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Author Topic:   Boat Trailer Material Finish Preferences

vkg65 posted 01-05-2010 12:26 PM ET (US)
Do you prefer a [boat trailer with a] galvanized finish [over a boat trailer with a powder coated finish]?
ConB posted 01-05-2010 12:55 PM ET (US)
In my mind, power coating is nothing more than a different technique to apply paint.
I think a galvanized/aluminum trailer is better. Definitely so in salt water.
Con
David Pendleton posted 01-05-2010 01:53 PM ET (US)
I would avoid a painted trailer altogether.
Many years ago, I owned and Eagle trailer that was painted. All it took was a nick in the paint and the rust would spread like wildfire.
Eventually, huge flakes of the paint began to come off.
Buckda posted 01-05-2010 02:09 PM ET (US)
Galvanized or Aluminum are preferred for their corrosion resistant properties.
A painted trailer should only be considered if you plan to do freshwater-only boating and do significantly limited amounts of towing.
Painted steel is less corrosion resistant - so in a saltwater application it is the least desireable.
Extended towing increases the risk that a rock or other debris will compromise the painted finish and invite or accelerate corrosion. In northern climates, this could be exacerbated by the presence of snow melting chemicals in early or late season...or, if the trailer will live outside, the presence of rain on the exposed surface will accelerate the corrosion.
One final consideration - I like channel trailers as opposed to box-frame construction, because boxed-frame invites corrosion INSIDE the trailer, where you can't see it occurring, or take action to prevent/curtail it.
However, that method of construction yields an inexpensive product, and saltwater boaters may have different expectations for trailer longevity than we in the Midwest.
Buckda posted 01-05-2010 02:16 PM ET (US)
One final consideration may be your tow vehicle. A galvanized steel trailer will likely be the heaviest of the three options. If your boat is weighty, your tow vehicle marginal (for the weight) and your use is salt water, then you definitely need to look into the aluminum trailers as they will add the least amount of weight to the final boat/trailer combo that you need to tow.
padrefigure posted 01-05-2010 02:45 PM ET (US)
Powder coat can be a much more durable finish than other paint options. However, large items like trailers are difficult to powder coat. To be effective, the complete assembly must be coated and baked in an oven. Done correctly, the process could be much more corrosion resistant than other paint finishes. However, at a practical level, powder coat on a trailer probably is less corrosion resistant than galvanized and certainly less resistant than an aluminum frame with Stainless Steel hardware.
gnr posted 01-05-2010 02:49 PM ET (US)
Powder coating is not paint. It is MUCH more rugged.
Personally I would go with galvanized because I don't care about the color of my trailer.
Powder coat would hold up though.
JFergwh26 posted 01-05-2010 05:07 PM ET (US)
I would run as fast I could from a powder coated trailer. As was stated earlier in this thread. While technically "not paint", it's coating acts similarly as paint. Once the barrier is breached, ie stones, running into things, the corrosion begins. The same could be argued with a galvanized coating, however, it takes a bit more to get throgh it.
My first choice would be an aluminum, then galvanized.
Chuck Tribolet posted 01-05-2010 05:14 PM ET (US)
Even when breached, galvanizing still protects the steel by
virtue of the dissimilar metals.

Chuck
vkg65 posted 01-05-2010 06:41 PM ET (US)
How fast would you run....? New, 2450# trailer for $700.00
ScooterCO posted 01-05-2010 06:55 PM ET (US)
Yea... My last painted trailer only lasted 24 years, stored outside. It had a few touch ups on the paint (shake and shoot) just on the nicks and scratches. Mind you it was not beautify queen but just as functional as the day I brought it home. It was even on the original wheel bearings. It did have Bearing Buddy's! I probably put on average 800 miles a year. The new owner will not wear it out either!
Yea... I would definitely get the aluminum version!

