One of the most important questions that boaters should wonder and find the answer to is finding out the size and type of boat trailer that is best for a bowrider boat. or for an aluminium boat. or for a deck boat.

The truth is, when it comes to boat trailers, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every water vessel is different from each other so, therefore, the trailer you will need for your boat will be quite different from other trailers as well. You need to know the correct dimensions of your boat, to find the perfect match of a boat trailer for your watercraft.

If you’re planning to purchase a trailer for your boat, but you’re not sure what to get, here is a guide on choosing the best boat trailer for you.

Dimensions to Consider When Choosing a Boat Trailer

As mentioned before, there are a few dimensions you need to be aware of to make the right purchase:

Length

The most critical dimension is the transom-to-bow eye length, which is the distance from the transom (the back end of the boat) to the bow (where the boat attaches to the trailer). This measurement is essential for fishing and utility boats with short decks, as it determines how much weight will be supported by each corner of the boat.

Boat trailers can vary in size, but the general rule is to add about 10 feet to the boat’s length. So, for example, a 20-foot boat will need a 30 feet long trailer.

The length of the boat trailer is also significant to consider because it can affect your ability to maneuver in tight parking spaces and turn in roads. The average boat trailer is 20 feet long and has a width of 8 feet, but you can find trailers as small as 16 feet and up to 30 feet long.

Width

In addition, you’ll also need to calculate the bottom width and overall length. The bottom width is self-explanatory; it’s simply the width of the trailer at its bottom. The overall length includes both transom-to-bow eye length and bottom width, so select an extended trailer to accommodate your boat.

Many people purchasing a boat trailer often wonder about the width of the average boat trailer. The answer is that most trailers have an overall width of around 8-9 feet. This will depend on your boat type and how big it is.

Weight

Another thing you’ll need to take into account when selecting a trailer is the carrying capacity. This number tells you how much weight your chosen trailer can safely carry. Remember that different types of boats require various carrying capacities; for example, a bowrider or a bass bay boat will require a 1500 lb. capacity or under, while a deep V Deck Boat will need an 1801– 3100 lb. capacity.

Tips to Ensure your Boat Trailer is Properly Sized for Towing

Regarding boat trailers, one of the most important things to consider is size, aside from its length. This will ensure that your trailer is safely within its weight capacity and won’t cause any damage while towing.

• When you buy a boat trailer, be sure to get a professional opinion as to whether or not its capacity is sufficient for your load. A lot of new boats for sale these days come with a package which means the boat you’ve purchased already includes the trailer suited for it. If you’re buying a used boat, make sure it comes with a good boat trailer too. Ask the owner regarding this not-so-minor detail.
• The best way to know your trailer weight is to take the boat and trailer to a weighing scale at a truck stop. This will give you an accurate reading of the combined weight of both items.
• The vehicle owner’s manual will have a chart indicating the maximum trailer weight, which also depends on the gross combination vehicle weight (GCVW) of both items. This number includes all passengers, gear, and tow vehicle weight when measuring the trailer’s capacity. If you remember where you put your car’s manual, consult the GCVW. This will also help you decide which boat you need to purchase that your towing vehicle can also carry. 
• You can also contact a boat towing company that can weigh the trailer before and after with the attached boat. This will help you determine if there is enough margin between the GCVW and maximum trailer capacity.
• You should also consider buying new or used tyres to match the load capacity of yourtrailer. This will help keep you safe while towing.

Once you have all this information, it’s time to go shopping for Telwater trailers! Remember that not every trailer is made the same, so even if your boat falls within a specific size range, there may still be some discrepancies. With a bit of research and some measurements of your own, you’ll be able to find the perfect boat trailer for your boat.