How to choose a trailer for transporting a boat: review of the best models

Fishing from a boat greatly expands your possibilities, since you can swim to hard-to-reach and most promising places where it can be difficult or impossible to cast bait from the shore.

This allows not only to increase the catch volume, but also increases the chances of catching large prey, including trophy specimens, often living at considerable depths.

Problems with inflatable boats usually do not arise, since they are compact in size and light in weight, but transporting other options to the fishing spot has a number of its own nuances.

Good to know! A special boat trailer, which has a special design that allows you to easily not only deliver the boat to the right place, but also launch it into the water, can help in this matter.

What to look for when choosing?

Weight

The weight of the trailer will depend on its dimensions, which are determined by the size and other features of the vessel.

When assessing this criterion, the following features should be taken into account:

1. Persons holding category B, C or D licenses are permitted to use trailers whose weight does not exceed the weight of a fully loaded vehicle, and their total weight must not exceed 3.5 tons.
2. When using trailers, if the total weight of the loaded vehicle exceeds 3.5 tons, category E must be opened, otherwise the use of the device will be illegal.

The weight of the device also depends on the type; all models can be divided into two groups:

• Brake trailers, the design of which includes winches, a brake roll and a transportable wheel drive, which contributes to an even distribution of the center of gravity. Their weight is usually 750 kg or more.
• The brakeless version with a rubber harness or spring suspension will have a reduced weight, which is usually less than 750 kg.

Material

There are trailers with different designs; the main criterion influencing the choice is the material of the boat itself:

1. Boats whose bottoms are made of plastic or other hard materials should be transported using devices with a roller mechanism, as it simplifies and speeds up the loading process.
2. PVC boats are transported using tractor units equipped with special skids; other types of devices can damage the bottom during movement.

Load capacity

Loading capacity is one of the most significant characteristics of any trailer; when calculating it, it is necessary to take into account not only the mass of the vessel, but also other factors that contribute to the increase in weight:

1. Tackle transported in boats.
2. Fuel.
3. Motor.
4. A supply of drinking water and any additional cargo.

It is important to correctly calculate the required load-carrying capacity of the device, since overload during operation can lead to serious damage.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the trailer are selected so that it matches the size of the boat.

The following classification will help simplify the selection process taking into account this criterion:

1. Single-axle installations are suitable for transporting boats whose weight does not exceed 1.5 tons and whose length is about 6 meters. The design of all models of this type includes coupling elements, as well as side lights and brake lights; they are connected to the machine’s electrical network.
2. Two-axle models are designed for transporting larger boats with a weight of up to 2.5 tons and a length of up to 8 meters. Their main difference is the uniformity and smoothness of movement, which is achieved due to the presence of two axes.
3. Three-axle models are used to transport the largest watercraft with a weight of up to 3 tons and a length of 8.5 meters. They have been redesigned to provide increased stability and remain smooth even when driving at high speeds.

Manufacturer

The price largely depends on the manufacturer; today, Russian or Estonian models are popular. Most companies have extensive price lists, which include options with a wide variety of parameters and technical characteristics.

Tips for driving with a boat trailer

Driving a vehicle with a boat trailer requires:

• completing overtaking at a greater distance from the vehicle being led;
• earlier braking;
• avoiding emergency maneuvers and generally calm driving style;
• calculating the trajectory during sharp turns - especially on boat trailers, due to their large base, the wheels do not always follow the rear track of the car;
• reversing in a confined space, preferably with an assistant;
• the driver implies greater lateral windage when changing the terrain surrounding the road - leaving a dense forest into open windy areas can noticeably sway the trailer;
• regular monitoring at stops of securing the load to the platform, the condition of the coupling head, and the correct installation of the safety chain;
• at least two years of official driving experience, and real experience in driving vehicles with smaller trailers.

Rating of the best boat trailer models

Below are some models that are popular and have received a large number of positive reviews:

1. MZSA 817711 B.101-05 is a single-axle version with two wheels, a maximum load capacity of 570 kg, the model is designed for transporting light inflatable boats no more than 3.4 meters long. All metal parts have additional anti-corrosion coatings.
2. MZSA 81771C.101-05 is one of the most popular models today, as it is suitable for transporting the most common lightweight fishing boats. The load capacity is 560 kg, the dimensions allow you to transport equipment up to 3.9 meters in length.
3. LAV-81015 B is an analogue of the previous version, but it can only be used for transporting boats no more than 3.5 meters; The maximum load capacity is 520 kg.
4. “Vodnik 8213 B5” is a single-axle model for transporting large boats up to 5 meters long, with a load capacity of 540 kg.
5. Laker 300 is a budget but high-quality model that can be used to transport boats or jet skis.
6. Respo V64T2 is an Estonian-made two-axle model with an improved braking system; it can be used to transport boats weighing up to 1.2 tons.
7. Respo V91T2 is a modification of the previous version, designed for transporting the largest boats, the weight of which can reach 3.5 tons.

Choosing a Boat Trailer

Boat manufacturers actively cooperate with machine builders, and often boats in showrooms are already on suitable trailers from several manufacturers.

It is almost impossible to make a mistake when choosing a boat trailer. The nuances of choice will lie in the durability of the anti-corrosion coating, for which it is worth looking at trailers from one manufacturer or another that have been in use for a couple of years in the salty seaside air.

Reviews from friends or in the media about the practical convenience in the process of unloading removable bumpers, winches, stops, sufficiency and strength of fastening points will help in determining a specific model or modification.

Registration of a boat trailer with the traffic police follows the general rules.

Since sometimes the traffic police may not have a valid VTTS (vehicle type approval) for the rare trailer you have chosen, sellers usually include this document, certified by the manufacturer, in the package of standard documents.

