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design a trailer

What would you look for if you were buying a trailer?

I've got a 19' bow rider with a 3 liter MerCruiser sterndrive that I bought new in 1998; it's the last boat I'll own until I win the lottery and buy a flotilla of assorted boats.

Rather than replace everything on the original galvanized Escort trailer that's been showing its age for more than a year, I'm thinking of a new trailer.

I've pretty much decided on a galvanized trailer (bunks, not rollers) with disc brakes, brake flush kit, LEDs for lighting, spare tire holder with spare tire, Super Lube or Turbo Lube bearings, fenders and swiveling tongue jack.

I don't have a need for guides and I may add bunk slicks/glide ons to the bunks.

I boat mostly in salt water, a couple of times a week.

So, what did I forget, what would you add?

http://members.cox.net/wgander/MyBoat.htm

 William
Mar 18
2006
'The Oak Island'?? http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/Nova_Scotia/oakisland.htm

Twin axle would be too big for me....thanks anyway.

 Don
Mar 19
Aluminum instead of galvanized, stainless disc brakes, and torsion bar instead of springs. Harry
Mar 18
the following thoughts: Gene
Mar 18
I've been thinking of a new galvanized trailer for my sailboat for a while now. My priorities; galvanized bunks extra long , hinged tongue. (so I can avoid putting vehicle rear wheels in salt water and I want to park boat/trailer in garage for winter) Proper suspension..(2000 lb capacity for 1200-1400 lb boat + motor) extra wheel mounted on trailer winch bracket brakes??? jury is still out for this size boat... but would make sure brakes are ss type. Why replace a trailer only 8 years old? Mine is 20 this year and my biggest concern is that it is enameled steel previously used in freshwater. Don
Mar 19
Wonder how much your version would cost compared to a standard galvanized, bunk type with leaf springs? I was quoted about $3000.00CDN with the ss disc brakes for gal steel, Don
Mar 19
I can already see rust on the outside so I'm concerned how much rust may be on the inside of the tubes, where I can't see it. Most of the nuts and bolts are rusted, so replacing anything will mean sawing/grinding away the nuts and bolts. I could replace everything and I still have a rusting, eight year old trailer. William
Mar 18
Wish I lived close to you. I'd take that old rusted trailer off your hands. Don
Mar 19
Well, I have a rusty twin axle trailer on Oak Island that is free to anybody that cares to haul it off. It comes with a clear title..... Gene
Mar 19
following thoughts:

.. >Why replace a trailer only 8 years old? Mine is 20 this year and my >biggest concern is that it is enameled steel previously used in freshwater.

Because of RUST. I'm getting ready to change all of my rusty steel fasteners to stainless steel. Last year I replaced the steel disc brakes with stainless. I just replaced all of my springs.... one failed and the others were about to do so.... due to the fact that they were compromised by rust. I couldn't remove any fasteners... I had to cut them off...

Bottom line is that if you boat in salt water and the trailer sits in a location susceptible to salt-air conditions, about 8 years is all you can reasonably expect most carbon steel parts to last on a well maintained trailer.

Gene
Mar 19
   
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