Aluminum boat trailer

[skippy116]

Does anyone have any experience with an aluminum boat trailer and saltwater? I had never heard of such a thing until I went to look at one for sale yesterday. It is from the mi-80s, but it looks to be in decent condition (other than the u-bolts, of course). Its rated for 600 lbs, and my set up is only ~500 with a full tank of gas.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Aluminum boat trailer

I don't know of anybody who uses anything other than aluminum around here. Aluminum is the only way to go in salt. Stainless hardware kits are about standard too. Can you imagine what a steel trailer would look like being in sale since the 80's?

If you're comcerned about aluminum in salt water, what motor do you have?

 

[skippy116]

Re: Aluminum boat trailer

Here in Victoria, BC, everyone uses galvanized boat trailers for salt water. They do ok, but they aren't expected to last long. I don't really know why more people don't use aluminum- maybe its too expensive? Maybe the weight capacity is too low?

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Aluminum boat trailer

Here in Victoria, BC, everyone uses galvanized boat trailers for salt water. They do ok, but they aren't expected to last long. I don't really know why more people don't use aluminum- maybe its too expensive? Maybe the weight capacity is too low?

It's not a weight thing as I have seen tripple axle aluminum trailers.
They are a lot more expensive than steel or galvanized trailers though and I think this is the reason for the amount of aluminum trailers in use.