Boat Trailer Shopping Guide

This basic boat trailer shopping guide in a frequently asked questions format is designed to help you make the right decision when it comes time to purchase your boat trailer. Of course, we hope the decision of whom you purchase it from is DirectBoats.com.

First, it is essential to understand the different types of trailer materials, terminology, and construction methods to ensure it is right for your needs. Here is a short list of questions you need the answers to about boat trailer construction and manufacturing:

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Do you offer reviews on boat trailers?	We have found too many purchased reviews from manufacturers, so no. However, we do offer editors' reviews from time to time on trailers. The most important things are answered by the sales staff, such as distance driving, wheel size recommendations for the weight of the boat, etc.
What is a Painted Steel Boat Trailer?	The name says it all, a regular steel trailer with paint on it. Problems include chipped paint next to bolts, and if it has a box frame, no paint inside the frame. Any area without paint will rust quickly. Worst case: buy a painted tubular box frame trailer and put it in salt water. That trailer will rust from inside to outside.
What is a Galvanine type Boat Trailer?	This is a process where the steel is coated in a very thin galvanization. The assembler cuts the steel, and rust begins on the tips of each cut or hole. Some argue it's less protective than paint due to the unprotected tips. It is recognizable on new trailers by its shiny appearance.
What is a Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Boat Trailer?	This is the most common type of boat trailer on the market. The assembler builds the trailer (welded or bolted together) and sends the parts for hot-dip galvanization, coating the entire trailer inside and out.
What is an Aluminum Boat Trailer?	These are either bolted together or welded trailers known for being lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They are common on very large boats because of weight savings.
What is a Tubular Box Frame Boat Trailer?	The trailer is made of square tubing, making it sturdy. This design best protects the wires and brake lines.
What is a C Channel Boat Trailer?	This trailer is made of metal cut in a "C" shape. It is weaker than the box trailer design and does not protect wires and brake lines well.
What is an I Beam Constructed Boat Trailer?	This metal is cut in an "I" shape. Larger aluminum boat trailers commonly use this design due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.