Coryc

Aluminum vs. Steel trailer? what are your thoughts? how long does steel last before having it redone? will be freshwater only. Just curious, looking into having a new one built for my boat.

bill63

Call Myco .. they are the best. Btw aluminum no brainer

Coryc

Thanks for the response! I have always liked the custom steel look better but I have heard alot about maintaining them and having to repaint and rust showing up even in freshwater. thats why I was considering maybe aluminum.

RaggedEdge

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.

class6

Freshwater go with a good steel trailer like a Myco. Looks way better

Coryc

ragged edge, The manufacturer your talking about is probably who i'd be dealing with since he has built many trailers for my family in the past. But out of curiosity, how are some of the mass produced aluminum trailers like magic trail, loadmaster, etc? the only thing i dont like about them are the two huge bunks they use. Id much rather a nice 4 bunk craddle specific to my boat.

shunter2005

My steel trailer is 18 yrs old. Still looks great, except for the cross members and axles. Got some road rash on them. I just can't bring myself to by a new aluminum trailer. Some sandblasting and new paint and it will be good for many more years, I hope. However, if I was going to buy aluminum I would certainly check out Evolution Trailer Technologies in Fort Myers, Fl. Looks like they build a pretty fine trailer also.

VoodooRob

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.

Coryc

Great info Rob!! Thankyou! I have not even thought about the weight savings but that's a very real factor as well!

Indy

Resale with the steel will be an issue with salt water folks. Aluminum is a no brainier. Had steel with my old Nordic, lasted 2 years then garbage. Never again.