svana
Jetboaters Lieutenant
- Messages
- 417
- Reaction score
- 371
- Points
- 157
- Location
- Riverview, FL
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2008
- Boat Model
- SX
- Boat Length
- 23
Hey everyone,
This past January we purchased an 08 SX230. It didn’t come with a trailer and we have stored it in a marina, so a trailer was never necessary. This coming year we plan on stretching her legs a little more and take her to the keys, Bahamas, etc, so I’m starting to keep my eyes out for a trailer. Being that this is our first boat, this will also be the first trailer. While having towed plenty of utility, box, and car trailers, I’m less versed in boat trailers and was hoping you could share some insight. I’m comfortable with my tow vehicle (03 4Runner w/ V8, steel bumpers resulting in added weight, oil cooler, upgraded suspension and brakes), but what’s behind it is the bigger question lol.
First and foremost - what is the length of the trailer I should be looking for? If the boat is 23’, can I use a 21’ for example? Dual axle has been the only tell tale that I’ve seen on the OEM trailers for the 23-25’ boats.
Surge brakes? Are these expected/usual on these size trailers? They seem like a must.
Condition: The trailer will be primarily used in salt water, so AL is strongly preferred, galvanized steel would be a minimum. No paint. Aside from rust, should I expect to have to rebuild/replace the axles? I know tires are usually an immediate swap, bunks are easy (is it worth upgrading to rollers?), lights are straightforward if needed.
Any other features I should be looking for? I figure the trailer won’t fit like a glove without some adjustments, but want to make sure I’m starting with a functional base. Also, any thoughts on pricing down in FL? I’m willing to travel a bit and wait for the right deal - don’t have anything pressing yet, which is why I’m starting to look now. I know covid’s made the boat market go bananas, not sure if that translates into the trailer market - I’d imagine so.
Any additional input/wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks!
This past January we purchased an 08 SX230. It didn’t come with a trailer and we have stored it in a marina, so a trailer was never necessary. This coming year we plan on stretching her legs a little more and take her to the keys, Bahamas, etc, so I’m starting to keep my eyes out for a trailer. Being that this is our first boat, this will also be the first trailer. While having towed plenty of utility, box, and car trailers, I’m less versed in boat trailers and was hoping you could share some insight. I’m comfortable with my tow vehicle (03 4Runner w/ V8, steel bumpers resulting in added weight, oil cooler, upgraded suspension and brakes), but what’s behind it is the bigger question lol.
First and foremost - what is the length of the trailer I should be looking for? If the boat is 23’, can I use a 21’ for example? Dual axle has been the only tell tale that I’ve seen on the OEM trailers for the 23-25’ boats.
Surge brakes? Are these expected/usual on these size trailers? They seem like a must.
Condition: The trailer will be primarily used in salt water, so AL is strongly preferred, galvanized steel would be a minimum. No paint. Aside from rust, should I expect to have to rebuild/replace the axles? I know tires are usually an immediate swap, bunks are easy (is it worth upgrading to rollers?), lights are straightforward if needed.
Any other features I should be looking for? I figure the trailer won’t fit like a glove without some adjustments, but want to make sure I’m starting with a functional base. Also, any thoughts on pricing down in FL? I’m willing to travel a bit and wait for the right deal - don’t have anything pressing yet, which is why I’m starting to look now. I know covid’s made the boat market go bananas, not sure if that translates into the trailer market - I’d imagine so.
Any additional input/wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks!
