Trailer Purchasing

[CT24Osprey]

I have a 24' Osprey Fisherman that I have always kept at the Marina for winter storage. This year I would like to buy a trailer for the boat so #1 do not have to pay for winter storage and #2 possibly take to Florida for father in law to use the boat in winter.

The boat weighs 5500#'s according to Osprey website. Does anyone know if that includes engine weight?

I would like a very good to excellent trailer, especially if it rides the 3000 miles per year back and forth to Florida.

What are better, bunk trailers or roller trailers?

Any feedback and help is much appreciated.

 

[NYGiants]

Re: Trailer Purchasing

The site only gives the dry weight of the boat, doesn't include the weight of fuel, gear, and engine. Your best bet is to either post a want ad on craigslist or just look around to find a trailer. Roller vs Bunk is a debate and there really isnt a better one, it is all a matter of preference. You'll also be getting trailer brakes but I'll let someone else handle that as i don't have experience with trailer brakes

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Trailer Purchasing

I would suggest a Bunk trailer. Alot is preference, and I really like the ease of loading and maint with a bunk trailer. Also, spreads the pressure throught the hull more evenly in my opinion.

I agree, that 5500# spec is dry weight of the hull most likely. So you will be after a tandem trailer rated at 10,000lbs. You will know the rating as the axel will have 6 studs. By the time you add engine weight, fuel, gear and trailer weight to the 5500, you will probably top over 7500lbs, so the 10K trailer is where I would start looking. I can assure you one thing. Getting a trailer slightly bigger than you need will make trailering a breeze. Getting one slightly smaller to save Cash will turn into a HUGE headache and hassle and you will not want to trailer anywhere.... just my .02 cents

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Trailer Purchasing

I've had both roller trailers and bunks. I'd perfer bunks just because as mentioned earlier they spread the weight over much larger areas. Also you can unhook everything when lauching the boat including the bow chain and take off right after starting the boat so the driver can pull the trailer out of the water but if you have a roller trailer be sure to NEVER do this!! Also my old roller trailer left scuff marks on the hull. I also would highly recommend disc surge breaks if your budget allows. You don't even know my boat is back there when you go to stop plus don't have to worry about a controler.

Good luck!!!