Buying an inflatable boat is just the first step to a full water holiday. PVC vessels They're faced with the question of transportation, because it's not always convenient and quick to blow and lower a boat every time by the water. boat-trailerIt will make the process of descent into pleasure, rather than into hard physical work.
The market offers many options, from simple carts to complex multi-axle structures with winches and brakes. Choosing the right model depends on many factors, including engine weight, vessel dimensions and frequency of use. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so that you can make an informed decision and not overpay for unnecessary functions.
Criteria for choosing a trailer: what to pay attention to first
The first thing to start planning a purchase is to weigh your kit accurately. Load capacity The trailer must exceed the combined weight of the boat, engine, gasoline, battery and additional equipment, and the safety margin is critical here, as the overloaded axle will quickly fail and the control on the track will become dangerous.
The second important parameter is chassis type. For heavy complexes (over 500 kg), it is advisable to consider two-axle options that provide better stability on the road. single-axle with spring or torsion suspension.
- 🚗 Suspension type: springs are easier to repair, and torsion is more compact and durable in water conditions.
- 💧 Corrosion resistance: The presence of hot galvanizing or high-quality powder coating will significantly prolong the life of the frame.
- ⚖️ Essential mass: The lighter the trailer itself, the more payload it can carry within the permitted category B.
Don't ignore it and dimensions The boat should be on the beds of the entire length, to avoid sagging the transom or nose. If you plan to upgrade the vessel in the future, you should immediately take a trailer with a margin along the length.
Types of pads: keelblocks or rollers?
One of the most common questions when choosing is the type of support surface. Kilblocks (Lengements) are long bars, lined with carpet or rubber, on which the boat is static, and this is a classic version that ensures that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the bottom.
Unlike them, roller-support They allow you to easily drag the boat onto the trailer by winch or by hand. They're ideal for gently sloping shores where you can't use a steep slip. However, they require more frequent maintenance and can leave pressure points on PVC if the boat is stored on them for a long time.
⚠️ Warning: When using roller poles, be sure to check the pressure in the cylinders before transporting. An under-inflated boat can deform between the rollers at high speed.
There are also combinations where the nose is equipped with rollers to facilitate loading, and the main length is occupied by paddles for reliable fixation. fly-boat Medium sized.
Can I convert the trailer from the kilblocks to rollers?
Yes, it's possible if the frame design allows you to install additional brackets, but it's easier to buy a universal trailer or a model with an adjustable support system that can be transformed to suit your needs without welding.
Materials and corrosion protection: zinc or paint?
Water and salt are the main enemies of the metal trailer. Most budget models are made of ferrous metal and then painted. Powder paint It looks aesthetically pleasing, but any damage to the coating leads to the rapid development of rust, especially in the welded joints.
The gold standard is considered hot-dipThis treatment immerses the frame in molten zinc, creating a monolithic protective layer that is not afraid of mechanical damage and salt water. Zinc-coated trailers last for decades without losing appearance and strength.
| Type of coating | Term of service | Resistance to salt | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint (enamel) | 2-5 years | Low. | Low. |
| Powder paint | 5-7 years | Medium | Medium |
| Hot galvanizing | 15+ years | High. | High. |
| Stainless steel | Indefinitely | Maximum | Very high. |
If your budget is limited, you can consider the option with galvanized elements (breather, board) and painted frame, but for permanent operation in sea water, you can not save on coating. Rust It can destroy load-bearing elements in one season of active use.
After each trip on salt water, be sure to wash the trailer with fresh water, paying special attention to the places where the wheels and axles are attached.
Calculation of load capacity and total mass
Weight miscalculation is the most common problem for beginners: adding up the weight of the boat itself, the weight of the engine (which is often underestimated), the weight of the full tank (1 liter of gasoline ≈ 0.75 kg), the battery and the anchor equipment, the resulting amount should be compared with the total of the tank. maximum mass trailer.
It is important to distinguish between the trailer's own weight and its load capacity. If the trailer weighs 200 kg and its total weight is 750 kg, then the payload will be only 550 kg. For a set of a boat 3.6 m and a 15 hp engine, this may not be enough if you add equipment.
- 📏 Dimensions: Consider not only the length, but also the width of the boat with inflated cylinders, so that the sides do not hang outside the frame.
- 🔩 Safety margin: It is recommended to choose a trailer designed for a weight of 15-20% more than your real kit.
- 🚗 Category of rights: For trailers with a gross weight of up to 750 kg category B does not require additional examinations, more than 750 kg - you need to take into account the total weight of the car and trailer.
Don't forget. breathedLonger models allow for the boat to be assembled with the engine, but require more storage space. Shorter trailers are smaller, but require removal of the engine before each trip.
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding the full weight of the trailer specified in the PTS is an administrative offense and can lead to an accident due to ineffective operation of the brake system of the car.
Equipment and equipment required
A modern boat trailer is a complex mechanism that requires the right equipment. Basic equipment is often minimal, so you should think ahead of time about buying additional accessories. The winch is one of the key elements that facilitate loading. Mechanical models are reliable but require effort, whereas winches They can handle a heavy boat alone.
Also important. tie-belt These must be made of materials that are resistant to water and ultraviolet light, the number of anchorage points depends on the length of the boat: for boats up to 4 meters, two transom belts are usually enough, for longer ones, three or more.
☑️ Checking the completeness before buying
Special attention deserves support-wheel (The Joker) It's necessary to maneuver the trailer on land without the help of a car, and it's most convenient for a model with a quick-removal mechanism and adjusting the height, which allows you to adapt the angle of inclination to the different heights of the farcope.
Service and preparation for the season
The durability of your trailer depends on the regularity of maintenance, you need to make a full diagnosis of the chassis before the season begins. bearing in the hubs of wheels: if there is a backlash or hum, they must be replaced or lubricated.
Pay special attention to lighting. Contacts are often oxidized by water, which causes turn signals or shapes to fail. Use contact-lubrication And check the tightness of the lights, and replacing the burnt-out lights with LEDs will make the signals more reliable and bright.
Store the trailer is best in a dry room or under a canopy, removing the load from the rubber (subduction of the frame). If this is not possible, be sure to use wheel covers to protect them from ultraviolet light.
Regular lubrication of bearings and checking tire pressure is the key to safe transportation of your boat over long distances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an E-license for a trailer up to 750 kg?
No, a separate category E is not required to drive a category B vehicle with a trailer with a gross mass not exceeding 750 kg.
Can I carry another cargo on the boat trailer?
Technically, it is possible if the dimensions and weight of the cargo correspond to the limitations of the trailer, but the absence of sides and the specific shape of the lodgings make the transportation of bulk or oversized goods uncomfortable and dangerous.
How often should the lubricant in the hubs be changed?
It is recommended to maintain the hubs and replace the lubricant at least once a year or every 10,000 km of run.
Which is better: a single-axle or two-axle trailer for a boat 4.2 meters?
For a boat with a length of 4.2 meters with a light engine (up to 15 hp), a high-quality single-axle trailer is usually enough. The dual-axle option makes sense if the total weight of the kit exceeds 600-700 kg or if you often drive on bad roads where stability is important.