Trailer shopping

[esvboy2007]

Need a new trailer for 1988 18CC, any suggestions as to best fit (float on, roller, etc.) and/or where to look outside of local shops?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

[Terry England]

Owens and Sons - St. Petersburg, Florida build float-on type trailers that fit 18' and 20' SeaCrafts like a glove. They have the hull profiles on record and taper the solid Cypress bunks to match the boat. A little like Duck Dynasty, but they know their sh*t.

[DonV]

A little like Duck Dynasty, but they know their sh*t.

Yep, they are and they do!!

[Capt Chuck]

Don't forget to get the "Stainless" upgrade package.
You'll be glad you did

[bumpdraft]

Loved my 85 18'.( Float-on trailer)

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by esvboy2007

Need a new trailer for 1988 18CC, any suggestions as to best fit (float on, roller, etc.) . . .

No indication of where you're located, but the type of ramps you'll be using and the amount of tide change you have to contend with can make a big difference in the type of trailer selected. If you have good ramps that allow power loading and often have others with you to help, a float-on type makes sense.

However if you have to deal with tidal swings of several feet or short ramps with a sudden drop-off and are often by yourself, I'd consider a good roller trailer like an EZ Loader with a power winch that will allow you to load and unload anywhere, anytime, by yourself, in any kind of cross wind or cross current. You also don't have to dunk the springs or axle if it's set up right, which greatly reduces maintenance required. But be sure to use the EZ-Loader roller system with aluminum roller axles and nylon bushings that don't require lubrication. I bought the galvanized trailer below in 1985 and although I replaced the aft cross member a few years ago due to rust, it still has the original springs on it because they seldom see salt water!

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

No indication of where you're located, but the type of ramps you'll be using and the amount of tide change you have to contend with can make a big difference in the type of trailer selected. If you have good ramps that allow power loading and often have others with you to help, a float-on type makes sense.

However if you have to deal with tidal swings of several feet or short ramps with a sudden drop-off and are often by yourself, I'd consider a good roller trailer like an EZ Loader with a power winch that will allow you to load and unload anywhere, anytime, by yourself, in any kind of cross wind or cross current. You also don't have to dunk the springs or axle if it's set up right, which greatly reduces maintenance required. But be sure to use the EZ-Loader roller system with aluminum roller axles and nylon bushings that don't require lubrication. I bought the galvanized trailer below in 1985 and although I replaced the aft cross member a few years ago due to rust, it still has the original springs on it because they seldom see salt water!

this is great advice !!!!

[cdavisdb]

Picking the right trailer is more than a little tricky. There is a huge amount of hype out there and very little good advice. I own an Owens floaton, love it. The above description is right on; they are "good ole boys" that build the best float on out there, matched perfectly to your boat. I also launch from good ramps, designed for floatons, often by myself. That said, Bushwacker had good info. If you are cursed with poor to mediocre ramps, a tilt trailer has a lot going for it. The key in either case is to get a good one, that fits your boat perfectly. Good research will pay better dividends than you can imagine now.

[flyingfrizzle]

I own an Owens floaton, love it.

Second this^ Love mine too. Also get the stainless hardware upgrade and torsion axels no mater what you get

[DonV]

Ditto on the "stainless option". My last three trailers were built from a local guy, Peterson Trailers. He no longer offers the stainless option, it's standard, as is torsion axles and aluminum bunks....not wood. The first trailer he built for me was in 2007, was the "old type". Springs, mild steel, wood bunks, etc., I'm on my third set of springs and second rear cross member due to steel u-bolts and corrosion.

Spend the extra up front....if it's a bolt it's stainless.