No matter if it's a light runabout, dinghy, Parkercraft or something even smaller - this economical method for getting it on the road makes for easy transportation. Building a DIY Trailer for a boat can be a simple and rewarding project that will allow you to load and unload your vehicle and boat at the same time without much hassle.
The Trailer for a Boat is made from an aluminum frame with the chine rollers welded to the main beam/draw bar and above the mudguards. The axle is secured by U-bolts to the main beam and can be shifted between two keel rollers to accommodate a variety of sizes of boats.
The Basics
When selecting a trailer for your boat, it's essential that you consider its size and total weight - this includes the weight of the hull, engine, gearboxes, water tanks and any equipment accessories. Furthermore, take note of its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which determines what capacity your trailer has.
Trailers are essential safety components when transporting boats, providing stability and reducing friction with the road. To keep it in good condition, regularly inspect its brakes, lights, lug nuts, and any other parts. If any issues arise it is wise to replace these as soon as possible.
Especially if your trailer will be used for saltwater boating since its brakes will be subject to more frequent corrosion and rusting. Furthermore, check for loose components and ensure all connections are secure; and ensure the winch cable is positioned easily within its location.
If you want to build your own trailer, there are numerous online tutorials and videos that provide guidance and inspiration for this task. Be mindful of both your individual needs and budget constraints when considering these videos and tutorials as sources of ideas.
Steps make accessing your boat more comfortable, and can easily be built yourself as part of a budget-minded improvement to the trailer. To create these steps, all that's required are four 24-inch PVC pipes, two elbow fittings and some tee fittings - and PVC glue will do the rest!
Materials
There are various materials you could choose when building a boat trailer, each offering their own advantages depending on its intended use and attachment to your vehicle. C-channel or rectangular tube are popular choices and both provide easy working environments; both will accept bolts with no problems; some people like tube for its full rectangle cross section while others find channel easier to paint.
This trailer's design is straightforward - it is capable of transporting small light runabouts such as dinghys, tinnies or Parkercrafts with ease and is great for running from beach to lake for fishing trips. Keel rollers on its main beam drawbar can be adjusted forwards or backward as necessary to accommodate any size boat; additionally, its winch post can be moved up or down to suit the height of the eye on the bow of the vehicle.
Design
The purchase of a boat trailer can be seen as an investment - typically costing 10-20% of its total value - so it is vital that you choose one that best meets your needs and reduces long-term hull damage risks. Choosing an appropriate trailer may reduce such issues considerably - this is particularly relevant if your vessel spends most of its time out of water.
When selecting a boat trailer, it is essential that you consider what road conditions will be present during its use. From hauling across city streets to pothole-ridden dirt roads and backroads, your trailer must be capable of handling these conditions without fail.
Weight should also be a key consideration. Your trailer should be capable of supporting both the weight of your boat, along with all additional fuel, equipment and accessory weight. Make sure that you weigh your boat on an accurate scale in order to get an accurate estimation of its dry weight.
If you're shopping for a trailer for your boat, be sure to visit your local boat dealer first for advice and recommendations. They should have an array of trailers suitable for your vessel as well as assist with finding one that is the best match for your specific needs.
When buying a trailer, it is crucial that you select one with larger diameter tires. This will extend their lifespan by decreasing how often each wheel spins during operation while also decreasing heat produced from each spin - something which could otherwise cause them to overheat and fail altogether.
Purchase of an appropriately fitted trailer can help protect against damage while making loading and unloading easier, saving both time and money on repairs and maintenance costs. If you need help selecting the appropriate model, speak to your local boat dealer or read reviews of different models online.
Build
Watercraft enthusiasts who wish to protect their boats from harsh weather conditions must have a trailer, making loading and unloading them easier when sailing out on the water. DIY-ers with metalworking tools can build their own trailer - it can be fun, rewarding, and potentially save money when compared with purchasing an expensive commercial trailer.
If you're upgrading an older trailer or starting fresh, this blog post from IT STILL RUNS offers a detailed step-by-step guide for how to build your own Jon boat trailer on a budget. Additionally, the post includes all necessary supplies.
WAYNE THE BOAT GUY provides an in-depth video walkthrough on building your own homemade boat trailer from start to finish, including dimensions and detailed images throughout the process.
No matter the size or type of boat, this video will demonstrate how to build an easy, affordable DIY small boat trailer suitable for any runabout - be it dinghy, tinny, Parkercraft or children's yachts!
If your trailer lacks a guide post, loading and unloading your boat could become more cumbersome than necessary, with frequent bumps into fenders or frames while loading and unloading. Not only is this inconvenient but it could cause lasting damage to both boat and trailer! Therefore it is crucial that a guide post be added so as to ease boat loading/unloading operations.
Barrowed Time's blogger provides this comprehensive tutorial to show how you can easily construct your own custom boat trailer with Kee Klamp fittings, offering tips and warnings as well as a list of supplies necessary. Once finished, this professional-looking trailer can easily haul a kayak, canoe or small sailboat - making this tutorial accessible even to novice builders!