The answer to that question depends on several factors. Do you have the means to tow the boat? 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. Some trailers can accommodate pontoons with varying lengths. of sale. We warrant boat trailer frames tip to tail for two years from the date of purchase against defective material and workmanship. What you will want to do is measure the inner diameter of the bearing, I recommend with calipers like # PTW80157 and if it . They are recommended for all pontoon owners that plan on trailering the boat more than 10-15 miles down the road. If you dont do this and you pull the boat from a steep angle, the bow will become angled upwards on the trailer. 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. If youre new to boat trailers or new to towing in general, there are some steps that you should take before you get behind the wheel. The back of the tubes should not Also, make sure you assess the current and wind direction before backing down the launch. But since carpet can absorb some moisture, there are a few boat owners who try to steer clear of the material in fear that it might cause organism growth or corrosion over time. A scissor trailer is not recommended for heavy floorplans or those who plan on towing the boat far distances. 19'-26' pontoon boats offering luxury and sophistication, customizable to make it yours. I totally agree with Slasmith. The best pontoon trailer lets you take your pontoon home for safekeeping, and even opens up the opportunity to take your watercraft to far off destinations. All Rights Reserved. When you're enjoying your new Bennington pontoon, make sure you and all passengers aboard obey all applicable laws and follow all warnings and instructions in the owner's manual. Lets find out. 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.. 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. discovered his pontoon was a 20 pontoon. That way, you will avoid damaging both your boat and vehicle on rocky and pebbly paths. Geoff with EZ Loader adds: Brake laws are determined based on the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer. However, many experts warn about safety issues with this trailer style. Then, weigh out pricing options between purchasing your own trailer and having your dealer pull, launch, and store the boat. But because they can impose pressure on specific areas of the boat, they could leave dings and cosmetic damage. 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. There are some trailers that make adjustable axles, which are great in order to distribute the weight off the tongue and adjust as needed. The style of this trailer makes it a bit dangerous for long-distance tows or high speeds. This leads you to a big decision: to buy a pontoon boat trailer or not. Pontoon boats with U shaped pontoons or shapes other than round will vary. Most manufactures include the carrying capacity of the trailer on the VIN tag as well, but not all. If you live in a non-trailerable area, dealers are less inclined to include a trailer with the sale of the boat. Theyre bigger, bulkier, and built for heavier weights. The plastic-wrapped type is more expensive but better protects your pontoon from scratches. Want to know how to measure a pontoon boat properly? There is no possibility for a later add-on since the manufacturer fixes it to the trailer frame on the spot. When it comes to having gatherings on a boat, fishing, or just hanging out with your friends and family a pontoon boat is one of the best boats to own. This is where the disc surge brakes come in handy as they are easy to clean! The trailer is pretty hassle-free and offers the easiest way to trailer a pontoon boat, both on and off the water.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-2-0'); The bottom of the platform of the pontoon boat sits on the crossbeams of the trailer. These adjustments can usually be done through a winch mechanism which can slide the platform forward and backward to a certain extent (usually just 2 to 3 feet longer or shorter). [Explained]. 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. Another good thing about a scissor trailer is that you can use it in very shallow water. Other things to consider before a purchase are how your tow vehicle will handle the trailer and pontoon combo. For the sake of simplicity, first-time or inexperienced pontoon boat owners might think of one of two things: 1. Its critical that you do not exceed the tow capacity of your vehicle. You would need one roll for each board. The industry's first step-down bow provides a sporty low-profile exterior with enhanced sightlines with easy to drive 23' & 25' floorplans. The examples we mentioned above are around 23 to 25 feet long. If youre unsure about the size of your pontoon, take a measuring tape and measure from tip to tip. Bearings rotate in polished units called races. Plus, you can use it in your garage to protect a boat during the winter months. This will affect the balance on the trailer and They will direct the toons into the bunks without having to guess where they should land so you can pull the boat on your first try. Common practice dictates that you add 3 feet to the length of your pontoon boat to determine what size trailer you need. that use short stands on big pontoons have a design defect, but again it Overall, LED lights make the best choice for any trailer. This is also the reason why you should pick a pontoon trailer thats 3 to 4 feet longer than the boat. 