Trailers

A

allatsea

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Oct 1, 2020
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Hello,
I have only recently joined and presently boatless but questions keep coming to me.
I'm concentrating my interest on the 370/380 range. I have found people to be welcoming and helpful so thank you for that. Also, some of the threads are useful but it's a bit like going down a rabbit hole.
Can members tell me whether I should usually expect to find a trailer included with a boat that's for sale or are trailers fairly uncommon? And if not included what would I expect to have to pay for one?
Thank you.
 
For a boat that size you typically won’t find a trailer included.

Prices will depend on new or used and the condition of the trailer.
 
I have 2 friends that also have the same boat as I do. They had a trailer built for a 380 (early 2000 era). I bought in with them.

pretty much takes a semi to pull it, guessing you could do ok with a 350 or bigger.... it’s just a lot to have invested for pulling once a year (if that) to store....

You will find very few with a trailer, they just are not out there
 
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Thank you for replies - appreciated. It is nice to have one's thoughts confirmed.
I checked because I see some boats of this length and upwards that have been stored ashore for winter by yard operatives and the hull has been inadequately supported and in one case the chock on the triangular frame/support leg had damaged the hull.... fault apparently denied by the yard.
Thank you for the advice.
 
I would look into a well-made aluminum trailer. They are much lighter than steel, don't rust, and can be competitively priced. You might consider going with a gooseneck with a boat that large. Late model dually diesels by the big three can handle the towing. Be careful when setting up the trailer. You want it as low-slung as reasonably possible, or you will be over-height as well as over-width. Both can be manageable depending on where you are towing.
 
A new aluminum trailer will be $10k, perhaps more, to haul that, honestly, I'd wet slip it and pay for the routine haul out for hull cleaning. It's so much better to just walk up, get in, come back and walk away, than to trailer and deal with the idiots at the boat ramps.
 
Different strokes for different folks. I much prefer a trailer. That way you're not a slave to the marina's schedule and you can work on your boat, if you do, in you're own yard/garage. Also nice to be able to keep a closer eye on it.
$7k-$8k for a new aluminum Venture trailer nicely optioned.
IMG_20200918_191318.jpg
 
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I spent the last 2 years searching in the 24-30 foot range, and I didn't see many boats for sale with a trailer included. And when I did, it was always the 8.5-foot beam boats (240DA, 260DA etc).
 
I am in a similar situation. I stay in the slip for the summer, but I'd like to get a trailer for the 300DA so I can take it to indoor winter storage. More specifically, have it hauled to and from storage, since my 1500 can't haul it and I don't want to upgrade the whole truck rig ... yet.

Does anyone have a good resource for finding used 3-axle trailers? I've tried eBay, craigslist etc.
 
Assuming used trailers, you can keep looking at eBay, Craigslist (but use a national search), even FaceBook Market Place. But all are going to be hit or miss, a good tri-axle at a good price is going to go fast there. I would leave inquires at as many local marina yards as possible let them know what you are looking for.

I got the yard to bundle in my trailer when I was buying my 300 because I let them know it had to be trailer-able to close on it. One of the few decent things I got out of them...
 
If you're planning to have it hauled, why bother with owning a trailer? Hire a hauling company twice a year, let them use their trailer? Block it in your barn/garage and skip having to deal with storing the trailer all summer whilst your boat is in the water...
 
Stee6043 said:
If you're planning to have it hauled, why bother with owning a trailer? Hire a hauling company twice a year, let them use their trailer? Block it in your barn/garage and skip having to deal with storing the trailer all summer whilst your boat is in the water...
Click to expand...
Plus you avoid the added expense of upgrading your truck to something capable of towing.
 
Stee6043 said:
If you're planning to have it hauled, why bother with owning a trailer? Hire a hauling company twice a year, let them use their trailer? Block it in your barn/garage and skip having to deal with storing the trailer all summer whilst your boat is in the water...
Click to expand...

Ok you have me thinking! I was planning on leaving it on the trailer for the off-season, since I have space next to the house. I wouldn't expect to need to move it, but in theory if it's on a trailer, I could move it in an emergency. But if I could get blocks and stands, that's another option!
 
Agree with Stee6043. I don’t see what the allure of a trailer is for THAT size boat. Heck, towing my 320DA was about 16,000lbs on the trailer. Then figure in over width permits. I’m right at the legal height and it’s still puckering towing between low hanging tree branches.

Now a 380DA weighs what? About 18,300lbs dry without trailer. Best to hire out once or twice a year like Stee6043 said above. I’m not made of money but no way I want to tie up the money it would require to have a properly built trailer and truck for twice a year.
 
TTG said:
Agree with Stee6043. I don’t see what the allure of a trailer is for THAT size boat. Heck, towing my 320DA was about 16,000lbs on the trailer. Then figure in over width permits. I’m right at the legal height and it’s still puckering towing between low hanging tree branches.

Now a 380DA weighs what? About 18,300lbs dry without trailer. Best to hire out once or twice a year like Stee6043 said above. I’m not made of money but no way I want to tie up the money it would require to have a properly built trailer and truck for twice a year.
Click to expand...
61C492FD-CBE9-4D3A-B360-E6D9A0A1DC46.jpeg
61C492FD-CBE9-4D3A-B360-E6D9A0A1DC46.jpeg
 
Wow, that's impressive if you can tow that rig with confidence. I am the eternal DIY-er but I also know my limits. My boat is only 12,500 lbs dry but I've never towed more than 2,000 lbs in my utility trailer.
 
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You’ll be surprised what it weighs when it’s on trailer ready to roll down the road. I know I was. For me it’s the width that gives me more issues than the weight. The boat was slipped and only trailered twice a year. To each their own, but my next boat I’ll hire it out. I’m currently looking in that 38-40ft range and a trailer hasn’t even entered my mind! Take care!
 
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