Ok, so, I live in Colorado (Denver), High sierra desert, read very dry. The trailer never saw salt water. Didn't really use it in winter. Got rinsed every time it was put in the water by natures own!
I sure wish I lived closer to the ocean. I just might feel the need to drive out and see my Uncle in San Francisco...The Bay talk has me wanting! Wait, my new trailer is painted also!!!
jimh posted 01-06-2010 01:12 AM ET (US)
I prefer a boat trailer with a galvanized finish over all other finishes.
Jorgen posted 01-06-2010 02:45 AM ET (US)
As my wife owns a business in dealing in boat trailers as well, I can advice the following:
A galvanized trailer ( Zink applied ) offers in general the best protection you can have. This is standard on all our trailers we offer.
However, on salt water, the salt will slowely dissolve the zink layer. You notice this because the zink turns black tinted a bit.
For this reason, we offer to customers that do salt water boating, the option to get their zink galvanized trailer, protected by an additional powdercoating, this to seal the zink protection.
The trailer will than outlast corrosion for at least 10 Years.
We offer a waterflush system on the brake drums, with a gardenhose coupling, so you can flush out the salty water from the brake drums each time you have been on salt water.
The ball barings of the axel are also cleaned with the same fresh water stream, and have 316 stainless rings to protect the entry of the barings and their ''O''ring seal.
Hope this helps you a bit.
:-)
Jorgen
Jorgen posted 01-06-2010 03:00 AM ET (US)
Here is a link to the website of the brand we sell the most, PEGA.
For each type of boat there is a best practise trailer.
http://www.pegabv.nl/en/start_en.html
:-)
Jorgen
JFergwh26 posted 01-06-2010 06:57 AM ET (US)
Even at $700.00 I would not get a powder coated trailer. Now I guess if you go from your house a few miles to an inland lake... then I could see it. But if it is going to be stored outdoors year round especially in a climate up north, or see salt water or heavy road use, I'd keep looking and go for an Aluminum or galvanized trailer still.
I had to pick up a small trailer for my small marsh boat for duck hunting. I had the chance to get several good used painted trailers. I kept looking and spent a few more bucks on a galvanized trailer because I knew what it was going to look like in a few years of use. With a quick wash down, the little trailer looks like the day I bought it four years ago. This also tends to see salt on the roads the second half of the duck season due to me living in the snow belt.
gnr posted 01-06-2010 08:55 AM ET (US)
jferg.
Do you have any experience with poweder coating?
Powder coating is VERY tough stuff.
The powder coated frame and jugs on my motorbike have been across the country numerous times and I can still shine it up to look brand new.
The fact that the trailer dealer posting here offers an "upgrade" to the galvanized trailers to extend the life says it all.
This is not paint.
hauptjm posted 01-06-2010 10:37 AM ET (US)
If price is not a factor, then the ONLY choice is aluminum: second would be galvanied. Never painted! Just my opinion.
JFergwh26 posted 01-06-2010 06:23 PM ET (US)
I have had multiple truck accesories running boards, brushguards, and luggage racks, all powder coated and from different companies. Every one of them failed within two to three seasons (Winter). I've also had some smaller items that were coated (industrial coatings)... failed. You will also find some camps of people out there that are vehemently opposed to powder coated towers on their center counsels. I heard stories similar to my experiences, once one spot fails it peels and flakes. Nothing like owning a $300,000 plus dollar boat to have the powder coating peel off.
I'm sure you or others may have had positive experiences with it. I'm just one who would rather pay once for a trailer and not have to have any worries.
Just my opinion.
David Pendleton posted 01-06-2010 07:09 PM ET (US)
I have to agree with JFergwh26 somewhat.
I have seen powdercoated finishes deteriorate just like painted finishes when the coating is compromised. It all depends on the environment and what type of metal is actually coated.
My hardtop cage has been powdercoated (white) since new (1999) and for the most part, still looks like it did the day I had it done (and re-done after structural repairs).
I have a few small nicks here and there, and at some point these may prove problematic as the aluminum is exposed, but I don't worry about it because of my environment.
If I lived in Miami, I'd worry.
Powdercoating is tough, but once something (corrosion) gets under it, it's not much better than conventional painted finishes.
lizard posted 01-06-2010 11:32 PM ET (US)
vkg65-
I have 3 boats, one on a galvanized trailer, one on painted steel (it came with the boat) and one that is powder coated. I used a reputable party, who was competitively priced, adequately prepped and it was not cheap.
The powder coated paint application is better than painted steel. To clarify some misperceptions about what powder coating is:
Powder coating is the technique of applying dry PAINT to a part. The final cured coating is the same as a 2-pack wet paint. The paint powder is mixed with a resin and there are about a half of a dozen products, epoxy, poly, etc. all with different pluses and minuses. In powder coating, the powdered paint may be applied by either of two techniques.
The item is lowered into a fluidised bed of the powder, which may or may not be electrostatically charged, or the powdered paint is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the part. The part is then placed in an oven (think BIG) and the powder particles melt and coalesce to form a continuous film.
In general, it looks nice for a while but does not hold up well to the rigors of trailering and launching, particularly in salt water applications. If money is very tight, I would consider it as an option superior to painted steel. If money were limitless, I would go with aluminum. Since my money is neither, my replacement will be galvanized.
Chuck Tribolet posted 01-07-2010 12:13 AM ET (US)
My trailer hitch is powder-coated. It's rusting under the
the powder-coat and the powder-coat is being peeled off by
the rust. And this is something that only occasionally meets
the brine. A trailer gets salty twice every day I go boating.
I would not consider a powder-coated trailer.
I wish I could find an aluminum trailer maker on the west
coast (Pacific won't do one for the classic Montauk).
David Pendleton: Your hardtop cage is aluminum. AL doesn't
rust. That's why it still looks good.

