New Boat Tandem vs Single

[mitchell2345]

Hey iBoats,

I am looking to upgrade my boat and I think I found the one I like a 2007 Crownline 21SS. I currently have a 94 Dynasty Elan 211.

So here is the question. Should i ask the dealer to let me trailer swap or should I keep the trailer?

My trailer:
Tandem Axle
New Tires last year ~800 miles on them
Added trailer breaks on 1 axle last year so new bearings etc.
A little bit of rust that could be cleaned up

The Trailer on the Crownline:
Single Axle
No brakes
not sure what the tire wear is like.


Assuming the new boat will fit on the old trailer. Would you swap them or take the new one? I have always hear tandem is better and since last year I just dropped $1k on trailer I like the idea of not loosing that money.

What would you do???

Thanks,
Mitchell

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

How much does your boat, when loaded, weigh? What is the capacity of the single axle trailer? I would bet the trailer is rated for 3500# and I would also bet the boat exceeds that...

Seems like the tandem would be a better choice for a boat that size...

 

[batman99]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Assume same boat weight is being replaced with same boat weight. Assume same boat length is being replaced with same boat length. Assume same boat cradle shape as well. Just like a glove, the trailer must properly fit the boat's belly shape. Or, its the improper tool for the job.

With this in mind.... IMO, 2 x axles is better than 1 x axle. 2 x axles pull more smoothly. And, 2 x axles have lower risk of damage from tire blow out. And, brakes on a trailer is a great bonus as well.

For me, I would keep the 2 x axle trailer (with brakes) - assume it properly fits the new (future) boat.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Tandem axles with brakes and new tires. If the boat fits, I'd clean up the rust and call it good.

 

[SWD]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

How much does your boat, when loaded, weigh? What is the capacity of the single axle trailer? I would bet the trailer is rated for 3500# and I would also bet the boat exceeds that...

Seems like the tandem would be a better choice for a boat that size...

times 2

 

[mitchell2345]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Thanks guys that's what i thought too. It seems odd to keep a 19 year old piece of equipment but since i just droped a $1000 on on this trailer atleast ill get my return there.

Cross fingers the new boats fits or fits with minor adjustments.

 

[cannonman]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

I have a Crownline 202 on a single axle trailer with no brakes. Although the single axle has larger wheels and tires and is rated fine for my boat, I do wish it was on a tandem axle with brakes. I have had warped rotors on my truck a couple of times that I think are from pulling in hot weather. I also think that if a tire blows on a tandem, you've got a little protection from the other tire until you get pulled over and stopped.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Do you have any idea of the combined weight of the boat and trailer? If that total is over 3,000 pounds, brakes are required by law in 33 of the 50 states. Tandems are ALWAYS a good idea.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

I prefer a single, but have a hard time beliving that a 21ft on even a single axle trailer is under 3K

 

[catfishr1]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Howdy Mitchell; Interesting thread, as I have a somewhat similar dilemma. Presuming you can adjust trailer to fit yer new boat, would choose the tandem every day of the week & twice on Tuesday.:rockon:

 

[airshot]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

I prefer a single, but have a hard time beliving that a 21ft on even a single axle trailer is under 3K

Glass boat yep, your right, however aluminium boat....easy under 3000. But I am sure his is glass..

 

[mitchell2345]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Just an update. Right before I went to go trade my boat in I ended up selling my old boat private party so I lost my trailer but was 2K up over what dealer was going to give me. Pulling the new boat home I was happy with the single. The boat weighs 3700 dry but the trailer has a heavy duty axle and tires. The wheels actually have 6 lugs vs the common 5. I was able to pull @ 70mph with no sway or bumping...The trailer also had breaks that the dealer repaired so I am all set. I like it

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

A Crownline 21SS should have come from the factory on a tandem axle trailer. 2013 Crownline 21 SS Bowrider with Mercruiser 4.3L MPFI 220 HP Engine and CustomTrailer

 

[mitchell2345]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

not sure what to say to that besides I'm pretty sure trailers done come "factory" on a boat. Also, if the boat fits, the trailer is rated for the weight, it works. Its a Prestige trailer that all Crownlines come with and its "custom" for our boat. Has the model decal right on it. For whatever that's worth. Plus i don't think comparing what Crownline is doing today is equal to what they did 5 years ago.

 

[Mason78]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

My Crownline came with a single axle Eagle trailer. It works fine but I want a tandem for my next trailer.

 

[Lou C]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

If the trailer came from the factory with a 6 lug axle then thats a 5200 lb capacity axle. I have seen other boats in that size range on singles but to be safe you need the heavier axle, springs and 15" wheels/tires and 12" brakes. So as long as the capacity of the trailer is enough for that boat, and as a guess I'd think it is, you can tow with it. Will it be as stable as a tandem, no but singles have advantages if you have a very tight parking set up like I do. I would not be able to use a tandem because of the way I have to park the trailer, I have to drag the tongue across my driveway to hook it up. With a single and a nice big wheel tongue jack its easy because the single easily pivots. A tandem would fight me trying to do that. But if I had an easier parking situation and was getting a new trailer then yes I'd put my boat on a tandem with brakes on both axles. My boat is moored here in Long Island so my trailering is very limited.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Tandem is the way to go IMO....

If the boat came from the factory on a single axle trailer, then you can bet your bottom dollar it's the correct trailer for that boat.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

If the trailer came from the factory with a 6 lug axle then thats a 5200 lb capacity axle.

Haven't seen very many single axle trailers rated for 5200#. Venture's largest single axle holds 3325, Yacht club's is 3500#...Eagle has one that goes to 4200#.

 

[Quit It]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Haven't seen very many single axle trailers rated for 5200#. Venture's largest single axle holds 3325, Yacht club's is 3500#...Eagle has one that goes to 4200#.

Yup, and is that capacity or gross (including trailer)?

And, then there's tire capacity.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: New Boat Tandem vs Single

Haven't seen very many single axle trailers rated for 5200#. Venture's largest single axle holds 3325, Yacht club's is 3500#...Eagle has one that goes to 4200#.

You need to look at some ski boat trailers then. Pretty common for comp ski boats to be on single axle trailers with 6 lug wheels.