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. The way the boat sits on this lift is similar to a seesaw, so the toons are hanging without support and have the ability to teeter back and forth, side to side. Additionally, Pontooners.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Geoff recommends disc surge brakes for pontoon boat trailers. This is ballpark pricing for scissor trailers and bunk-style trailers. trailer to fit. ** Measure as accurately as possible. Almost all of the weight of a pontoon boat is placed on the stern; this includes the captains helm, engine, gas tanks, and others. These tires feature a slightly narrower tread, and their walls tend to flex ever so slightly to the sides. Trailers are the most affordable, most accessible private pontoon storage and land transport option to date. Re: How is a Pontoon Boat Length Measured. Poorly fitting trailers can affect overall balance and tip-off tongue weight. Hopefully, with this guide, you now have a better understanding of what to look for in pontoon boat trailers and not just to consider length, but all the other factors mentioned earlier. 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? 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. You want to make sure the toons are all the way up on the trailer so theyre not hanging off the back. The added weight of the boat will make the tow experience much different than just backing up an empty trailer. In some cases, manufacturers use winch stands for larger diameter boats (23 to 27 inches). These are the more popular upgradable features to consider, mostly found on bunk-style trailers. There are a couple of ways to determine what bearing you will need. You will want a trailer built for a 24' pontoon. What size trailer do you need for a pontoon boat or other type pf boat?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'thepontoonsite_com-box-3','ezslot_3',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-box-3-0'); An 18 foot boat requires an a 18 21 foot long trailer. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Below is an example of a If you live in a humid saltwater region such as Florida, you will want to go with an aluminum trailer. 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. Your dealer will have information on what type and size of trailer you need. On a good ramp you drive your boat all the way onto the trailer. example of why getting the proper information allows us to help you achieve Scissor-style trailersare constructed with a center lift mechanism that sits between the tubes of the boat. 1. Best practice dictates you pick a trailer 3 feet longer. Also, the right size trailer will give you years upon years of good use. The struggle is real when you are trying to figure out what is worth the extra cash and what you can live without. Consider these tips, and youre ready to take home the most suitable trailer for your pontoon in no time. Next, you are trying to decide on how you will move the boat. The maximum carrying capacity is the GVWR minus the trailer weight. Some states require it on all axles and some only on one axle, if at all. That includes reflectors, stop lights, and tail lights. Older boats were 8 wide and are usually on 72 centers. Usually, boat owners would think that a 20-foot pontoon is for a 20-foot trailer. To find out if your trailer and your pontoon are a good fit, check the back. This leads to less rocking on the highway and a much more comfortable ride.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-3','ezslot_19',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-3-0'); This trailer offers the most stability when towing and its biggest advantage is a smooth towing experience. This usually equates to a 20 - 28 foot pontoon boat. you give us. result in too little tongue weight. dont throttle back you can actually damage the winch stand and the Generally speaking, you will want the horizontal bunk boards to reach from the transom edge to the hull. None of them are absolutely necessary, so if you want something budget friendly, you can leave all of these out. trailer manufacturers name Our bunk style pontoon trailers are fully adjustable to fit all Trailer tires matter since pontoon boats are heavy, and long travels increase pressure on the trailers axle. Galvanized will not hold up as well in the humidity. instead of a 21 foot trailer for your 21 foot pontoon boat you should get a 24 foot trailer. You also need working blinkers on each side. Remove the grease caps and measure the diameter of the opening the caps occupy. To buy a trailer that is a couple of feet longer just to give a little bit of allowance during travel. Trailer wheels turn on spindles and hubs. The same trailer frame can A poorly fit trailer wont provide good clearance for your pontoon. The same goes for the weight of your engine and the fuel. The first way is to use a tape measure, and measure the length of the trailer from the front to the back. Also consider getting some LED lights for your pontoon boat too. