[gilla]

Tired of paint chips on painted trailers and not taking them to salt water. Alum trailers seem the best solution but have heard of problems loading as they float. In current they will move some, which is understandable, but what about in calm water. Any experience out on the forum?

 

[Speedwake]

oh yea... MY sunsation trailer was a BIG TIME floater!!!!!

- jeff

 

[gilla]

Sounds like you need a good hand driving the tow vehicle to back under the boat after you get the bow on good?

 

[cuda]

Two of my three aluminum trailer float. It is a pain in the a$$ when any wind, current, or other boats are present. I have seen them with plastic covered bench weights bolted thru the frame. I'm thinking about doing it to mine. I'm also contemplating filling the rear tube with enough lead to sink it, but I'm not sure about electrolisis with the lead/aluminum mix. The floating comes in handy if you happen to back it off the end of the concrete at the ramp. I remember having to wade out to lift a steel trailer in February.

 

[cuda]

Here is the best reason to own an aluminum trailer. The one in the center I bought new in May 1988. I have replaced the springs and axle once, and just replaced the carpet on the bunks. It actually looks better than the picture shows. (I just took this pic tonight)

 

[gilla]

Cuda-Thanks for your comments and effort to get the pic.

 

[Iggy]

I've never had mine float, yet.
There's been some steep ramps where I had to go deep before I could load but didn't notice it floating. I haven't had it in salt water, only fresh. Is it possible the extra boyancy of the salt water helps?

 

[OldMagicfloat]

Just got my first aluminum trailer. Wasn't ready for the floating part (freshwater). Took a second to realize what was going on. It is an I-beam Quickload.

Too bad the boat was not as bouyant.

 

[26scarab]

I've owned a Loadmaster aluminum I-beam trailer for 3 years now and never had a problem with it floating.

Most of the ramps I use are pretty good , so maybe that is the reason.

 

[pachangalpina]

FLOATERS

Ok guys, let's have alittle more info. I am also looking to buy a new trailer and am considering an aluminum one.
What size are the floaters? Do they have tandem or triples. Alum. wheels or steel. I have been told that the tires create the bouyancy and that alum wheels do not weigh enough to offset them.
My current trailer is a roller so what are the drawbacks to a bunk trailer. The boat lives on the trailer.

Thanks, Todd

 

[26scarab]

I have twin axles and galvanized steel rims

 

[cuda]

Galvanized wheels are the way to go. I just bought a trailer for my 20 foot Formula. It is a Continental 21 to 23 foot, 5500# Capacity, 2 5/16 ball, stainless fastners, 14 " wheels, and 2500# winch. It cost $1750. I have only had it in the water when I was switching trailers, I don't remember it floating, but at the time, I was more concerned with the fact I left the plug out of the boat. My floaters are a single axle Fastload, and a tandem Diamond Custom trailer. Bunks are the only way to go, I don't even know why they make roller trailers, I can't think of any advantage to them.

More info is on this thread with picture

http://www.speedwake.com/upload/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1174

 

[Iggy]

Mine is a twin axle, I-beam, steel rim wheels with bunks. Drum surge brakes and fresh water flush capability.

 

[Forrest]

They'll float!

Aluminum trailers with large cypress bunks will float quite well! You will figure out how far to back it in before it floats. If you need to go farther, have your buddy back it up a few more feet once your boat is partly on. It's not all that difficult.

Rolls model 26100 tandom-axle aluminum I-beam trailer with 10 x 10 cypress bunks - it floats!