Prices

The cost of boat trailers depends on many factors mentioned above in the article and may change annually.

Current prices for the models considered at the moment are as follows:

1. MZSA 817711B.101-05 – from 42,000 rubles.
2. MZSA 81771C.101-05 – from 43,000 rubles.
3. LAV-81015B – from 41,000 rubles.
4. Vodnik 8213 B5 - from 47,000 rubles.
5. Laker 300 – from 30,000 rubles.
6. Respo V64T2 – from 250,000 rubles.
7. Respo V91T2 – from 650,000 rubles.

Types of trailers

A boat trailer is slightly different in design from a regular car trailer. The design of the first one is “tailored” for a boat, in particular for its reliable and safe transportation over long distances.

The classification of boat trailers is divided into models according to the number of axles, type of braking system and design features. Based on the number of axles, boat trailers come in the following types:

- Single-axle - as a rule, they do not have a brake system. Often this type of trailer is selected for a specific boat model, and it has a significant drawback - poor maneuverability on the road.

- Two-axle - can withstand heavy boats, well suited for transporting watercraft off-road. They are stable, maneuverable on roads, and can even be transported by boats.

- Three-axle - can transport heavy watercraft with a length of more than 9 meters and weighing up to 9.5 tons. These types of trailers are always equipped with a braking system and are reliable even when transporting a boat or boat at high speed.

With the brake system, everything is simple: the boat trailer can be with or without it. Single-axle trailers, most often without a braking system.

There are two types of trailers by design:

- Universal - there is a frame, special under-keel recesses for convenient transportation of the boat. Models of such trailers are often collapsible.

- Designed for transporting only flat-bottomed boats - there is no under-keel recess, so it will not be possible to safely transport another type of boat.

Reviews from fishermen

Below are reviews from fishermen who use boat trailers in their practice:

“Previously, I only had a homemade tractor for transporting a boat; I converted it with my own hands from an ordinary car trailer. It served me for a very long time, but recently I had to look for a replacement. It was decided not to bother with this anymore, but to buy a special installation, prices are now affordable - you can choose a budget model no more than 30,000 rubles. Just because of the price, the choice fell on the Laker 300; in terms of its characteristics and lifting capabilities, it exactly matched my boat. Only now I appreciate how convenient this thing is! It’s not just the transportation process that matters, but also the launching and lifting of the boat from the water; now significantly less time is spent on these processes.”

Grade:

Vladimir

“I only got a fishing boat last year, so I had to find a trailer for it in order to somehow deliver it to the pond. Budget models did not suit me in terms of load capacity, so I took Respo V64T2 on credit. The prices, of course, are high, but the device performs its task perfectly, the ride is smooth even when driving at the maximum permissible speed, and the braking is also excellent. I'm happy with the purchase." Grade:

Alexander

“For the third year now I have been using the domestically produced MZSA 81771C.101-05 trailer. It’s just perfect for transporting my 3.5 meter long Gladiator boat, no complaints.” Grade:

Yuri

“Over the years I have used different boat trailers depending on what kind of boat I was using. Now I have a LAV-81015B in my garage - this is a reliable and strong device for transporting not very heavy boats, its quality has been tested by time.” Grade:

Alexei

“I use a trailer MZSA 81771C.101-05, my neighbor has exactly the same one - we bought it together, over the past few years none of us have complained. The design based on a profile pipe with a thick wall ensures that with this tractor it carried not only PVC boats, but also metal boats, and withstood all loads. In terms of the ratio of capabilities, cost and quality, this is one of the best options I have come across.” Grade:

Eugene

Trailer registration

A device for transporting a boat requires registration with the traffic police. Therefore, after purchasing a trailer, it must be registered within 10 days from the date of purchase.

To register you will need:

1. Collect a package of documents, which consists of:
   a document confirming your identity;
2. vehicle passport, which is issued upon purchase;
3. purchase and sale agreement.
4. Contact any traffic police department , regardless of your place of registration or residence, and fill out an application for trailer registration according to the sample.
5. Pay the state fee , the amount of which can range from 350-1500 rubles depending on the type of registration actions.
6. Provide the purchased device for inspection to a traffic police inspector , who will check the VIN numbers and put the appropriate mark on the completion of the procedure.
7. Submit documents for registration.

Upon completion of registration, you will receive a certificate of registration, as well as a state registration mark. A registration note will be made in the vehicle's passport.

Once every two years for trailers that are less than 5 years old, and once a year - if longer, the trailer must be inspected. The date of each inspection is indicated in the coupon for the device.

Advice! To successfully pass the inspection, owners of covered trailers will need to waterproof the roof. This procedure is mandatory for everyone living in areas with an unfavorable climate.

For owners of categories “B”, “C” and “D”, the use of light trailers with a weight not exceeding the weight of the loaded vehicle is allowed, and the total sum of the vehicle and trailer must be less than 3500 kg. For heavier installations you will need to open category “E”.

How to choose a PVC boat trailer?

— the ground clearance of the trailer must be no less than that of the vehicle it will be towed;

— it is better if the trailer is already equipped with reflective elements, since it is impossible to exclude transportation in the dark;

- if your budget allows, it is better to immediately buy a two-axle type of trailer - it is ideal for medium-sized boats, and it is also safe for movement on the roads, including for other road users, since maneuverability and stability are better;

— pay attention to whether the trailer has a boat launching function;

— the trailer must have a solid base;

— the presence of a braking system - the issue here is the safety of not only you, but also other road users.

You can improve the safety of transporting a boat with the help of additional means for the trailer itself: slings, supports, various clamps and steps.