Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by dreilly on 01/22/10 - 9:06 AM

I am buying a new trailer for my 1986 Outrage 18. My last galvanized one (Sportsman) lasted 20 years (until the hub welds failed and the boat left the trailer - amazingly strong hull!) I only use it to go to the shop once a year and it sits next to the house in a salt air environment.
What are the group's opinions on aluminum (McClain) or galvanized (Sportsman)?

Thanks.

Posted by Bake on 01/22/10 - 9:23 AM

I would say the aluminum is the better trailer. Everything that could rot out can be taken off and replaced on a aluminum trailer. A galvanized trailer can rot out the frame.

Posted by Bake on 01/22/10 - 11:18 AM

I knew a guy that had a aluminum trailer that floated. The reason his floated was he put over sized tires on it. I have only owned one Aluminum trailer. It was under my 1997 20 outrage. The trailer was tandem axle and it did not float.

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 01/22/10 - 11:22 AM

I could be wrong, but I think an aluminum trailer would be lighter. On a galvanized trailer, if the galvanic protection gets scraped, the metal underneath will rust. Everything being equal, I would go with the aluminum trailer.

Posted by RLwhaler on 01/22/10 - 12:58 PM

Aluminum with triple axle would float..due to tires.
Sportsman's in Santa Fe has closed their doors..Good folks to deal with.
I highly recommend Coast Line(great service)My brother blew out haft way between Port Mansfield and Port Isabel and Mardi was there to replace it at NO charge!

Richard

dreilly wrote:
I am buying a new trailer for my 1986 Outrage 18. My last galvanized one (Sportsman) lasted 20 years (until the hub welds failed and the boat left the trailer - amazingly strong hull!) I only use it to go to the shop once a year and it sits next to the house in a salt air environment.
What are the group's opinions on aluminum (McClain) or galvanized (Sportsman)?

Thanks.

Posted by DWinter on 01/22/10 - 3:22 PM

#10

Keep in mind, the wood bunks also add floatation in addition to the tires. That being said, Aluminum bunk trailer over galvanized, without a doubt.

Posted by captaincurt on 01/22/10 - 4:24 PM

#11

I have an aluminum trailer and dunk in the Gulf regularly and it is good as new . Except for springs.4 years old. It has never floated.

Posted by MW on 01/22/10 - 10:41 PM

#13

I have a "COX" gal. trailer, most other trailers (this size) have 3 cross beams, the COX has 4, it's "stronger".

Posted by RevengeFamily on 01/23/10 - 2:09 AM

#14

Aluminum trailers are usually more expensive than the galvanized. If you haul your Outrage all over creation go with the aluminum. You'll save money on fuel.

If your only hauling to your shop once a year, go with the galvanized. There a bit cheaper, and if you give it a good rinse when your done with it, the galvanized trailer will easily last 20 years.

Because you live in a salt environment, when the trailers empty periodically give it a good rinse. I have a galvanized trailer under my 22' Revenge. It is over 20 years old and lived for the first 15 in a salt environment.

Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 01/23/10 - 8:57 AM

#15

I have an aluminum trailer under my whaler from Arrow. They are a manufacturer here in So. Fla. Another advantage to an aluminum trailer if you do trailer around a bit is they will flex some giving the hull less of a jolt from the occassional road bumps. I owned a boat with a triple axel aluminum trailer some time back and it did not float. Bottom line in my opinion, Aluminum over Galvinized any day of the week.