A good friend is looking at a 2009 288 SSR. The boat does not come with a trailer and he's limited on funds so the Phoenix Trailers that Sunsation uses does not fit his budget. Will a standard 2 bunk trailer (LoadRite, Venture, EZ Loader etc.) work with this hull and step design or does this boat need something more custom? Any suggestion? Thanks in advance.

I wouldn't trailer a step bottom boat with a straight bunk trailer.

I would pass on any two bunk trailer. He will never regret spending the extra money on a custom fit trailer. They pull a lot better and are very easy to load especially in a crosswind situation. Tell him to spend the money and save the headache down the road.

I have a LoadRite for my 28zx, twin step. I have it setup with bunks for each step and the bow, works great. Most boat storage facilities will have solid bunks that they store your boat on, so it isn't the end of the world to buy one setup that way, but I'd take the time to re-rig the trailer for the steps. Lot of elbow grease and low cost to make the changes if you're a DIY guy.

Dry storing your step bottom on solid bunks is one thing. Hauling it down the road at 70mph on our ****ty roads without proper fitting bunks is another. I agree with Mullen, take the time to re-rig it to fit the bottom properly.

Thanks for the input. My buddy worked out a deal with an OSO member for the Sunsation trailer model built for that hull.

Good deal...