19'6 AS - trailer options - advice needed

[fishgutts]

My 19'6 Aquasport came with a double axle galvanized trailer.  It is in decent shape... but all of the bolts and the springs are showing rust... as they are not stainless.

I recently acquired a single axle aluminum trailer.  It has torsion axles and all stainless hardware.  

Trying to decide which one to use.  What do you guys recommend?  

The aluminum trailer is definitely a nicer/better trailer... but I like the assurance of the double-axle.

[MarshMarlowe196]

What is the single axle rated for?  I have a single torsion axle rated for 3500lbs with good trailer tires and it does just fine.  These boats aren't really heavy enough to justify a tandem trailer.  You have twice the tires/bearings to replace, you have to worry about getting your hitch height just right on your tow vehicle, and you have the springs to worry about.  Also- if the tandem trailer doesn't have stainless hardware, you'll be replacing all of it very soon if you use the boat in saltwater.  I'd say go with the single axle.

[saltfly]

If you dicede to use the aluminum trailer. Put anodes one on each side at the back of the frame, were it goes into the water. It will save you a lot of problems down the road with corrosion. Sst and alum. When put together will corrode at were they touch. The anode will help with this. Problem.

[bumpster]

With that size boat alot will depend on how far you trailer the boat. Mine came from the dealer with a single axle trailer and when it rotted out I went with tandem. BIG difference in trailering. I mostly haul it only a few miles (10-12) but I go through stretches where I haul it 100 miles round trip in a day. For that you cant beat the ride of tandem axles. One other plus is that IF you had to you could ride it on 3 wheels.

[wingtime]

I second Bumpsters post.  It depends on how your going to trailer the boat.  The tandem will ride better and will get you off the highway in a pinch on three wheels if you loose a hub or a tire.   ANY trailer the is used in slat water is going to have components that will have to be replaced every few years.  Even aluminum ones.  Stainless bolts will cause galvanic corrosion where ever it touches the Aluminum.  Also while torsion axles are nice they too rust out and fail.  When they do they cost twice as much as leaf springs to replace.     What is the single axle trailer rating?   Most likely it is 3500 lbs.  Keep in mind that is any weight that it above the axles.  This Includes the trailer frame itself (not the axles or tires that unsprung weight).  Add on top of that the the boat, the motor, full fuel, coolers of ice, fishing gear, and more and I'll bet your WAY above the 3500 lbs.    I'd replace the rusty bolts with galvanized ones,  and replace the springs and such if they need to be replaced.  They do not sell galvanized springs or stainless ones...  so they rust out every few years.  Your mileage may very.

[fishgutts]

Most of my trips are about 20-40 miles round trip.  I will probably take it to Keys once a year and Crystal River once a year... both are about 5 hour trips (one way) for me.  

The Aluminum trailer had a 22 foot pathfinder on it... a heavier boat that the Aquasport.  

I do like the dual axle because of the safety when a tire blows... I like the aluminum trailer because it is much less maintenance and it is much lighter.  

Anyone else out there with an opinion?

Anyone know what a 19'6 hull weighs?

[saltfly]

Like what has been said. Every trailer needs maintenance. As for springs. This may sound excessive, but I carry a can of motor cycle chain lube with me. Just before I put in my boat. I spray the points between each leaf spring all around the springs. Then use a paint brush that I keep in a plastic bag. To spread the access over the springs. Chain lube, sprays like a oil but turns to a grease and is hard to wash off. I also use a wire brush a few time a year on my springs. I haven't had to change my springs. I get alot of years out of them. I also pack my bearing every year. Once you get into the routine of doing this. It really doesn’t take long at all. I will also add that I to prefer a tandem. I’ve towed boat trailers as well as travel trailers all over the east coast. A tandem is a better towing trailer.  But if you still are going to the single. Make sure your tongue weight is right. Nothing will make a single axel trailer sway more then being to light at the tongue.

[MarshMarlowe196]

The hull weighs approximately 1800lbs.  If you add the weight of your motor, fuel, gear, and trailer, my guess is a rig that weighs about 3000lbs, give or take wet foam.

[slvrlng]

My new (used) trailer has twin 3500 lb axles. The trailer is galvanized and weighs 1100 lbs. That gives me a carrying capacity of 5900 lbs. Overkill yes but pulling it is a dream, it feels like the axles have a dampening effect on the ride. I figure I'm pushing 3000 loaded with the 150.

[wingtime]

Has anyone actually weighed their boat n trailer?   I think the weights Aquasport listed in the 70's and 80's are on the conservative side.  The 1980 literature says my 200XF weighs approximately 2000 lbs.  I strongly doubt that.  I jacked up the corner of my trailer up Saturday and I can tell you that boat. motor N trailer is heavier than 3500 lbs.  There is a truck scale near my work and they charge $10.  I'm thinking about having it weighed just for the heck of it.