Cap'n Morgan wrote:
It's a shame you are so hung up on this trailer thing. You will undoubtedly be slipping the boat, and only use a trailer for in and out each season. You are really limiting yourself as far as good boats for good prices if you think you need a trailer for a 30+ foot boat. Nice luxury to have, but not a deal breaker
IMO.
I am convinced too that I want a trailer to go under our Chap. Arranging the marine haulers and coordinating with the weather is a pain in the butt. Also they seem to charge extra for people that just want haul out and delivery. I figured I could get hauled to my house by the local marina for about $250 each way and when I spoke with them they wanted $600 + 13% tax ($10 a foot for haul out plus $125/hour delivery minimum 2 hours) and they were adamant that they would be dropping a plumb bob from front and rear extremes. WHAT a rip OFF! I found an inland marina that will haul it for $250-300.
Keep in mind that I boat differently than most people...My slip is free because I store in a small creek by my house, and I have 2 acres available for storage. A trailer will allow me to haul when I want for maintenance or storage. There are two suitable ramps one 8 miles and one 4 miles from my house. I do not want a trailer to haul long distances. The boat is oversized and requires a permit so longer hauls I would not risk the attempt.
Now if your boat is staying in and being stored at the same marina all year then I would forego a trailer but that is a very expensive. Somebody told me that they pay $100 a foot for slip and storage at one of the local marina's. This does not include shrinkwrap or winterization.
But to pass up a deal on a boat because it does not have a trailer I would not do...