When you maintain it properly, it can last for years. We recommend using an aluminum boat trailer if you go fishing in saltwater or different water conditions.
4. Suspension and Other Specifications
Boat trailer manufacturers tend to use two types of suspension systems. The first is a torsion-bar system, which allows a lower ride height. The other is the leaf spring system, in which you can find models with three-leaf springs and five-leaf springs. The difference between the models is the strength and durability.
While checking the boat trailer, you can also look for the structural thickness, trailer support system like rollers or bunks, hardware like fasteners, and more.
5. Maintenance
As we mentioned earlier in the post, maintenance is an essential point to consider. Whether buying the boat trailer from a local boat dealership or visiting nearby boat shows in BC, you can ask the seller about the maintenance requirement and schedule. The wheel bearings are the critical components of a trailer that require adequate servicing and lubrication from time to time. A regular inspection of the brakes, lights and other things is also recommended.
Conclusion
Selecting the right boat trailer is a big decision to make, just as you do for purchasing a boat or an engine. And we hope the above information will help you choose the right option. For any further details you want to know about trailers or Port Alberni boats for sale, you can connect with us at Alberni Power & Marine. Our experienced professional staff will help you understand different models, packages, and financing. Let’s connect today!!