While they might be slightly more resilient against saltwater, youre going to have to rinse off the residue with freshwater after every launch. These facts are critical to maintaining your trailer and keeping salt corrosion at bay. When selecting a pontoon trailer you must know the length and approximate weight of your pontoon. If you have 25 feet (7.6 m) long pontoon boat, you need a double axle or tandem trailer with increased capacity. There is no possibility for a later add-on since the manufacturer fixes it to the trailer frame on the spot. How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski? Rocking of your boat on one of these trailers is not uncommon when traveling at speed on the highway. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. First 50 People to use co. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Choose between a scissor trailer or a bunk trailer depending on how you like to load and tow your boat. Scissor or up/down pontoon trailers fit between the pontoon tubes for moving. hosting and design In our opinion companies Scissor-type trailers, sometimes called . If you buy your trailer new be sure to ask the retailer if the trailer fits the state laws in the specific states that you will be using it in. Launching a pontoon boat can be quick and easy with some practice. dirt easily and sooner or Theyre commonly used in single and tandem axle trailers. Its minimum capacity is around 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg), but heavy, strong models can carry boats heavier than 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). If you keep the engine trimmed in the upward position while towing, you must deploy a support bracket that acts as a kickstand and helps support the engine, taking pressure off of the tilt mechanism. As someone who once drove commercial buses in Ireland (its a long story) I know the advantage that a little bit of extra room can give you especially on tight turns. result in too little tongue weight. Also, it would help if you referred to your owner's manual. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. Some trailers can accommodate pontoons with varying lengths. But because there are lots of different choices, it can be tough to find the best pontoon trailer for your boat, budget, and preferences. Thats where bunk capscome in. From base models to the most tricked-out scissor trailer, you will find pricing anywhere from $3K-$7K. Re: How to size a trailer for a boat?? These plastic glides provide a smooth surface for your pontoon to glide over, and theyre much easier to keep dry. To find out if your trailer and your pontoon are a good fit, check the back. The most common recommendation is to choose a trailer that is about 3 or 4 feet longer than the pontoon (example: a 21 foot long pontoon would need a 24-25 foot long trailer), and this is generally true. This style can be built for pontoons with two or three tubes. Crab Boat Speed: How Fast Does a Crab Fishing Boat Go. will be your problem, not the trailer builder. general rule of thumb is that the overall trailer length should be 10% more than the base boat length not including added swim platform or bow pulpit.. The boat has to be lined-up on the trailer exactly though unlike the scissor style trailer and this makes loading and unloading more of hassle. As a rule-of-thumb take the length of your boat and add 3 feet to that number and you ave the ideal length of trailer for your pontoon boat. white trailers, they show Fortunately, you can buy cold galvanizing compound to keep your trailers frame protected against corrosion. You will need to add up the dry weight of the boat + the engine weight + a full tank of gas (6.5LB/gal) in order to find the total amount of weight that will be on your trailer. Once you know your boat deck length, add 3 to 4 feet to it to get the size of the trailer you need. The lift is attached to a winch that lowers and raises the entire boat. Each trailer is weighed when its produced, and you should be able to find this number on the VIN tag. Bunk-style trailers are similar in that you can find a base model that will suit any of your needs or you can pile on the upgrades. Ensure the electrics are working on the trailer as you are legally obligated to have a number of working lights. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 31 Best Fishing Boat Names (Story & Meanings), 21 Popsicle Stick Boat Craft Ideas for Kids, suitable lighting for your pontoon trailer, How Much Does A Pontoon Boat Weigh? 16'-20' fishing and family friendly boats available in easily trailerable 8' narrow-beam widths. Blinkers Most local US laws demand suitable lighting for your pontoon trailer. These days, there are two main types of brake systems you can find on the market: High quality electric brakes that are designed to resist moisture penetration are the best choice for pontoon owners with a budget. By using a pontoon trailer that fits well with your boat, you can guarantee the safety and stability of your pontoon during transport. With over 50 years of experience, it's safe to say that no one knows more about pontoon trailers than Charles Mill Marina owner Bob Schraedly. Bunk-style trailers are similar in that you can find a base model that will suit any of your needs or you can pile on the upgrades. are constructed with a center lift mechanism that sits between the tubes of the boat. Considering this rule, if you have a 20-foot boat, you should get a 23 to 24-foot trailer. As you know, pontoon boats dont come in universal dimensions, but their sizes range from 15 to 30 feet (4.6 9.1 m). The following number may stand for the trailers capacity or carrying capacity, such as 23-2300 pounds, 25-2500 pounds, 27-2700 pounds, and so on. This is important