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Thanks for that information. I guess most do not get inspections for their trailers as I can't recall seeing a traditional sticker on a trailer.
I just got off the phone with a Continental dealer and we are working on something that might work. Out of curiosity what trailer did you go with? Did you happen to buy it near Roanoke? Feel free to send me an email, just click on my profile and you'll see my address.
VAWhaler, I have a Continental keel roller trailer under my Outrage 25. The prior owner (from Cleveland OH) had bought it from Continental down in Florida and pulled it back in around 2002. It works well and allows me to launch from pretty much any ramp - if I can get the back roller into the water I'm good to go. They don't make this model any longer from what I understand.
New London Trailers near Lynchburg installed my brakes and electric over hydraulic system. I took them the parts and they installed it - good people there and reasonable labor charges. The original brakes/actuator needed replacement not long after I bought the rig in 2010. Portsmouth Trailer in the Norfolk area is also good - they did some same-day work (scheduled) for me when I was over there one time with it.
From what I can tell, pretty much no one in this area deals with boat trailer brakes or saltwater usage of such. It seems few big boats in this area get trailered, and those that do tend to be wakeboard boats that never see saltwater.
The VA trailer inspection is minimal - make sure the lights work, make sure you have enough pad left on the brake pads, see if you have a breakaway switch. Most of the auto shops that do the inspections are not familiar with trailer brakes other than the RV-type trailer brakes (which obviously you don't want to use in saltwater).
If I was to buy a new trailer I'd look closely at Sport Trail out of Mississippi or Owens and Sons out of Florida. You have to deal with transport but each is very knowledgeable and very good. I'm considering getting some torsion axles from Owens and Sons to replace my leaf axles to try to get a little smoother ride with our setup and they've been very helpful with the specs for them.
Thanks very much for that information. I have passed by New London Trailers several times enroute to/from the lake so its good to know I have a reputable outlet there. I will also be sure to check Sport Trail and Owens and Sons.
It is good to be able to talk about these trailers with those in the know. Its as amusing as it is frustrating to see the confused look on a salesmans face when you mention keel rollers. They look at you as if you'd asked if it was possible to install air bags.
VA Whaler, glad to offer local help. Forum member buckda went from using a keel roller on his Outrage 18 to a bunk trailer on his Outrage 25. I believe he likes his bunk trailer except for shallow water launches. You might ping him directly to get his input. You see very very very few trailers with keel rollers and you may want to consider if you need them for your use. It is a lot easier to find a bunk trailer.
