For readers who have not memorized all the model designations for CONTINENTAL trailers, here is a link to their catalogue:
http://www.continentaltrailers.com/cont ... alogue.pdfJayB wrote:I have read the keel [of a Boston Whaler Unibond hull boat] should be supported by keel rollers with bunks stabilizing the hull.
A trailer with multiple keel rollers with most of the hull weight bearing on the rollers and with smaller lateral bunks for stability
was the general old-school approach to the optimum rig for a Boston Whaler Unibond hull boat.
In 2023, however, trailers of that type are generally not easy to find. One can take a cue from Boston Whaler, which now provides their boats delivered on trailers; they are often using the KARAVAN brand.
The CONTINENTAL trailers are among the few models available with keel rollers. Since they are made in Florida, you should have no problem finding one.
The TILT-TRAILER is really very old-school, dating from an era when launch ramps were not as available as now, and boats might be launched from improvised ramps just on the shore of a lake or river. I have seen many launchings and loadings (of Boston Whaler boats as large as 25-footers) involving a CONTINENTAL trailer with the TILT option, but I have never actually seen that feature used. That is because it was unnecessary at a modern improved boat launch ramp. Today a tilt-trailer at a launch ramp is a tiny minority of trailers in use. If you need to be able launch the boat from almost any situation, you might want to get a tilt-trailer if that feature might be useful for you.
Regarding construction with galvanized steel or with aluminum, the preference is likely associated with the type of water the trailer will be continually immersed in. For use in freshwater, a galvanized steel trailer will have an extremely long life. For constant use in saltwater, aluminum trailers may offer better longevity. Aluminum trailers may end up being lighter weight than a comparable steel trailer. This could be a big factor if the towing vehicle towed-weight rating is a limiting factor.
Another consideration will be trailer brakes. Typically for a 13-foot boat a trailer will not need brakes. You should check the law in your home state to determine what weight limit is imposed on trailers without brakes.