because you should not expect a trailer to come with the boat when its built. These front arms take And never power load the boat. It helps if your tape measure end has some method of sticking to . The general rule of thumb when calculating the right-sized trailer for a pontoon boat is adding 2-4 feet in length and 2-3 feet in width to the trailer size compared to the boat size. Depending on the size and weight of your pontoon boat, you may also need more than a single axle trailer. with 3+ of overhang. We ultimately recommend that you do a bit of research into the type of trailer you are looking to get to have a better understanding of what such a trailer can accommodate. Most pontoon boats with 8'6" wide decks usually have 77" bunk centers. So, for example, if you have a 20 foot pontoon boat you should use a 23 foot trailer - 20 foot (boat length) + 3 foot = 23 foot. This will affect the balance on the trailer and Most of the weight in modern pontoons is in the stern. A good pontoon trailer must have working blinkers by law. But because they can impose pressure on specific areas of the boat, they could leave dings and cosmetic damage. Also, make sure you assess the current and wind direction before backing down the launch. Another thing to consider before buying a pontoon trailer is the boat weight. You need to take the dock space measurements before looking for pontoon boats so that you can be assured that you are equipped with proper storage requirements. This is where the disc surge brakes come in handy as they are easy to clean! trailer you must know the The pontoon Most trailer manufacturers also offer tritoon kits and extended tritoon kits that allow you to retrofit a two-tube bunk-style into a three-tube bunk-style after its built. A coat of zinc applied to the surface of a steel trailer makes it a galvanized steel design. However, they can cause a bumpy ride if you drive with an unloaded trailer. The trailer above has a Sorry, no results match your current selection. The trailer size depends on your pontoon dimensions. There are also barriers when trying to store a trailer. A single axle trailer can carry up to 2,250 lbs. The vital factor is that your pontoon boat doesnt rock or move while driving. Always go for a wide diameter tire as they are larger. The rule of thumb is that you need a trailer at least 3 feet (0.9 m) longer than your pontoons length. TRACK LENGTH: measure your axle track length by determining the distance between the center of one tire to the center of the other tire. Express this in cubic feet. These work by slowly stopping the trailer as your vehicle slows down. Its not only dangerous to have malfunctioning lights on a pontoon trailer (because vehicles behind you cant see your road vehicles lights), but its also illegal and you could be fined and have your trailer, with the boat on it, impounded.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); There are two different types of pontoon boat trailer: Whats the difference and why does it matter? Where will you store it? The trailers sliding mechanism will allow you to take a pontoon in and out of the water quickly. And because they cant be controlled from inside your car, theyre usually not a standalone braking system. The longest horizontal bunk boards we offer are part # CE27845 which measure 84" long x 1-3/4" wide x 3-3/4" tall so you will more . I only recommend this trailer if you store the boat near the boat ramp and have experience towing large items. [Explained]. It only takes a few minutes to measure and correctly adjust your pontoon The winch stand is not in place with incorrect trailers. That includes reflectors, stop lights, and tail lights. Some experts even recommend that the difference between pontoon and trailer sizes is 4 feet (1.2 m) in ideal conditions. One way to solve this dilemma is to understand the specifications of the trailer, the manufacturers recommendations, and the dimensions of your pontoon boat. Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease by Mission Automotive, 8 Best Marine Subwoofers in 2022 [Reviewed], Best Pontoon Boat Cup Holders: Our Top 5 Picks, The 5 Best Marine Speakers for Your Pontoon Boat, Inflatable Pontoon Boat Anchors: Buying Guide. The carrying capacity of the trailer is one of the most important pieces of information to know. Designed with carpeted two by fours, this trailer features a wide track thats intended to make the entire pontoon towing experience more stable and safe. 23-30 customizable boats with an unmistakable silhouette in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine. a Its important to know if the engine in the downward position will have clearance in the water and going down the road. We recommend the Cold Galvanizing Compound by Rust-Oleum. stern. Adjusting our pontoon trailer to fit your pontoon boat. Load guides act as bumpers on a bowling alley lane. Most boat owners recommend radial or ply tires as the perfect choice for pontoon trailers. When looking to purchase a pontoon boat trailer, first decide if you will need to tow the boat on your own. Choose a trailer based on the size of your boat and its weight.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-4-0'); Common practice dictates you pick a trailer with the same length as your pontoon boat. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. This lets you cover up the trailer frame in a smoother, softer material thats less abrasive and damaging. 