Trailer for 18' seacraft

[Fr. Frank]

Remember that trailers are rated by their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which includes the weight of the trailer. So to figure how much you can carry, you need to deduct the weight of the trailer.

My current 1992 TSBV1921-42 MagicTrail is rated for 4200 GVWR, and the trailer weighs 930 lbs, giving me a net carrying capacity of 3270 net lbs as originally equipped. However, the only difference between my trailer and the same trailer rated for 5400 lbs was the tires, and factory brakes. The 5400 lb trailer came with brakes, and load-range D tires, where mine came without brakes, and load range C tires. All other parts interchange on the parts sheet. Needless to say, I upgraded to load-range D tires.

If I were buying a new trailer, I would buy this:
Single-axle aluminum with net capacity of 3500lb, drive-on style trailer with recycled plastic bunks, hydraulic disc brakes, and auto-latching bow hook.

My 20' Seafari hull is 1800 lbs, main motor is 400lbs, kicker motor 80 lbs, fuel 200lbs (up to 400lbs for going 100 miles offshore), fishing & camping equipment up to 350lbs, two spare tires totaling 90 lbs, etcetera.

Single axle is also easier to tow, much easier to back and maneuver, costs much less for tires and maintenance over the life of the trailer, and in most states costs less on toll roads.

This Magic Trail XP2D35 H78X15D aluminum trailer costs $2200, has a GVWR of 4100lbs, but only weighs 600lbs, giving a net 3500lb capacity, and will carry hulls from 18-20'. Stainless disc-type surge brakes are a $500 option, not standard.