Can i use an oversized boat trailer?

[Stripernewb]

I tore up the trailer under my 17.5ft Alumacraft Super Bandit. I have had VERY little luck finding a used trailer .....much more difficult than I expected being so close to Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.
I did find a guy with a bass boat trailer but it is a lot wider than my boat. Would it hurt anything to have my boat on a trailer that is 12-24 inches wider on each side? Is there a way to modify it to fit better?
Appreciate and feedback.....can't afford a new trailer for this 1986 fishing boat.
Thanks!

 

[FunInDuhSun]

I don't see any problem as long as you make sure the trailer bunks make good, uniform contact along the boat hull.
If the trailer doesn't have keel rollers, I would consider adding them to transfer some of the load down low.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

The trailer is built to carry a certain weight and you put a lighter load on it it might give your boat a ruff ride.

 

[Scott Danforth]

look outside your area. down here you can throw a rock and hit at least 3 trailers for sale. then again, it helps that most of the trailer manufacturers are down here.

get the right size trailer for your boat. too small, and you will have problems with failing a trailer, too big and you will have the trailer failing the boat (too stiff)

 

[fishin98]

As long as you can adjust the bunks to fit your boat, why not. You might want to install a few rollers to help support the keel. I do realize that in certain areas, a decent used trailer is hard to find.

 

[Rickochet]

Try Craigs List. I usually see trailers for sale. There are also some boats with trailer and the boats are in terrible shape.

 

[airshot]

If the trailer would turn out to be to stiff, it is quite easy to remove a leaf spring to soften the ride. Most any automotive shop should be able to handle the job easily as long as it is not really rusted.