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Author Topic:   What make of trailer is best?

Cutty posted 07-11-2003 08:13 PM ET (US)
I have a old 16' Whaler that will be needing a new trailer under it soon. A friend of mine told me Caulkin was the best around. You'll have to excuse me guys but I never heard of Caulkin. I was also told that Venture was a piece of junk. How bout a few suggestions.
jimh posted 07-11-2003 08:47 PM ET (US)
There are only a few brands of trailer that try to market nationwide, and many trailers are made by local manufacturers.
Continental of Florida makes a nice trailer for a classic Boston Whaler that follows the original factory recommendations about keel rollers. But you won't find it in New England. (By the way, I know a couple of people who drove to Florida to buy a Continental and haul it back up north. They are a good value for the price, too.)
Since you are in Rhode Island I would bet that there are plenty of Boston Whaler boats on trailers around there which could serve as a guide to the best brand available locally.
Caulkins was a popular brand. A cursory search on Google did not turn up too much about them. Try researching them at a few online search engines.
Dick E posted 07-11-2003 09:23 PM ET (US)
What I would look for:
#1 Glavanized trailer even if you use fresh water only.
Have trailer frame built with channel not tube, tube tends to collect water
#2 Bearings with grease thru fittings
These have zerk fittings that push the old grease out and put new grease in.never had a problem with these.
#3 Stalnlees fittings .Pay the upcharge if you can get SS fittings bolts, u clamps, nuts etc.
#4 Center Keel rollers for support and bunks for side stablization.
#5 LED brake lights.
I have a Westco brand , made in Cayce,SC very pleased.
Dick posted 07-11-2003 09:25 PM ET (US)
Caulkins was a very good Whaler trailer if you wanted bunks and keel rollers.They closed the factory about 5 years ago. all of the plans, etc were sold and the trailer was re-born as Carnai. Its the same trailer under a different name. Being built in Spokane, WA you probably won't find them on the east coast.
I like the Shorelander under my Montauk, it is a full bunk trailer with no keel rollers which I prefer.
Dick
triblet posted 07-12-2003 03:00 AM ET (US)
Cutty: Where are you? That will be a factor in the decision.
Caulkins was good, so's Shoreland'r (correct spelling so you
can find their website). On the west coast, Pacific seems
good (I see a number of them in the parking lot that seem
to be holding up well).
Get galvanized, not painted. In a couple of years, it will
look better than rusty under paint.
The downside of U-channel is that it's weaker than rectangular
tube for a given weight.
I don't think you need the grease-thru fittings. SS Bearing
Buddies solve that problem nicely. Note that not all Bearing
Buddies are SS.
An all bunk trailer will be fine for a 16 if it's setup
right. My owner's manual even says so.
SS fittings are good. I've been gradually replaceing my
plated fittings with SS (If it comes off for some maintenance
or adjustment, SS goes back on).
Get a nice long tongue. It will keep your truck dry.
Get one that puts the boat low between the wheels, not high
and above, it will keep your truck dry, and reduce wind
resistance on the highway.

Chuck
HAPPYJIM posted 07-12-2003 04:58 AM ET (US)
Good point on the long tongue.
Not only will it keep your tow vehicle dry, it will be much easier to back up.

Peter posted 07-12-2003 06:09 AM ET (US)
Get one that also tilts. The tilting helps with launch and retrieve on the many less than ideal ramps that we have around the north east. The tilting feature will usually allow you to launch and retrieve on most any ramp without putting the wheel hubs underwater.
Bigshot posted 07-12-2003 09:54 AM ET (US)
You guys have some good points but you forgot one thing....ALUMINUM. I will never own a Heavy galv trailer again. For a couple hundred bucks you shave a few hundred pounds and they look and handle great. My trailer custom made was $1275ish with all the goodies including SS bolt package, ss lugnuts, 14" rims, LED lights, 2 speed winch, torsion axle with acu-lube system, and a 3500lb rating.
HAPPYJIM posted 07-12-2003 10:04 AM ET (US)
Bigshot
Is your trailer welded or bolted together?
Some time soon, I would like to replace my galvanized trailer.
I was considering ordering the aluminium and building my own.
whalerdude posted 07-12-2003 11:19 AM ET (US)
I just bought a galvanized ezloader for my 22OR.
I am pleased with it. I had the keel roller option added plus the 4 bunk option. I also added the long load guides. I can drive the boat onto the trailer and hook it to the winch and secure it with less than one crank of the winch and then I pull it out of the water. It tows beautifully. It was the only trailer brand sold my my local whaler dealer that I could add keel rollers to. I wanted a whaler expert to fit the trailer to the boat. It is adjustable so that If I hit something I can adjust everything back.
Talk to Twin Cities marine, Al Howarth if you are in the midwest area.
Whalerdude
DJS posted 07-12-2003 11:20 AM ET (US)
I'll have to go along with Bigshot in regards to an Aluminum trailer. They don't use a U channel, they use a big, heavy duty, I beam for the main frame of the trailer. I love the acu-lube system, and never worry about my bearings. My trailer is a Performance brand made in Florida. When using all those S.S. bolts, etc. don't forget to use an anti-seize product on them, keeps them from galling.
http://www.performancetrailers.com/

