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CHOOSING YOUR TRAILER
Choosing the right trailer for your boat shouldn't be difficult. We're here to provide you with the right information, so you can be confident in the decision you make.
If you still have questions, please get in touch on 01902 754 133 and we'll be more than happy to help. View our trailer range here.
Boat Length
When deciding on a boat trailer, you will notice that when referring to boat length it mentions the bow-eye to transom (BET) length. Boat trailers are fitted to your boat by this measurement and it is the most critical measurement when selecting the proper trailer for your boat.
When determining the bow-eye to transom (BET) length, you should never include the swim platform, bow pulpits or Euro transoms. Many boat manufacturers include the length of swim platforms and bow pulpits in the overall boat length. It is important that you make sure you get the correct bow-eye to transom (BET)/drain plug measurement otherwise it can result in an improper fit.
You will find some resources below to help identify where to measure to and from when measuring the bow-eye to transom (BET).
The diagrams below show where to measure to and from when identifying the bow-eye to transom (BET) length on different styles of boat.
RIB BOAT
MOTORBOAT
Yacht trailers still require specific measurements
BILGE KEEL YACHT
FIN/DEEP KEEL YACHT
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Boat Weight
When determining the correct weight capacity of your trailer, you should use your boats 'wet' weight. Your boats 'wet' weight will be the weight of your boat when it is fully laden with fuel, engine(s) and all equipment. It is important to check you are using your boats 'wet' weight when establishing the weight as many boat manufacturers publish the 'dry' weight, which will be the lightest possible weight of the boat.
The reason it is important to distinguish between your boats 'wet' and 'dry' weight when looking at weight capacities of trailers, is if you use your boats dry weight and choose a trailer to this weighting, once your boat is fully laden with fuel, engines and equipment it will be over the maximum capacity of the trailer. This will result in an unsafe load, could cause extensive damage to your trailer and potentially your boat, in addition to it being an illegal load.
We provide two weight guidelines on all our trailers, gross capacity and load capacity. The gross capacity refers to the overall maximum weight of the trailer and its load. The load capacity refers to the maximum weight the trailer can support, i.e. the weight of what goes on top of the trailer.
Bunks or Rollers?
When choosing a boat trailer, you will need to decide between a roller style trailer or a bunk style. Both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your boating style and needs. The good thing is, there is no right or wrong. One trailer may simply be more suitable to your boat and your style of boating.
A roller trailer is more beneficial in shallow or awkward launch and recovery sites. The boat can be easily pushed off the trailer, or it will simply roll off if the launch gradient is sufficient. Similarly, the trailer doesn't have to go very deep to recover your boat. The boat can be winched on from virtually nothing.
This provides a lot of flexibility with launch and recovery. If you are familiar with your launch site, launch and recovery may not be an issue. However, if you use a variety of launch sites or travel to unknown locations, a roller trailer is definitely one to consider as it is suited to a wider range of launch and recovery environments.
A bunk style trailer will require the trailer to go deeper into the water of your launch and recovery site, as it doesn't have the advantage of the swing beams a roller trailer has. Although, still offering excellent ease of use time and time again. A bunk trailer allows for easy drive-on capability due to the nature of the trailer depth in the water. Bunk trailers operate best in optimal ramp and tide conditions.
Bunk trailers offer fantastic support to the boat, with full length keel rollers providing support along the strongest part of the boat. In addition, adjustable side bunks provide a precise snug fit to your boat, offering the lateral support for stability. Those who travel long distances, store their boat on the trailer for extended periods of time or have a classic boat which may need more gentle considered support, the bunk style support mechanism is definitely worth considering.
Trailer Storage
If you will be using your trailer to store your boat, it's important to consider the style of trailer being used as your boat may spend more time on the trailer than it does in the water. Bunk trailers are the recommended style of trailer for prolonged storage, although a roller style is still perfectly adequate, a bunk trailer provides more even support. Bunk trailers have keel rollers along the full length of the trailer, which helps provide support along the strongest part of the boat. View our trailer range here.