18'-25' pontoon boats loaded with standards plus vast style and option choices. This means the trailer must have at least:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_16',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); There are additional legal requirements that must be followed depending on the width and length of the trailer. Youre planning on buying a new pontoon boat, and youre starting to make a list of accessories you will need in order to get on the water. the owner needs warranty or Contact Us | Site Map poorly fitted trailer. When it comes to picking out a proper trailer for your specific boat it is always important to speak to the person or dealer that you . When pulling or launching the boat, its preferred to have the engine trimmed all the way down, if you can. For instance, you can set 18 feet (5.5 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m) long vessels on the same 23 feet (7 m) long trailer. To be precise, it keeps the engine and fuel tank in place, preventing damage from vibration and bouncing on rough paths. For 20' pontoons you'll want a trailer with a 24'-26' overall length. Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured. The tongue weight should be between 7-12% of the trailer's GVWR. you give us. They hook to your car and can be controlled from inside your vehicle for added safety. All Rights Reserved. If you exceed your tongue weight, it can be dangerous and lead to fishtailing while towing the boat. below is the deluxe Bennington Q series on a custom 6 frame trailer. The customer told us he had a 23 pontoon and we set up the Continue with Recommended Cookies. Plus, you can use it in your garage to protect a boat during the winter months. You can find two on the current market. Pontooners.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. Talk to your dealer about which option is best for you. 23'-30' customizable fiberglass cladded boats with refined unparalleled elegance in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine configurations. Consider what tires to use based on the terrain you drive on and the size of tire you need. You must be careful when moving the winch The owner didnt scrimp on this package. Bennington sticker on it, to Hopefully the And besides, when you calculate the cost, all of those marina fees will add up to a trailer sooner or later, so you might as well buy one now. Its important to know that there will be some galvanized parts on the trailer, so its still important to rinse with fresh water after each use. Its a better option for heavier boats with large engines. Im not a fan of The third way is to use a measuring wheel and measure the circumference of the trailer. It only takes a few minutes to measure and correctly adjust your pontoon trailer to fit your boat, when buying a new trailer, we do our best to adjust the trailer to the sizes you give us. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In most cases, you wont go wrong if you choose a 1 foot (0.3 m) longer trailer than recommended. The captains Geoff also recommends looking at a product called. As pontoon boat can be heavy fitting the correct tires to your road vehicle can a long way to making trailering easier. Depending on which state or province you reside in, you may have to upgrade to a second or third axle by law. While launching the boat, make sure to unplug the lights before you submerge the trailer in the water. Pictured: Commercial truck scale. Common practice dictates that you add 3 feet to the length of your pontoon boat to determine what size trailer you need. parts when he calls The examples we mentioned above are around 23 to 25 feet long. If youre carrying a heavy load, then youre going to need to stop a pretty long way before the actual stopping point to give your trailer the time to adjust its brakes. Most manufacturers or aftermarket vendors make travel covers for longer tows. Then, weigh out pricing options between purchasing your own trailer and having your dealer pull, launch, and store the boat. For towing purposes, I strongly suggest removing the mooring cover. With this dock measurement, you need to check for the overall lengths of various pontoon boat models. On the other hand, spring suspensions are more affordable. Most manufacturers wont offer you This is just a starting point Of course there are other measurements.. on some trailers the bunks aren't adjustable so they need to match up too. We like to keep the Fortem Digital Tire Inflator with us at all times. How to Determine the Carrying Capacity of a Trailer. The trailer will be unable to support the pontoon beyond this angled area, and thus, theres no need to place a bunk along the nose cone. How to measure a 5 lug trailer wheel bolt pattern - Shows diagram on how to accurately measure the 5 lug Trailer Wheel Bolt Circle. That way, you will avoid damaging both your boat and vehicle on rocky and pebbly paths. A trailer is only going to last as long as its frame allows. 2. If the engine will not clear obstacles, then you may trim it up. Trailers to match 20-foot boats require bunks from 14 to 18-foot long. Many components have an extended warranty. Pontoon boats take very little effort to get them moving on the water but how do you get them to the water in the first place? If you live in a humid saltwater region such as Florida, you will want to go with an aluminum trailer. Some For instance, you must size the length of the trailer to the tube length of the pontoon boat. Take note of these numbers on the trailers product name/description and then find out the length of your pontoon. This is just the right size as the nose cone of pontoons tends to angle up. They are also cost-effective and easy to maintain. Learn what to look for in a quality pontoon trailer and make your next trip to the lake safe and trouble-free. Our trailers are fully Older boats were 8 wide and are usually on 72 centers. Do you have the means to tow the boat? Apr 28, 2009. In this case, you could fit a pontoon with an overall length of about 17 feet. There are some trailers that make adjustable axles, which are great in order to distribute the weight off the tongue and adjust as needed. Have them show you how to hook-up and remove the trailer from your vehicle. This may not be as important as the previously mentioned factors, but we still have to mention that the type of road travel should play into what type of pontoon trailer you are getting. Even if you live in an area where there is no legal policy on trailer brakes, they are helpful depending on the weight of the boat and your vehicles GVWR. The suitable model will keep your boat stable and well-balanced when you make a tight turn on the road. How heavy is your pontoon? On the other hand, painted steel wont do too well against saltwater, so theyre mainly reserved for freshwater boating. 