Aluminum vs. Steel trailer
12-16-2017 | 01:46 AM
#14
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 406
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From: South Jersey
Most, if not all, of the inexpensive aluminum I beam trailers are bolt together and have 2 main bunks that hang sometimes 3 feet off the rear of the trailer unsupported. Not good for your boat over the long haul and not easy to line up at the ramp. A custom fitted trailer is much easier to use at the ramp and pulls substantially better. You already have Myco thrown out there I would also look at Manning. They offer welded C channel aluminum or steel. Whatever brand you get look into double spares and loaded hubs on the spares, great insurance when your on the road. I like the aluminum for the weight savings and not having to deal with rust repairs. Also when you sell your boat welded aluminum adds greater value and versatility to prospective buyers.
12-16-2017 | 08:51 AM
#17
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Chicago
Oh a steel trailer didn`t last in Salt ?? you don`t say! . I believe this helps the OP looking for a freshwater usage trailer quite a bit 
My .02 the aluminum is nice if it could be kept looking new but aluminum starts to look ugly without constant maintenance. Nothing beats the look of a steel painted trailer .
As far as resale, who cares... I buy stuff for me not the next guy.
My .02 the aluminum is nice if it could be kept looking new but aluminum starts to look ugly without constant maintenance. Nothing beats the look of a steel painted trailer .
As far as resale, who cares... I buy stuff for me not the next guy.
Last edited by ICDEDPPL; 12-16-2017 at 08:54 AM.
12-16-2017 | 10:27 AM
#18
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 349
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From: Sagle, ID
A product called Sharkhyde keeps new aluminum looking new. I use it on my Sportmaster lower units and keeps them looking new in salt water. I have a new aluminum trailer being built for my DCB and I will coat the entire trailer with it. Rubs on with a clean towel and only takes minutes.
12-16-2017 | 10:56 AM
#19
Member #154
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,008
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From: SW CT & Long Island Sound
That's fine, however if a owner does eventually sell which is a given, an aluminum trailer opens it up to a huge market. If someone decides to limit their buyers to a specific segment then that's their business. I just gave input because he asked about aluminum vs steel. When I had to sell my boats, I HAD to sell, a steel trailer would have slowed that process.
12-16-2017 | 12:42 PM
#20
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,008
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From: Traverse City, Michigan
Third option here is a galvanized steel version. I have one, would not have been my first choice when I purchased the boat but it became part of the deal at a price I could not walk away from, trailer was new, a 2006 model that I have owned for some ten years, looks pretty much exactly the same as the day I picked it up.
The comment the manufacturer, a friend of mine, made back then was that "ten years from now it will be as perfectly ugly as it is new". "Park in the weeds and F it, when you pull it out it will look just like new. Trailer Bill was 100% correct.
For me the boat was the prize, the trailer was simply a tool.
The comment the manufacturer, a friend of mine, made back then was that "ten years from now it will be as perfectly ugly as it is new". "Park in the weeds and F it, when you pull it out it will look just like new. Trailer Bill was 100% correct.
For me the boat was the prize, the trailer was simply a tool.
