IMHO, The trailer is a very important, if not most important, component of the over all picture. The flexibility offered by a well designed trailer encourages traveling to various lakes, pulling the boat out for whatever reason, better family unison and pride of ownership.
The first deterant for trailering is loading. Loading problems can be mitigated by trailer design. There are a couple of things the trailer design will benifit. Some designs include guide bunks. I prefer multiple cushioned goal posts. The posts are either cut or adjusted to length at a staged angle, relative to the water line when the trailer is submerged. The bunk angles and front to rear spacing is "critical". Proper bunk placement will cause the tubes to find home and "Nest". The option of an aluminum walk deck (fitted between all bunk pairs) provides a safer solution for the assistant to "walk out" and guide the bow and/or attach the winch strap.
A pontoon boat has a large vertical surface area. A slight wind will cause the hull to drift and miss the bunks. Therefore, the scheme of hand guiding and attaching the bow strap will prevent considerable frustration. A remote controlled winch motor will offer more flexibility and safer control. Subject to stronger winds, a kite bridle can be created with a piece of rope. The bridle changes the lever fulcrum and supports guiding the bow. (I have considered designing a bow thruster)
The standing joke; a cheap, entertaining day, is watching people load their boats. A good trailer design will eliminate much of "Their" fun.
Once the boat is on the trailer, the motor skag may have a dangerous amount of ground clearance. The motor can be tilted or a hydraulic "Jack Plate" will raise the motor to prevent "ripping" the scag off. I prefer the jack plate for several reasons. Bob's Machine offers a good one. The system is easy to install.
The CG (center of gravity) location of the axles will make the trailer safe to pull, or NOT. One size DOES NOT fit all. The trailer coupler/ball capacity is the owners responsibility. Yes, the vendors before the owner have liability. However, The owner is accountable for towing an under capacity trailer. That includes not only the attaching system, but tires, wheels, axles, brakes, tie downs and anything else that may effect public safety.
A steel trailer of good design will cost $5-6000.00, aluminum with Stainless steel rotors should not be a lot more.
Once you have the trailer, roaming confidence will encourage exploring. With that, IMHO, one will want the largest Horsepower engine the boat can handle. The cruisers, run-abouts and ski boats will hate you for that. Not only do you have most, if not all they have, but much more, for less money.
Now, when docking, just go SLOOOOOOW ! Did I say SLOOOOOW ? OH, get the big fat bumpers and use them.
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