Is boat trailer too long?

[ddc1969]

I am looking to purchase a 24' Bayliner Ciera that does not come with a trailer. I can purchase a 27' bunk trailer locally that is in great shape for a good price. Can I use this trailer for the boat or am I asking for trouble?

 

[pinecrestwoods]

Re: Is boat trailer too long?

Might be tough to tell until you had your boat on it and check weight distribution. If it's a real steal, you might be able to play around with boat position on it and have the trailer shortened to match the boat? I'm thinking it's likely you may have to move the axle(s), but I've never done this. Interesting question!

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Is boat trailer too long?

Pictures possibly? Whether a boat is 24' or 27' is sort of irrelevent because the motor and drive which make up the majority of the weight are in the same position from the transom in relation to the axle. What you have is essentially just a longer tongue which won't hurt a thing. Move the winch back, check the tongue weight, should be good.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Is boat trailer too long?

The problem I find with boat trailers, is people generally say a trailer will hold a certain size boat, when in actuality it won't. I rented a trailer that should have been fine for a 25'er. I put a 25'er on it, moved the winch post as far forward as possible, and had almost 2' hanging off the back of the trailer.

I am almost willing to bet this 27' trailer, would be a good match for a 24-25' boat as it sits.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Is boat trailer too long?

Don't just guess or ask somebody that may or may not know.

All trailers are made for boats between X' and Y'. The trailer specifictions list the requirements. Get the trailer model number and contact the manufacturer. It could be as simple as replacing the tongue piece because many models are the same except for the length of the tongue.

The second requirement is weight. Regardless of length, the capacity may not be right.