Choosing the right trailer is an important part of safely transporting, launching, retrieving, and storing your boat. With several types of boat trailers available, the right choice depends on more than boat length alone. Hull design, loaded weight, launch conditions, towing requirements, and the environments where you use your boat can all affect trailer selection.
Rocket Marine Inc.™ manufactures boat trailers for a variety of watercraft and applications, including First Load™ aluminum trailers, Supreme Galvanized™ trailers, pontoon trailers, skiff trailers, catamaran trailers, and other specialized configurations. Understanding the differences can help you narrow down the trailer that best fits your boat and boating habits.
Types of Boat Trailers
Boat trailers can differ in how they support the hull, how the boat is loaded, the materials used to construct the frame, and the type of watercraft they’re designed to carry. Bunk, roller, and float-on configurations are among the options boat owners may encounter.
Bunk Trailers
Bunk trailers support the hull with long, typically carpeted or padded bunks positioned along the bottom of the boat. The bunks distribute the boat’s weight across designated areas of the hull and help keep it properly positioned during transportation.
Their relatively simple construction can mean fewer moving components to maintain. However, bunk trailers generally need to be backed far enough into the water for the boat to float sufficiently during launching and retrieval. Ramp depth and angle are therefore important considerations.
Roller Trailers
Roller trailers use a series of rollers rather than long bunks to support and guide the boat. The rollers can make it easier for the boat to move onto and off the trailer, which can be useful at certain shallow ramps or when water levels vary.
Because these trailers contain more moving components, rollers and related hardware should be inspected regularly for wear and proper operation. Boat owners should also make sure the roller arrangement provides appropriate support for their particular hull.
Float-On Trailers
Float-on configurations are designed so the trailer can be backed into the water and the boat floated into position. Once properly aligned, the boat is secured to the trailer before leaving the ramp.
This approach can make loading straightforward under suitable conditions, but it requires adequate ramp depth. Since more of the trailer may be submerged during use, routine inspection and maintenance are particularly important.
Boat-Specific Trailer Designs
Not every watercraft has the same hull shape or support requirements. Specialized boat trailers are designed to accommodate these differences.
Pontoon Trailers
Pontoon trailers are specifically configured to support pontoon boats. Rather than supporting a conventional V-shaped hull, the trailer must properly accommodate the boat’s pontoons and distribute its weight appropriately.
When selecting pontoon trailers, consider the boat’s overall dimensions, pontoon configuration, loaded weight, and required carrying capacity. Properly positioned supports and tie-down locations also help keep the boat secure during transportation.
Skiff, Catamaran, and PWC Trailers
Other watercraft can also benefit from purpose-built trailer designs. Skiffs and flats boats, for example, may sit differently on a trailer than conventional deep-V boats. Catamarans require support appropriate for their distinctive hull configuration, while personal watercraft require compact trailer designs suited to their dimensions and weight.
Rocket Marine Inc.™ offers specialized trailer options for multiple types of watercraft, allowing the trailer’s configuration to more closely match the boat it carries.
Aluminum vs. Galvanized Boat Trailers
Frame material is another important consideration when comparing the types of boat trailers available. Two common choices are aluminum and galvanized steel.
Aluminum trailers offer natural corrosion resistance and relatively low weight, making them well suited to many marine applications. A lighter trailer can also reduce the overall weight the tow vehicle needs to pull, although towing requirements should always be calculated using the complete loaded trailer weight.
Our First Load™ line includes aluminum trailers in multiple configurations, including single-, tandem-, and triple-axle models.
Galvanized trailers are constructed from steel protected by a zinc coating that helps resist corrosion. Galvanized steel provides a durable trailer frame and can be an appropriate option for many boat owners. Rocket Marine offers Supreme Galvanized™ trailers as an alternative to its aluminum lineup.
Regardless of material, trailers exposed to marine environments require routine care. Consider where and how frequently you’ll launch when comparing aluminum trailers and galvanized trailers.
Single, Tandem, or Triple Axle Boat Trailer?
The appropriate number of axles depends on factors such as the boat’s weight, trailer capacity, overall configuration, and intended application.
Single-axle trailers are commonly associated with smaller and lighter watercraft. Tandem-axle trailers provide additional load-carrying capability for larger applications, while triple-axle configurations can accommodate substantially larger and heavier boats when designed for the required load.
Don’t choose an axle configuration based on boat length alone. The combined weight of the boat, engine, fuel, batteries, equipment, gear, and other items needs to be considered when determining the necessary trailer capacity. Tow vehicle ratings should also be checked before towing.
How to Choose the Right Boat Trailer
Finding the right trailer begins with accurate information about your boat. Before comparing boat trailers, consider:
Boat length and width
Loaded boat weight
Hull shape and configuration
Required trailer load capacity
Number of axles
Freshwater or saltwater use
Typical launch ramp depth and conditions
Frequency and distance of towing
Tow vehicle capacity
Storage requirements
Trailer fit is particularly important. The support system should match the boat’s hull and distribute its weight appropriately. Adjustable components can help accommodate specific hull dimensions and loading requirements.
Rocket Marine Inc.™ also offers custom First Load™ aluminum trailers for applications requiring more specialized configurations. Custom options can include adjustable hull supports, keel-centering guides, guide poles, adjustable bow stops, winch stands, and other equipment.
Boat Trailer Maintenance
Routine maintenance helps keep a boat trailer ready for towing, launching, and retrieval. Inspection requirements will vary according to the trailer, how frequently it’s used, and the environments where it operates.
Regularly inspect tires for proper inflation and wear, and check hubs, bearings, brakes, lights, wiring, winches, safety chains, tie-downs, and other hardware. Rollers and bunks should also be inspected for damage or excessive wear.
Trailers used in saltwater deserve particular attention because repeated exposure can affect components and hardware over time. Following manufacturer maintenance recommendations and addressing worn components promptly can help keep the trailer in dependable operating condition.
We also provide trailer parts, repair, and maintenance services for components such as hubs and bearings, tires, springs, and general trailer hardware.
Find the Right Rocket Marine Boat Trailer
Safe boat towing starts with the right trailer. A properly selected trailer should support the hull correctly, accommodate the boat’s loaded weight, work with your preferred launch conditions, and pair safely with your towing vehicle.
Rocket Marine Inc.™ manufactures galvanized steel and aluminum trailers for a broad range of watercraft, including pontoons, sailboats, personal watercraft, skiffs, CAT boats, and custom applications. In addition to manufacturing boat trailers, we also offer trailer parts, repair services, and trailer rentals in Florida.
Whether you need a new boat trailer, replacement parts, professional repairs, or a custom trailer designed around your watercraft, contact us to discuss your boat, towing requirements, and trailer options.