Boat Trailers For Sale Near Me Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

How do I choose the right size boat trailer? ›

Consider the Trailer's Capacity

As a rule of thumb, choose a trailer with a weight capacity that exceeds your boat's weight by at least 15-20%. This extra capacity accounts for the weight of additional equipment, fuel, and any accessories you might have on board.

In theory, a good used trailer as part of a boat package will retain 70-95% of its value. So owning the trailer will cost very little when all is said and done, give you way more flexibility and choices, help you sell it quicker and get a better price for it, and be better for your boat in the long run.

The weight of your trailer can be figured out by looking at the VIN sticker located on the frame of your trailer. Locate the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the sticker. The GVWR is the empty weight of the trailer plus the capacity that the trailer is rated for (also known as the MAX GVCC ).

A: You must start with the exact length of your boat, measured horizontally from the bow eye to the drain plug. Figure out the beam of your boat. These dimensions will determine the length and width capacity of your trailer.

Standard trailer sizing. Enclosed trailer floor lengths are most often between 8' and 32', and 7' is a common height. When it comes to enclosed trailer widths, the most common or “standard” sizes are: 5' wide.

Typically, a single-axle trailer can accommodate a boat up to 22' (6.7 m) or 23' (7.01 m) with a maximum weight of 3,300 lbs. (1,369 kg) to 3,500 lbs.

The life expectancy of a boat trailer should be 15 to 25 years at the least, but you must take care of the boat trailer. Frequently used boat trailers tend to need more routine maintenance.

Length should be measured from the farthest point at the bow to the end of the hull's running surface. In general, trailers are typically about two feet longer than the boat itself.

The average for a boat trailer is about 600 pounds. Combined boat and trailer weight ratings ranges from 900 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the length of the trailer and the boat itself. The average weight capacity for a fishing boat trailer is about 2,700 pounds.

When transporting a 20ft wake boat, you'll need to consider the weight of the boat and the trailer. The weight of the trailer can range from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, and when you combine the weight of the boat with the weight of the trailer, the total weight can range from 4,400 to 6,300 pounds.

How much does a 17 foot boat weigh with a trailer? ›

A fiberglass fishing boat in the 16 feet to 20 feet range will weigh between 1,700 and 2,900 pounds. Combine that with a heavy-duty trailer, and you could easily anticipate a 5,000-pound tow weight.

GVWR explained: gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) refers to the maximum allowable weight of any given vehicle. A vehicle may be an automotive vehicle or a trailer. In the case of a trailer, the GVWR is the most a trailer can weigh in total, as determined by the trailer manufacturer.

Bunk and Roller Basics

The bunks are evenly spaced to support the boat's hull. Friction between the bunks and the hull helps keep the boat in place when backing down or pulling up the ramp. In place of bunks, roller trailers have a series of small rollers, or wheels, that support the boat when it's on the trailer.

The style of the hull will also influence the launch, but in general, you will want to back the trailer until the middle of the fender is just under the water. This will allow the boat to float on the back of the trailer.

The most obvious thing to match is the length of the boat. If a trailer is too short, the boat will hang off and not be supported well.

Your trailer should be the length of the pontoon tubes plus anywhere from 3′-5′ to allow for a swing radius at the front of the tubes. If you put a 20' pontoon boat on a 20' trailer, in a tight turn there won't be enough trailer tongue, the front of the tubes could hit the back of the tow vehicle.

Trailers for every size pontoon should be 3' to 4' longer than the pontoon boat.