23'-25' boats with striking, fluent lines and a masculine stance to define luxury sport. Geoff with EZ Loader adds: Brake laws are determined based on the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer. Max speed of 55MPH is recommended for towing. Galvanized will not hold up as well in the humidity. Meanwhile, the KDP trailer is meant for 18 to 20 feet boats, whereas almost all trailers can accommodate 18 to 21-foot long pontoons. Lets take a look at why that is so now.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The common practice for picking a pontoon boat trailer is to match the size of the trailer to the size of your boat. That axle centerline is where you will attach the middle spring hanger. Kidding, but seriously this feature will make pulling your pontoon out of the water much more simple. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A nifty digital tire inflator pump and gauge should get your tires to the right PSI before you set out on the road. More boating tips at https.//www.benningtonmarine.com . The ends of the logs should be supported by the ends of the bunks anything else is too short. The hassle and cost of replacing the tires sooner is well outweighed by the safety and operational factors they offer you. trailer to fit your boat, This can impact stability on the road, making bias-ply better for shorter trips. That way, they dampen vibrations on the road and reduce flex. Depending on where you live exactly, you will want to go with either a galvanized trailer or an aluminum trailer. Knowing the pontoon dimensions and weight is not always enough to choose the right trailer size. Some trailers come with rear straps, if not, ratchet straps work great. Since theyre smaller and have fewer tires, theyre easier to maintain and more affordable up front. Sure, this guide may specifically address length, but it is also important to take a look at the width and the weight of the pontoon boat with regard to what a pontoon boat trailer can accommodate. In general, used tandem axle trailers have much higher resale value than single axle trailers that depreciate pretty quickly. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You must select a trailer thats longer than your pontoon boat. A bunk style trailer will best suit those pontoon boat owners who have to travel long distances to get to their launch point and those who prefer a smoother ride. The triple and multi-axle trailers are ideal for large, heavy pontoons. (This is leaving room for the trailer, etc.) A bunk-style trailer can be used for multiple different pontoon boats if it has the correct number of bunks and is long and wide enough. Most experts recommend bunk-style trailers for large boats long over 25 feet (7.6 m) since they offer full weight support and keep the vessel immobile during towing. 1-7/8-inch tow balls are rated as high as 3,500 pounds and are used for towing small, light-duty trailers. There are three features, however, that I do recommend; heres why: have been known to save marriages! We backup each trailer that we produce with the finest customer service department in the trailer industry. Pontoon boats with U shaped pontoons or shapes other than round will vary. The extra tires make these trailers more stable on long hauls. Once you decide on the trailer size for your pontoon boat, the next decision is picking out the trailer style. Selecting the right pontoon trailer to fit a pontoon boat may look simple enough; however, many people, even professionals, make mistakes. gorgeous at least when its Choosing the Right Pontoon Trailer. Want to know how to measure a pontoon boat properly? Simply because a lot of pontoon boat trailer stock tires are rather small, which may compromise the integrity of the trailer and the boat itself during travel. dealer added the sticker. This usually equates to a 14 - 20 foot pontoon boat. However, many experts warn about safety issues with this trailer style. There are three features, however, that I do recommend; heres why:Steps at the winch stand, load guides, and a spare tire will make your trailering experience easier. And since single axle pontoon trailers are usually smaller in size, they require less fuel to tow. pontoons on 25 or 27 diameter pontoons. A more precise measurement can be made by measuring the distance from one 'HUB FACE' to the other. On the other hand, you can find it quite challenging to align the pontoon on the trailer perfectly. If the trailer is too long you can also run into trouble on some ramps. For long hauls, radial tires are often the best choice since they provide better control and lasting performance. If youre on the bunks correctly but need a boost to reach the front, use the winch strap to pull the boat the rest of the way up. Keep in mind there are numerous features you can add to both trailers that will affect the price. Otherwise, it can hit the vehicle that carries it. If this can be done with ample clearance of not hitting the boat, you can use a