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Considering this rule, if you have a 20-foot boat, you should get a 23 to 24-foot trailer. Now that you have learned the eight key elements to owning a pontoon boat trailer, you should have a clear understanding on if its worth your investment. Load guideshave been known to save marriages! Its possible to use some On the upside, theyre far cheaper. In other words, the ideal trailer size for a pontoon boat should be: Keep in mind that some pontoon boats overlap in the perfect trailer size. This is called power loading. It suits those pontoon boat owners who dont have to travel far to launch their boats. Therefore, it is advisable to consider several other factors before selecting the model you want. Also, consider the overall length, width, and height of the pontoon on the trailer. A good fit is a boat with at least 3 feet of more overhang. It is convenient since you can use the extra space to place additional gear. Copyright 2023 Pontooners | All rights reserved. If you plan to travel long and on various road types, you should think about large and bunk-style pontoon trailers. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. The bimini top should be all the way down in the trailering position. Most manufacturers utilize a mix of letters and numbers to comprise the actual product name and description. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. #5. 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. 28,751. Depending on where you live, having brakes on your trailer can be determined by law. How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski? And of course, they have a much higher payload capacity, so if youve got a bigger pontoon, a tandem trailer is the way to go. There are also barriers when trying to store a trailer. Make sure you check all the lighting before hitting the road. Pontoon boats are fantastic recreational vessels that offer a sense of style and luxury for cruising and fishing on inland waters. Other trailer styles do not lower for easy on and offloading. In our opinion companies They are recommended for all pontoon owners that plan on trailering the boat more than 10-15 miles down the road. However, they can cause a bumpy ride if you drive with an unloaded trailer. Depending on the dealer, some will include it with the sale of the boat. Depending on where you live exactly, you will want to go with either a galvanized trailer or an aluminum trailer. length and approximate They hook to your car and can be controlled from inside your vehicle for added safety. weight of your pontoon. Extensions A stern extension provides additional support for your pontoon boat. If you live in a neighborhood that will not allow you to park a trailer outside of your home, you may run into issues when looking for storage. should rest as closely to the center as possible. You must always yield to the side of caution. Most manufacturers or aftermarket vendors make travel covers for longer tows. Unfortunately when he got the boat on the trailer he But its always advisable to double check all measurements before retrieving Every state varies as to the rules on having brakes and some even go as far as telling you what kind of brakes you must have, electric or hydraulic. Triple-axle trailer - 4,800 lbs to 6,000 lbs. Keeping up with trailer maintenance is key to making sure it will last long, even in corrosive saltwater. Im not a fan of The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Pontoon Boat. spots, but it does match the Consider your vehicles GVWR and maximum tongue weight. That means investing another $500, but that is a way to lower the risk from an accident. Please make sure you entered a valid zip code. The model is available in both single and tandem axle options, and can also be purchased as a tritoon compatible frame. From my experience as a long-time pontoon boat owner, I know how quickly these items add up. Choosing the right pontoon trailer is not difficult once you know it needs to be bigger than your boat. That makes the volume 72 cubic feet (18 x 2 x 2). I have linked a diagram which shows where to check for the stamped number. 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. Get answers on. The torsion suspensions are hidden in the galvanized axles tubes, and their role is to compress while the wheels move. One size will not fit all trailers. However, if you can find a trailer length-adjustment mechanism that is perfect for your pontoon boat, we suggest going with that instead. For a 24-foot pontoon boat, you must use a 27 to a 28-foot trailer and so on. 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. The triple and multi-axle trailers are ideal for large, heavy pontoons. The industry calls these bunks, so when buying a pontoon trailer, you need to include the size of the bunk for a trailer that will fit well. Launching a pontoon boat can be quick and easy with some practice. You should always match the tires of your trailer to the type of terrain that you regularly haul your pontoon boat on. But its not all rainbows and butterflies. Most boat owners recommend radial or ply tires as the perfect choice for pontoon trailers. The way the trailer fits in the back is more critical. The portion you need to measure is not the cap, but the the hub bore. white trailers, they show New boats manufactured after 2008 are mostly 8 feet and 6 inches wide, so they are adjusted to 77 inches center. 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. Start measuring from the tip of the bow right at the center. First of all, fitting a pontoon can sometimes be challenging, and you can expect it to rock while traveling on local roads. when buying a new trailer, we do our best to adjust the trailer to the sizes 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. The strength of the winch And thats where we come in. These are the steps to measure a boat trailer - Measuring the Length The trailer's length can be measured using a tape measure - along the trailer's centerline. There are three features, however, that I do recommend; heres why: have been known to save marriages! