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Matching your boat to your trailer

by | Dec 16, 2019 | Boat Trailers

Trailers may be the most neglected item of boat related equipment, despite the fact, that they open vast horizons of boating adventure, allowing us to explore locations far remote from our normal local waterways.

When choosing a suitable trailer, the weight of your boat, the width and length of the hull need to be considered. When you calculate the gross weight of the trailer, you need to include the weight of the boat, trailer, engine, water and fuel (around 1 kilogram per litre), as well as any equipment you intend to carry.

Check the compliance plate to make sure that the gross weight limit specified for the trailer is not exceeded. It is better to have a safety margin than overload the trailer because this will minimise the risk of any structure, bearings or accident problems.

The tow bar fitted to a vehicle must have the correct load rating, which is specified by the vehicle and tow bar manufacturer. The towing capacity for most vehicles is found in the vehicle’s handbook. You must not exceed the towing limits specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Beware of the hollow Tow Bars

There are so many things you need to consider when purchasing a new trailer, making sure you get the trailer best suited to your needs and the needs of your vessel. Trailers these days mainly come in steel with a hot dipped galvanised finish, however the trend of late has been to build them from aluminium. I’m a fan of aluminium as it reduces the overall weight of the towing package. It’s also less prone to corrosion and therefore lasts longer and is smoother to tow.

If you intend to launch your boat into saltwater, Aluminium or galvanised trailer would be a suitable choice for long-term. Painted trailers are generally suitable only for use in freshwater only.

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) system was designed to prevent vessel & trailer theft. Make a note of your boat & trailer HIN & Serial number some were safe on your invoice or in manual.

Things to consider when buying a new Trailer

  1. The right compliance for the weight for the boat.
  2. Make sure the boat is supported properly.
  3. Checking & make sure you have the right amount of trailer Lights and reflectors for the size of trailer.
  4. Making sure you have a heavy-duty Jockey Wheel or Jockey Stand for the weight of the boat.
  5. Check to make sure you have the right amount of Safety Chains & Tested Shackles required.
  6. Check the braking system be sure you have the right braking system for the weight of your vessel.
  7. Running gear – Axles, Springs, Shackle Bolts- make sure they are correct for the weight of the boat.
  8. Make sure there are tie down points on the trailer for when tying down the vessel to the trailer.
  9. Be sure the trailer comes with a Spare Wheel, Spare Wheel Carrier & Lock.
  10. Make sure the trailer should have single Axle, Dual Axle or Tri Axle

Many boat trailers built in Australia comply and are built under the Australian ADR ruling not like the overseas trailers. The conditions of some of our Australian roads are rough & rugged, so we as trailer manufacturers in Australia understand our roads and build our trailers to last the test of time. The Australian trailer manufactures care what is under your boat and the difference being we are here if anything goes wrong. Redco & Tinka Trailers are built in Australia with Australian Steel; therefore we sell the Redco & Tinka Brand of Trailers.

“Quality isn’t expensive, quality is long lasting making it priceless”

Even though you might pay more remember-

Our Vindicator Quality products are of a very high standard and we truly believe ‘you get what you pay for’. There’s no point buying the best boat and engine if it sits on a bad trailer. The trailer is what gets your boat to and from the water in one piece, so it’s rather important! Poorly maintained or designed trailers are the cause of so many disastrous starts or finishes to a day’s fishing.

Vindicator Quality Aluminium Trailers are custom built to suit your needs. Quality is Watsons Marine highest priority. Quality products and quality customer service. If we wouldn’t use the product ourselves, we won’t sell it to you. Fisherman know what fisherman need! The price is long forgotten but the Quality lingers on & on.

Designing them for Fibreglass Boats, Alloy Boats, Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats, Cat Hulls, Yachts. We can custom design any trailers up to 4.5T building your quality trailer out of structural aluminium and fully welded and gusseted – No bolted alloy frames. We have spent a lot of time searching for suppliers that want extra quality in their products. We guarantee quick turnarounds on your trailers

You will not regret getting a custom built, Vindicator Quality Aluminium Trailer for your vessel, easy to tow, easy to launch & retrieve, looks after your boat as it is moulded to suit your vessel. A great drive on drive off trailer especially with a boat catch & front ladder fitted to the front of the trailer, these make launching and retrieving a one-man operation no matter what size.

We build trailers to suit all kinds of vessels, Yacht’s, Cat – Dual Hull Boats, Alloy Boats, Fibreglass Boats, Land Trailers for boats on the hard with – No Brakes – Manual Over-Ride Brakes – Hydraulic Brake Systems all up to 4.5ton.

Don’t keep putting up with the old tired trailer call Watsons Marine Today and speak to the builders themselves.