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 Post subject: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:52 pm 
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Shark
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Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am
Posts: 146
Hi all,
This may have been done before, but I couldn't find it.
My gatorhyde trailer is rusting because of being dunked in saltwater so often, despite washing it down thoroughly after each use.

I am looking at replacing it with either aluminium or galvanised steel.

Any thoughts / suggestions?

Cheers, Craig

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2007 H220 5.7 MAG


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 Post subject: Re: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:18 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2006 7:45 pm
Posts: 2866
Location: Indiana
Where are you located? I boat in fresh water and recently bought an H240 that didn't have a trailer. I had Loadmaster in Tampa, FL build me an aluminum I beam trailer. Tows great, nice price and they are all custom builds.

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'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225


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 Post subject: Re: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 1:55 am 
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Shark
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Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am
Posts: 146
I live on Port Phillip Bay about an hour south of Melbourne Victoria Australia.

Cheers, Craig

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 Post subject: Re: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:27 am 
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Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2012 5:10 pm
Posts: 2032
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Aluminum trailers are very popular here in coastal Florida. However, the cheaper ones are often made with a lot of galvanized cross members and plated steel bolts/U-bolts. The bolts get rusty and the galvanized parts cause corrosion of the aluminum where the dissimilar metals sandwich together.

There is nothing wrong with an All Galvanized trailer. They last a very long time (20+ years) when made right, and they often cost a lot less than Aluminum. Main frame should be made with all "Open" cross sections (like channel, not tube) so that all surfaces are galvanized. Tubular tongue and cross members should be open on both ends so it's galvanized on the inside.

Aluminum trailers when made properly with Stainless Steel hardware are top notch and weigh a lot less. Galvanized Torsion Spring axels last longer than Steel leaf springs if that is an option for you.

Both types of trailers will have items that need to be replaced every so-many years with a lot of salt use: Leaf springs (3-4 years), Steel Brakes (2-3 years), Stainless Steel Brakes (??years, but expensive), Steel Axels (5-10 years), Optional Torsion Spring Axels (7-10 years), Light Kits (3-10 years depending on quality), Galvanized Rims (10-12 years), Tires (6 years fresh or salt water).

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings


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 Post subject: Re: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:12 am 
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Shark
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Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am
Posts: 146
rpengr wrote:
Aluminum trailers are very popular here in coastal Florida. However, the cheaper ones are often made with a lot of galvanized cross members and plated steel bolts/U-bolts. The bolts get rusty and the galvanized parts cause corrosion of the aluminum where the dissimilar metals sandwich together.

There is nothing wrong with an All Galvanized trailer. They last a very long time (20+ years) when made right, and they often cost a lot less than Aluminum. Main frame should be made with all "Open" cross sections (like channel, not tube) so that all surfaces are galvanized. Tubular tongue and cross members should be open on both ends so it's galvanized on the inside.

Aluminum trailers when made properly with Stainless Steel hardware are top notch and weigh a lot less. Galvanized Torsion Spring axels last longer than Steel leaf springs if that is an option for you.

Both types of trailers will have items that need to be replaced every so-many years with a lot of salt use: Leaf springs (3-4 years), Steel Brakes (2-3 years), Stainless Steel Brakes (??years, but expensive), Steel Axels (5-10 years), Optional Torsion Spring Axels (7-10 years), Light Kits (3-10 years depending on quality), Galvanized Rims (10-12 years), Tires (6 years fresh or salt water).

Thanks for your reply and advice.
Much appreciated.
So much to take in and look for.

Cheers, Craig

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 Post subject: Re: Which Boat Trailer
PostPosted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:59 am 
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Joined: Thu Jun 29, 2006 10:26 pm
Posts: 5661
Location: Long Island NY
Alu will definitely save some weight but as noted make sure the brackets and fittings used are compatible with alu.

Galvanized is heavier but more rigid; cracking has been an issue with certain alu trailers...

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