straight tube model, if not then a formed center tube model is needed. This short guide explains why there is so much confusion around the subject of pontoon boat length. Designed like little wheels that roll underneath your pontoon to help it slide on the trailer, rollers make it especially easy to get your vessel on the frame. With over 50 years of experience, it's safe to say that no one knows more about pontoon trailers than Charles Mill Marina owner Bob Schraedly. If your launch is a steep drop down, you may want to remove the winch strap from the loop on the frame in order to give it some more slack. Smaller 10' to 14' boats are usually under $1,500 but remember that weight, towing capacity, size, and accessories can always increase the price tag. The industry's first step-down bow provides a sporty low-profile exterior with enhanced sightlines with easy to drive floor plans from 20 to 24 feet. Unfortunately when he got the boat on the trailer he Manage Settings Always check your trailer lights are working correctly before moving off. Also, it would help if you referred to your owners manual. Step 2: Determine Weight of Vehicle without Tongue Weight Unhook the trailer and jack up the trailer tongue so there is no weight on the hitch ball. If your boat is over 28 feet (8.5 m) long, you need this trailer type to travel safely. About the only variation in these assemblies is the type of dust cap. New boats manufactured after 2008 are mostly 8 feet and 6 inches wide, so they are adjusted to 77 inches center. ** Measure as accurately as possible. weight of your pontoon. First of all, fitting a pontoon can sometimes be challenging, and you can expect it to rock while traveling on local roads. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-box-4','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-box-4-0');However, I strongly advise you not to follow common practice and instead follow best practice. You can choose between aluminum and galvanized steel models, but be aware that both options have advantages and downsides. Triple-axle trailer - 4,800 lbs to 6,000 lbs. First, ask your dealer to walk through the trailering steps from start to finish. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located. Also, the right size trailer will give you years upon years of good use. A good fit is a boat with at least 3 feet of more overhang. Were going to dissect these eight factors to buying a pontoon boat trailer: Pontoon boat trailers are generally not built and sold by pontoon boat manufacturers. to the left show a good fit. Unfortunately though, this means potential stability issues when towing the boat. If you own a pontoon boat, you will need a suitable trailer for it, whether you plan to use it for transportation or store it in a garage. That said, there is a large percentage of owners who do not want to purchase a pontoon boat trailer. Bunk-type trailers, sometimes referred to as "Drive-on" or "Float on", feature a wide base with two raised bunks that support the pontoons along either side of the boat. Therefore, it is advisable to consider several other factors before selecting the model you want. Single-Axle Boat Trailer Cost. This should help you decide if you need to invest in a trailer or not. Pontoon Trailers: Bunk-type vs. Scissor-type. So, this number will affect the trailer size and type you need. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Always be careful when adjusting the winch stand to ensure the correct tongue weight. The bimini top should be all the way down in the trailering position. Remove the grease caps and measure the diameter of the opening the caps occupy. or back you have about 2 of adjustability. Get a Long Tape Measure. When it comes to picking out a proper trailer for your specific boat it is always important to speak to the person or dealer that you purchased the boat from. Refer to your engines owners manual to see if it has this bracket built-in and what they recommend for towing. If you have a smaller tow vehicle, it could become dangerous if your trailer doesnt have brakes. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. considerable force when you come in fast. Trailer tires matter since pontoon boats are heavy, and long travels increase pressure on the trailers axle. The toons nestle down into the bunks and are less susceptible to teetering and movement while towing down the road. If the engine will not clear obstacles, then you may trim it up. It is usually small and lightweight, and you can quickly load a boat on it. Measure the total length of the box(A) and divide that dimension by 2 to find the centerline of the trailer box. What you will want to do is measure the inner diameter of the bearing, I recommend with calipers like # PTW80157 and if it . This means you need to know how much all of your gear, storage, and other accessories weigh. With either trailer you choose, its incredibly important to rinse or flush the brakes immediately after use. View the full lineup of Bennington Luxury Pontoon Boats. Greg from Bennington Pontoons will walk you through the importance of a safety chain, where to find the correct hitch size for your trailer and how to set up a boat trailer so the boat is secure while underway. Other trailer styles do not lower for easy on and offloading. Why? You can pick the wood of your choice at your local hardware store and have them cut it to the 12 foot length you need. For a 24-foot pontoon boat, you must use a 27 to a 28-foot trailer and so on. Usually, boat owners would think that a 20-foot pontoon is for a 20-foot trailer. Length overall (LOA) is measured from the top/tip of the boat's bow- unbent, to the stern or the back of the boat or watercraft.
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