Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

Hey all,

I need to buy a trailer for the 1977 20' Sea Craft/150 Yamaha I purchased last month in Sarasota FL.

Is a single axle trailer ok for this application, or do I need a tandem trailer? The single axles I've seen are rated for 3000lbs. Is that enough?

Should I go with disc brakes & stainless hardware, or hot dip galvanized?

What brands/price range should I be looking at? There are two places I know of in Sarasota, Barry's trailers & Trailer Depot. Barry's sells Continental, Trailer Depot sells Magic Tilt (just a name, they don't actually tilt any more).

Are there any brand preferences, large stores in West Central FL I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

A single axle trailer will suffice nicely for a 20 CC, I have a single axle under my 20 seafari, and have towed all over New England. Brakes are really nice, but not critical in this weight range - depending on your tow vehicle - I have a extra heavy duty tow package, with 4 wheel discs - something less in the vehicle, I might change my mind, but I have towed this OB Seafai, and a previous 20 IO (some other boat) on single axle trailers with no problems.

On the flip side, I will admit that, given the trailering I do, with a fair amount of Interstate, and that my trailer probably needs replacement before too much longer, I am considering a dual axle trailer, not from the load / need standpoint, but from the security of having two tires on each side. Not needed, but peace of mind on the highway ??

my .02

Bill

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

ledfoot,
I own a 73 20 CC and bought a continental float on aluminum with gavl. axle. It is single axle and works fine with the weight of boat and motor (225 merc) i have made numerious trips from fl to nj with no problems, agreed brakes would be nice but not needed. not real familiar west coast but try online for dealer. hope this helps

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

Thanks for the quick responses.

I was thinking the same thing about the peace of mind of having 4 tires for longer trips. Glad to hear that a single axle will suffice though. I do want brakes, and they are required out here anyway.

I will be buying the trailer in FL, so if you could share your price/dealer experiences I would appreciate it!

Any opinions on Continental vs. Magic tilt?

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

i have a double axel web-on aluminum float on trailer for 20-23ft boats sitting under my 20 SF. the double axel has come in handy 2 times already for me. the only problem is they didnt set up the trailer right and tongue weight is too much right now. ill need longer bunks to fix it. it came from torino trailers in doral ph.# (305)592-1917

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

I had a Continental aluminum tandem axle trailer on mine and it is a great trailer; light, almost maintenance free and great in saltwater. I think they're also less expensive than the competition except maybe Nextrail. I would definitely recommend Continental.

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

Owens & Sons is a well respected Florida builder. I'd suggest looking them up...if yo don't mind bunks

Do you need rollers or can you use bunks? Bunks are cheaper and should be easier to find in Florida. I had to sell the Owens & Sons that came with my boat because I needed rollers here in CT.

Once you get it home will you be trailering very far or often? I too think that brakes and the second axle would be nice on that long trip but probably aren't strictly needed if you have a good size tow vehicle.

In my experience the second axle helps things track a little straighter even compensating a little if your tongue weight is a little off. On the other hand, it's bascially double the maintenance (bearings, tires, etc.) going forward and makes it harder to move around in tight spots.

I chose disc brakes over drums strictly because of the easier maintenance. I hate dealing with all the little springs on drum brakes and can't see how they'd possibly hold up well in saltwater.

I also opted for torsion axles over leaf springs. I don't have a side by side comparison but I was told and now beleive that the torsion axles are a much nicer ride. I'd opt for a single torsion axle over dual leaf sprung axles I think. I'm probably biased though. I never new they existed before shopping for my trailer last summer and now think they're the best thing since sliced bread.

Unfortunately, I think unless you're oredering something new/custom made, you're not gonig to have a whole lot of options. You may end up just having to take whats available on the lot, especially if you need rollers. I contacted a couple companies down south in my search and none of them wanted anything to do with building a roller trailer.

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

Ledfoot, Tampa/St. Pete. www.Owens and Sons.com, or www.Aluminum Slide-On.com. (Same site). Call Jeff. Custom built, cheaper than mass produced, built and ready in a few days. Does not need any info. about your boat, has all dimensions from many members here. Anything you want. AND CHEAPER THAN MASS PRODUCED. His sister Kim will answer the phone. Leaves early to fish on Fridays. Great family. Part I has a single for his 18sf, and I have one for each of my 15 Whalers. Good people. E-mail me for anything else. Part II.

BTW, my 20 MA is on a tandem (not an Owens), with no brakes, which is great. Also, highly recommend torsion axles over any other options. Give him a call. You won't regret it. Mike.

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

My 20' MA was on a galvanized tandem Magic Tilt for more than 20 years, I replaced this past year with an aluminium single axle rated at 5600 lbs. I prefere the single axle for tight turns and backing. Which ever trailer you get, check into the front keel bunk boards as they make loading a breeze!

Re: Need advice on trailer for 20'
 

I have a 20 MA on a single and its fine, Owens has a great rep in west central fla, I would go to them from there testimonials on many forums.