Boat trailers in the market are usually made with two materials: aluminium and steel. Both are popular choices for boat trailers because of their durable and sturdy components. These materials can withstand heavy loads and they can handle different elements that they are exposed to for a long time. But what is the big difference between the two? Is one material more superior to the other? Does a boat’s material depend on what component a boat trailer is made of? The short answer to all these musings is that it depends. Aluminium and steel trailers have their own pros and cons and there will always be one material that is more beneficial to you. Let’s evaluate both of these materials and find out their strengths and weaknesses:

Advantages of Steel Boat Trailers

Steel boat trailers cost less than aluminium boat trailers. The cost savings are most significant in larger trailers. Steel trailers tow better. Steel is heavier and more stable to tow. By comparison, an aluminium trailer has flex and tows differently. Another advantage to a steel boat trailer is that you can custom-paint it to match your boat. Plus, some steel boat trailers are hot-dipped galvanized. The steel is dipped into molten zinc and this provides a protective coating that resists corrosion.

Advantages of Aluminum Boat Trailers

The main advantage of aluminium trailers is that by nature, it is corrosion-resistant. Salt water does not adversely affect it as long as you clean the trailer after it’s been dipped in saltwater. The second advantage of an aluminium trailer is that they weigh less than a steel trailer. This may be a factor when it comes to the towing capacity of your vehicle, or when considering overall fuel economy or braking power. Another advantage of aluminium is that it holds its resale value better than a steel boat trailer. Furthermore, if you plan to sell your trailer, you have a broader market since aluminium is more versatile in both fresh and saltwater.  

Disadvantages of Aluminum Boat Trailers

Like all things that exist on this planet, nothing is perfect. Even though aluminium has lots of great qualities, there are advantages There are a few disadvantages of aluminium boat trailers.

First is that aluminium trailers cost more than steel. The larger the trailer, the bigger the cost difference between aluminium and steel trailers. Aluminum is simply a more costly material compared to steel. A second disadvantage of an aluminium boat trailer is that the trailer may float in water when there is no boat loaded on it. This tends to be an issue with two and three-axle trailers where the tires can create sufficient buoyancy to float a relatively lightweight aluminium trailer it can be annoying at a take-out ramp. Another disadvantage with aluminium trailers is that aluminium has flex meaning it does not tow as smoothly as a steel boat trailer.

Disadvantages of Steel Boat Trailers

Probably the biggest disadvantage to a steel boat trailer is its susceptibility to rust. A steel trailer will never be the same once it is submerged in saltwater. If your boat is on a steel boat trailer, and you want to go boating in the ocean, go to a marina where they can crane your boat on and off the trailer. If this option is not viable for you and you can’t avoid submerging your boat in saltwater, wash your boat and steel trailer immediately with fresh water after the boat has come out of the sea. Another disadvantage to a steel trailer is that it is heavier than an aluminium trailer. Weight affects fuel economy when towing, and can also make it more difficult to stop.

If you will buy a boat trailer soon and you’re confused about which one should you get, these are some helpful tips to keep in mind: If you intend to use your boat in saltwater, an aluminium boat trailer is an obvious choice because a steel trailer will disintegrate from rust in very little time. If you are a freshwater boater, the choice is yours if you want to spend more money upfront to purchase an aluminium trailer. Or you can save up-front money and have the smooth towing capability of a steel trailer, but you’ll eventually have the nagging problem of rust.