Cutty posted 07-12-2003 05:02 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the help. You guys have been great. I have an old shoreline trailer now but it's getting tired. I'll definately use your advice. Here's another question, I live in R.I. most of the year but spend alot of time in Florida in the winter. I'm told the salt in the water in Florida is stronger than in New England. Not that it really matters but is this true?
DADDYSSHRINKII posted 07-12-2003 06:24 PM ET (US)
test
Robob2003 posted 07-13-2003 01:46 PM ET (US)
Stronger salt in Florida?
If I remember my chemistry, the addition of heat accelerates most chemical reactions. Since the water is generally warmer in Florida than New England it may be a true statement.
Bob in Florida
Jay A posted 07-14-2003 12:52 AM ET (US)
For what it's worth. I have a 1975 galvinized trailer for my 13'Whaler. In all that time the only rust are the U- bolts holding the winch bracket! And not that much rust at that! Not bad for salt water use here in Gloucester,Ma.
Maybe in another 10 years I'll replace the U- bolts!
Jay A posted 07-14-2003 12:57 AM ET (US)
I forgot to add: It's a Cox trailer. Here's a trailer tip: At the end of the boating season, smear Vasoline on your trailer tires! This prevents the rubber from drying out. I still have the original tires!
NHKatama posted 07-17-2003 12:34 PM ET (US)
It is true that the water in the Gulf of Mexico is saltier than the water in the North Atlantic.
I bought a new Alum (with all SS bolts) Loadmaster trailer down in Fl and drove it up to NH. I am very happy with this trailer, and the price is about the same as a Galv one.
I plan on making a run down there again and can bring back up to 7 trailers so if anyone is interested, please email me. Thanks, ~~~~Pete
TRIDENT posted 07-17-2003 05:36 PM ET (US)
Loadmasters are the gold standard. Ask the SKA guys that tow their Contenders all over the country.
Bigshot posted 07-18-2003 11:44 AM ET (US)
That is who made mine custom yesterday....pick it up tonight. Top notch trailer and no middleman or dealer markup if you get one directly from them. Anyone wants one I can put it on top of mine when I come up to NJ in a month.

