Pontoon Boat Tariler

[PA FF]

I am new to the site and have a question. If I am posting in the wrong place please let me know. I am looking for a ?Bunk Style? trailer for a 20? Pontoon Boat. Last year I purchased the boat for $3,000 without a trailer and kept it at a local marina. This year I want to be able to transport the boat and need a trailer. I have looked all over the Harrisburg Pennsylvania area and can not find a used trailer. I have prices on new trailers and they are about $2,100, since I only paid $3,000 for the boat that seems a little much. If there is anywhere out there that has used trailers please let me know. I love boating and want to travel other places. Thank you in advance? Cory?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

I was in the same situation last year. I paid the same for mine and, like you, no trailer. Working on a very low budget, I acquired a rolling frame from a 24 ft. camper trailer for $200. I fabricated bunks with brackets and 2x6. With double axles rated for 3500 lbs and brakes to boot, it made for a sturdy ride. With 60 series tires and a load well under it's maximum rating, it rides well and not much higher off the ground than a stock unit. If your handy, it makes for an inexpensive pontoon trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

You do a Yahoo or Google search for "Used Pontoon Trailers" or "Pontoon Trailers", and Craig's List. I've seen brand new tandems for $1975.

 

[PA FF]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

Jeep Man, that sounds great could you post some pictures. I like the idea of a sturdy trailer. I used a center load trailer last year to get it out of the water. I only towed it about 10 miles and that was enough for me. On the trailer you built, what did you use for a front support to crank the boat up?

Silvertip, I have searched high and low to the point my fingers are starting to hurt from typing. The only used trailer I found was on the west coast. I don't have a problem driving to another state but I have my limits.

Thank you for taking the time to give these suggestions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

i bought a sizzor trailer last month for $200.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

Sorry, no pictures yet, but I hope to get back to the cottage soon to continue work on the project. Waiting for the snow to clear and the temp to rise. As I only had to transport my boat a very short distance, I chanced it without a front bar, but rest assured, it's high on the priority list. I plan to fabricate a center post angled toward the rear with a stout cross member. As I have about 6 ft. of unused space at the front of my trailer I plan to deck it with plywood and add a small ladder to the cross member to assist boarding the boat when on the trailer. I will also be attaching the winch to the center post.

 

[PA FF]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

Thanks, Jeep Man. I am looking for a 24? camper trailer for the frame, like you did and I also want to mount a ?truck box? on the front for storage. I have looked at a few trailers and think I could scrap the aluminum to supplement the cost of the trailer. Thanks for all the ideas.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

One thing to consider when building is the pontoon height off the ground. The higher it is on the trailer the more you have to back into the water to get it to float off. Shallow sloped ramps will make this worst. Even with dealer pontoon trailers this maybe a concern.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

My bed length is approx. 24 ft, which gives me that extra bit of platform on the front. Remember though, that rv campers are rated tongue to bumper when listed. You may need to be looking for a 28. It may look like a monster when empty, I know my neighbors did, but when the toon goes on it, it looks OK. With the extra length on the front, it's easier to launch as the trailer can go further into the water. This compensates for the extra height. I used a 60 series tire and set the bunks above them enough to take a few bumps without rubbing, but kept them as low as possible to assist launching and keeping the center of gravity down. Also, you will also have to move the axels back to get the proper tongue weight.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

Here is some food for thought. I'm JUST finishing building a Bunk trailer for my 20ft pontoon boat. Here are my costs so far.

Steel 500$
2 2000# Axle kits 2x 159$ = 318$
4 8.5x18x8 tires/wheels 4x 55$ = 220$
Lumber/carpet for bunks 120$
Winch 35$
Trailer jack 35$
2" ball coupler/ saftey chains 40$
LED Trailer lights + wiring 75$
Paint 50$

Roughly 1200$ to build my own trailer and I have about 40 hours into the project, I also have a 220v wirefeed and plasma cutter in my garage which also cost money. A similar trailer from my dealer was 2100$ single or 2500$ double axle. my Trailer cost half as much BUT I have a full 40 hours into building it. Just some food for thought on the trailer.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

How do you charge YOURSELF when you are making something that you are proud of when it's finished & you saved so much OUT OF POCKET expense?

I've done the same thing only my trailer was already rated for 6000#. I changed the tires from 15 inch to 20.5X8X10, lengthed the tongue & the rear frame of the trialer, installed in lights, had steel "V"s made & found used cross members to mount the "V"s on & made a front bumber from scrap 1/8"X3"X4" & I was done. I also applied in zinc coating to the entire trailer. I have a total cost of $980.00 in the whole setup. That does not include 60 hrs of labor but that is a labor of love as far as I am concerned.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

I'm just putting it into perspective. My Labor was ~32$ an hour if you figure out the difference between building it and buying it. I could have worked overtime at work which is ~32$ an hour also for 40 hours and just bought the trailer too. If the person doesn't have equipment to build one they are better off buying one instead of investing cash into a welder and such. Bare minimum you need is a 220V stick welder (I see these go for 100-300$ used on craigslist) and a 75$ cheapo 14" metal chopsaw. I deal setup would be a 220v wirefeed though.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

I agree with you on the labor figures verses buying a trailer. I was one tired puppy after I got mine all built & ready to go. Other then being able to say "I built this trialer", I would not do it again. The "love of labor" thing gets old sometimes really fast doesn't it? Especially when you are over 60 yrs old. lol Overall I am pleased with my rebuild as I enjoy doing things myself & the money I saved was worth every dime. I have to work on a limited budget so it all worked good for me. Many people are not able to do things this way due to working space, know how & many other restrictions.

I got lots of ideas & help from people on this forum & that helped out tremendously. Lots of great people here who enjoy helping others with the same interests.

 

[maxamus]

Re: Pontoon Boat Tariler

Just look around. I found a hoosier classic sitting under an old pontoon that looked like it had seen better days. I just stoped and asked if it was for sale. Bought both for $500. Sold the pontoon to neighbor to make a raft for $100. I looked for a year before finding one. New one was over $2000 so i feel pretty good