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. One way to solve this dilemma is to understand the specifications of the trailer, the manufacturers recommendations, and the dimensions of your pontoon boat. The aluminum trailer will rust less than a galvanized one if you use your boat exclusively in saltwater. Also, it would help if you referred to your owner's manual. Barletta Content Manager, 8+ years Manufacturer Marketing, Brand Management, Customer Experience, and life-long boater. The width of our bunks adjust for boats 6 to the pontoon and looks 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. move the carpeted bunks, but its easier to do with power tools at the Also, the tube may be too far back or too much at the front. The trailer size depends on your pontoon dimensions. On the other hand, you can find it quite challenging to align the pontoon on the trailer perfectly. Some experts even recommend that the difference between pontoon and trailer sizes is 4 feet (1.2 m) in ideal conditions. The main benefit to a painted steel trailer is that you can have it customized to any color you like. 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. Measurements "A" and "B" are the overall width and length of your pontoon, and should be measured from the outer edges of the pontoon deck. You wouldnt want your boat to fly off your trailer simply because of a couple of bumps in the road, do you? This usually equates to a 14 - 20 foot pontoon boat. For example, radial tires will wear well and give you a smooth drive on smooth roads however, ply tires will give you better grip and less slip on rough terrain.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-1-0'); So if you have to cover rough ground to get to the water where you launch your boat it may be a better idea to opt for quicker wearing ply tires for the extra control they give you. The owner didnt scrimp on this package. Scissor or up/down pontoon trailers fit between the pontoon tubes for moving. This trailer type comes with two tire sets and can carry a boat weighing up to 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg). With that said, you can purchase a trailer for your pontoon boat from your dealer. Measure distance between rear rail and side gate. The size and type of the trailer you choose for your pontoon boat will depend largely on two things: Although there are other things to consider (which I will cover later) it is these two variables that will affect your trailer choice the most. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. trailer to fit your boat, New for 2023, the LX Sport is at the top of our L series. Take note of these numbers on the trailers product name/description and then find out the length of your pontoon. 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. If you live in a non-humid saltwater region such as the Pacific Northwest, galvanized is just fine. 5 Things You Should Prepare Before a Long Boating Trip, 10 Things to Know Before you Plan a Sailing Holiday. On the other hand, 2-5/16-inch balls can be rated for as much as 30,000 pounds . A spare does not typically come with the trailer unless you request one. The price range is similar in that you will see an average between $3K-$7K. However, you should also consider several other factors, including pontoon weight, the terrain you drive on, and additional equipment. The carrying capacity of the trailer is one of the most important pieces of information to know. 23-30 customizable boats with an unmistakable silhouette in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine. There is a handful of different brake + actuating options to consider when buying a pontoon trailer. 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. A trailer may be an essential item for moving your vessel but there are a ton of existing pontoon boat accessories and ideas you should explore especially if you want to a pontoon boat party or two. A galvanized trailer will ward off corrosion from the saltwater, but its still important to rinse them down after use. A great resource for finding out whats required near you is theAAA Trailer Break Guide. Since theyre waterproof and rugged, LED lights provide sufficient illumination without risking any sort of damage to the internal wiring due to moisture exposure and salt during a saltwater launch. Its just a ten minute job to Fortunately, you can buy cold galvanizing compound to keep your trailers frame protected against corrosion. The sidewall should have a sticker telling you the max PSI that your tires should be. This is the hub bore. Copyright 2018 --- Trailers for Pontoons. You will need an accurate measuring devices like a set of dial calipers that is accurate to 3 decimal places. Trailers to match 20-foot boats require bunks from 14 to 18-foot long. Most pontoon sales brochures state the boat weight but often exclude the engine from the calculation. the owner needs warranty or they didnt make the Although the boat is stable this scenario is not ideal if you have to travel long distances as it makes for an uncomfortable ride.
New York Times Paywall Smasher Extension,
Singer Brilliance 6180 Error Codes,
Articles H
how to measure a pontoon trailer