Getting the right trailer

Amra the Lion

New Member
Jul 6, 2016
1
Kansas
Boat Info
1999 270 Sundancer
2015 Toyota Tundra
Engines
454 Mercruiser
Purchasing a 1999 270 Sundancer
trying to figure out the right trailer for me
I thought i could get by with one desinged to fit between a 26-28ft boat, but with the swim platform it is around 29ft 9inches
will this work?
All freshwater, so does aluminum or steel matter?
Appreciate any knowledge you can share!
 
The trailer designed for 26-28 feet should work. What you want to make sure of is that the bunks are the correct distance apart so the boat sits well on them, and they're not hitting any thru hulls, and that they go all the way to the transom of the boat. If they stop short of the transom you hull bottom will develop cups where the transom hangs beyond the end of the bunks.

The engines are the heaviest part of the boat so make sure they sit above and between both axles so the weight is neither ahead of or behind the axles. You may need to adjust the axles forward or back so the engines sit above them and so that you have the correct tongue weight. If the engines are too far forward you'll have too much tongue weight and the trailer won't tow well. Same thing if the engines are too far back the tongue weight will be too light and d the trailer will wander all over the road. If you do move the axles fore or aft, make sure when you tighten the bolts on them that they are square to the trailer frame.

Also, make sure the trailer is designed for the weight of the boat you're going to haul. If it's too heavy duty the boat won't compress the suspension enough and will suffer from a harsh ride and get all the jolts from the road surface because the trailer's suspension can't absorb them like it should. Conversely, if the trailer weight capacity is too light the boat will over-compress the suspension and it won't be able to carry it well.
 
Last edited:
Excellent info above.

Regarding length... Overall length doesn't matter. Measure (straight line) from the garboard drain plug to the bow eye. That's the critical one.

No, aluminum or painted steel or galvanized steel doesn't matter. But alum or galv will still last longer. Alum, of course, will save weight.

Be sure to get brakes on ALL axles and consider EOH. VERY noticeable difference in braking performance. You have at least a 3/4 ton truck, right? Preferably diesel.
 

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