Choosing A Boat Trailer

A boat trailer is an essential item for marine adventures. Without it, your boat will forever be stuck on land. You need a trailer to get your vessel to the water, but not every model will suit your unique needs. We created the following boat trailer buying guide to make the shopping process easier. If you have questions or want to shop boat trailers for sale in New Jersey, head over to New Jersey Outboards. We are based in Bayville, New Jersey. We also proudly serve those in Connecticut, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pick Your Ideal Boat Trailer Type

There are two popular categories of boat trailers: bunk trailers and roller trailers. An easy way to narrow your search is to select the model type most compatible with your needs.

Bunk Trailer

This design places the boat between sturdy rails, which run the length of the trailer. The vessel is held securely in place, making it a reliable option.

To use the boat trailer, you will need to engage the "float on/float off" method. This uses the boat's buoyancy to make the process easier, which does mean the loading area will need to allow you to back all the way into the water. Attempting to load without being fully in the water can cause expensive damage to the boat, the boat trailer, or both.

Roller Trailer

This design uses rollers running alongside the rails to get the boat on and off. It's a great method for larger and heavier models, such as sailboats and yachts. You also won't need to back the trailer fully into the water, which expands your destination options.

Pick The Construction Materials

Boat trailers tend to be built from either galvanized steel or aluminum. Both materials offer advantages.

Steel

Galvanized steel comes with a zinc coating, helping it better resist rust. It's also more rigid, which means it won't flex under the weight of the boat. Boat trailers made with steel will be bigger and weigh more, but they offer great stability. They are best used in freshwater conditions since it can have corrosion in saltwater.

Aluminum

Aluminum's main benefit is its lightweight and flexible nature. Aluminum boat trailers don't weigh much, which is great for your tow vehicle. Less weight means less strain on the tow vehicle as well as less gas needed to haul the load. This option is better for lighter boats since aluminum can struggle to handle a heavier boat.

Set The Price Limit

When you explore boat trailers for sale, you'll find a range of price points. Think about how much you want to spend, then limit your search to options within that range. This ensures you get the highest quality option you can afford, rather than overextend your finances or pass on models you can afford.

Keep in mind the cost of your boat. The more expensive your boat is, the more you will want to invest in a quality boat trailer.

Don't Forget About Storage

The boat trailer will need to go somewhere when it's not in use. If possible, store it inside so that it will be protected against weather damage. Ideal storage options include a shed or a garage. If that's not an option, be sure to include a durable boat trailer cover in your budget.

Ready to shop boat trailers for sale in New Jersey? Check out the model selection at New Jersey Outboards. Our friendly staff can answer questions, give advice, and make the shopping process easy. Our dealership is located in Bayville, New Jersey. We also serve those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as New York and Connecticut.