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Author	Topic: What make of trailer is best?
Cutty	posted 07-11-2003 08:13 PM ET (US) I have a old 16' Whaler that will be needing a new trailer under it soon. A friend of mine told me Caulkin was the best around. You'll have to excuse me guys but I never heard of Caulkin. I was also told that Venture was a piece of junk. How bout a few suggestions.
jimh	posted 07-11-2003 08:47 PM ET (US) There are only a few brands of trailer that try to market nationwide, and many trailers are made by local manufacturers. Continental of Florida makes a nice trailer for a classic Boston Whaler that follows the original factory recommendations about keel rollers. But you won't find it in New England. (By the way, I know a couple of people who drove to Florida to buy a Continental and haul it back up north. They are a good value for the price, too.) Since you are in Rhode Island I would bet that there are plenty of Boston Whaler boats on trailers around there which could serve as a guide to the best brand available locally. Caulkins was a popular brand. A cursory search on Google did not turn up too much about them. Try researching them at a few online search engines.
Dick E	posted 07-11-2003 09:23 PM ET (US) What I would look for: #1 Glavanized trailer even if you use fresh water only. Have trailer frame built with channel not tube, tube tends to collect water #2 Bearings with grease thru fittings These have zerk fittings that push the old grease out and put new grease in.never had a problem with these. #3 Stalnlees fittings .Pay the upcharge if you can get SS fittings bolts, u clamps, nuts etc. #4 Center Keel rollers for support and bunks for side stablization. #5 LED brake lights. I have a Westco brand , made in Cayce,SC very pleased.
Dick	posted 07-11-2003 09:25 PM ET (US) Caulkins was a very good Whaler trailer if you wanted bunks and keel rollers.They closed the factory about 5 years ago. all of the plans, etc were sold and the trailer was re-born as Carnai. Its the same trailer under a different name. Being built in Spokane, WA you probably won't find them on the east coast. I like the Shorelander under my Montauk, it is a full bunk trailer with no keel rollers which I prefer. Dick
triblet	posted 07-12-2003 03:00 AM ET (US) Cutty: Where are you? That will be a factor in the decision. Caulkins was good, so's Shoreland'r (correct spelling so you can find their website). On the west coast, Pacific seems good (I see a number of them in the parking lot that seem to be holding up well). Get galvanized, not painted. In a couple of years, it will look better than rusty under paint. The downside of U-channel is that it's weaker than rectangular tube for a given weight. I don't think you need the grease-thru fittings. SS Bearing Buddies solve that problem nicely. Note that not all Bearing Buddies are SS. An all bunk trailer will be fine for a 16 if it's setup right. My owner's manual even says so. SS fittings are good. I've been gradually replaceing my plated fittings with SS (If it comes off for some maintenance or adjustment, SS goes back on). Get a nice long tongue. It will keep your truck dry. Get one that puts the boat low between the wheels, not high and above, it will keep your truck dry, and reduce wind resistance on the highway. Chuck
HAPPYJIM	posted 07-12-2003 04:58 AM ET (US) Good point on the long tongue. Not only will it keep your tow vehicle dry, it will be much easier to back up.
Peter	posted 07-12-2003 06:09 AM ET (US) Get one that also tilts. The tilting helps with launch and retrieve on the many less than ideal ramps that we have around the north east. The tilting feature will usually allow you to launch and retrieve on most any ramp without putting the wheel hubs underwater.
Bigshot	posted 07-12-2003 09:54 AM ET (US) You guys have some good points but you forgot one thing....ALUMINUM. I will never own a Heavy galv trailer again. For a couple hundred bucks you shave a few hundred pounds and they look and handle great. My trailer custom made was $1275ish with all the goodies including SS bolt package, ss lugnuts, 14" rims, LED lights, 2 speed winch, torsion axle with acu-lube system, and a 3500lb rating.
HAPPYJIM	posted 07-12-2003 10:04 AM ET (US) Bigshot Is your trailer welded or bolted together? Some time soon, I would like to replace my galvanized trailer. I was considering ordering the aluminium and building my own.
whalerdude	posted 07-12-2003 11:19 AM ET (US) I just bought a galvanized ezloader for my 22OR. I am pleased with it. I had the keel roller option added plus the 4 bunk option. I also added the long load guides. I can drive the boat onto the trailer and hook it to the winch and secure it with less than one crank of the winch and then I pull it out of the water. It tows beautifully. It was the only trailer brand sold my my local whaler dealer that I could add keel rollers to. I wanted a whaler expert to fit the trailer to the boat. It is adjustable so that If I hit something I can adjust everything back. Talk to Twin Cities marine, Al Howarth if you are in the midwest area. Whalerdude
DJS	posted 07-12-2003 11:20 AM ET (US) I'll have to go along with Bigshot in regards to an Aluminum trailer. They don't use a U channel, they use a big, heavy duty, I beam for the main frame of the trailer. I love the acu-lube system, and never worry about my bearings. My trailer is a Performance brand made in Florida. When using all those S.S. bolts, etc. don't forget to use an anti-seize product on them, keeps them from galling. http://www.performancetrailers.com/
Cutty	posted 07-12-2003 05:02 PM ET (US) Thanks for the help. You guys have been great. I have an old shoreline trailer now but it's getting tired. I'll definately use your advice. Here's another question, I live in R.I. most of the year but spend alot of time in Florida in the winter. I'm told the salt in the water in Florida is stronger than in New England. Not that it really matters but is this true?
DADDYSSHRINKII	posted 07-12-2003 06:24 PM ET (US) test
Robob2003	posted 07-13-2003 01:46 PM ET (US) Stronger salt in Florida? If I remember my chemistry, the addition of heat accelerates most chemical reactions. Since the water is generally warmer in Florida than New England it may be a true statement. Bob in Florida
Jay A	posted 07-14-2003 12:52 AM ET (US) For what it's worth. I have a 1975 galvinized trailer for my 13'Whaler. In all that time the only rust are the U- bolts holding the winch bracket! And not that much rust at that! Not bad for salt water use here in Gloucester,Ma. Maybe in another 10 years I'll replace the U- bolts!
Jay A	posted 07-14-2003 12:57 AM ET (US) I forgot to add: It's a Cox trailer. Here's a trailer tip: At the end of the boating season, smear Vasoline on your trailer tires! This prevents the rubber from drying out. I still have the original tires!
NHKatama	posted 07-17-2003 12:34 PM ET (US) It is true that the water in the Gulf of Mexico is saltier than the water in the North Atlantic. I bought a new Alum (with all SS bolts) Loadmaster trailer down in Fl and drove it up to NH. I am very happy with this trailer, and the price is about the same as a Galv one. I plan on making a run down there again and can bring back up to 7 trailers so if anyone is interested, please email me. Thanks, ~~~~Pete
TRIDENT	posted 07-17-2003 05:36 PM ET (US) Loadmasters are the gold standard. Ask the SKA guys that tow their Contenders all over the country.
Bigshot	posted 07-18-2003 11:44 AM ET (US) That is who made mine custom yesterday....pick it up tonight. Top notch trailer and no middleman or dealer markup if you get one directly from them. Anyone wants one I can put it on top of mine when I come up to NJ in a month.