Chuck
David Pendleton posted 01-07-2010 01:15 AM ET (US)
Yes Chuck, I know that, but it will oxidize under the right conditions (hence, my reference to Miami).
Angel posted 01-13-2010 05:11 PM ET (US)
Anybody know how to best protect a powdercoat finish? Auto wax, fluid film?
L H G posted 01-13-2010 05:52 PM ET (US)
For my money, the strongest and longest lasting boat trailer you can buy is made from galvanized structural steel channel section, with the complete frame pre-welded before dipping, and any remaining bolts and U-bolts needed in stainless steel. And that includes raw aluminum trailers, which are no where near as strong, and suffer severe galvanic corrosion at the bolts when used in salt water, and also surface pitting. It is also difficult and costly to install keel rollers on the aluminum trailer designs. We build buildings and bridges from structural steel, not aluminum.
These "C" frame trailer frames are lighter in weight than the tubular steel galvanized trailers, don't squeak at all the bolted together joints (additional sources of rust, corrosion and potential failure), are stronger and more rigid, and all surfaces are exposed for inspection.
Here is an example of what I am talking about:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2019/?action=view& current=Scan0015.jpg
contender posted 01-13-2010 07:31 PM ET (US)
A painted trailer down here(South Fla.) will last you about about two years max,(they are considered junk) Depending on the type of ramps( shallow float on, deep break away) is the trailer you need to purchase. A trailer that breaks/tilts are usually made of galvanized, A trailer that is of the float on type is usually Aluminium. I have a galvanized under my 16'7'' and its 35 years old. I have another galvanized under my 11' but it was just purchased new (1 year). I have a float on type under my 25' Contender that's aluminium. When I purchased the trailers (all 3 brand new) the first thing I did before placing the boat on the trailer was to coat all the nuts, bolts, springs, and axles with LPS#3. This spray is the best for protection against rust. The other reason when you need to change something the hardware is protected for the elements and comes apart easy. I really do not understand why they still make painted trailers, the cost difference to have it galvanized is minor compaired the the promblems that may occur and waste your time...

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Author	Topic: Boat Trailer Material Finish Preferences
vkg65	posted 01-05-2010 12:26 PM ET (US) Do you prefer a [boat trailer with a] galvanized finish [over a boat trailer with a powder coated finish]?
ConB	posted 01-05-2010 12:55 PM ET (US) In my mind, power coating is nothing more than a different technique to apply paint. I think a galvanized/aluminum trailer is better. Definitely so in salt water. Con
David Pendleton	posted 01-05-2010 01:53 PM ET (US) I would avoid a painted trailer altogether. Many years ago, I owned and Eagle trailer that was painted. All it took was a nick in the paint and the rust would spread like wildfire. Eventually, huge flakes of the paint began to come off.
Buckda	posted 01-05-2010 02:09 PM ET (US) Galvanized or Aluminum are preferred for their corrosion resistant properties. A painted trailer should only be considered if you plan to do freshwater-only boating and do significantly limited amounts of towing. Painted steel is less corrosion resistant - so in a saltwater application it is the least desireable. Extended towing increases the risk that a rock or other debris will compromise the painted finish and invite or accelerate corrosion. In northern climates, this could be exacerbated by the presence of snow melting chemicals in early or late season...or, if the trailer will live outside, the presence of rain on the exposed surface will accelerate the corrosion. One final consideration - I like channel trailers as opposed to box-frame construction, because boxed-frame invites corrosion INSIDE the trailer, where you can't see it occurring, or take action to prevent/curtail it. However, that method of construction yields an inexpensive product, and saltwater boaters may have different expectations for trailer longevity than we in the Midwest.
Buckda	posted 01-05-2010 02:16 PM ET (US) One final consideration may be your tow vehicle. A galvanized steel trailer will likely be the heaviest of the three options. If your boat is weighty, your tow vehicle marginal (for the weight) and your use is salt water, then you definitely need to look into the aluminum trailers as they will add the least amount of weight to the final boat/trailer combo that you need to tow.
padrefigure	posted 01-05-2010 02:45 PM ET (US) Powder coat can be a much more durable finish than other paint options. However, large items like trailers are difficult to powder coat. To be effective, the complete assembly must be coated and baked in an oven. Done correctly, the process could be much more corrosion resistant than other paint finishes. However, at a practical level, powder coat on a trailer probably is less corrosion resistant than galvanized and certainly less resistant than an aluminum frame with Stainless Steel hardware.
gnr	posted 01-05-2010 02:49 PM ET (US) Powder coating is not paint. It is MUCH more rugged. Personally I would go with galvanized because I don't care about the color of my trailer. Powder coat would hold up though.
JFergwh26	posted 01-05-2010 05:07 PM ET (US) I would run as fast I could from a powder coated trailer. As was stated earlier in this thread. While technically "not paint", it's coating acts similarly as paint. Once the barrier is breached, ie stones, running into things, the corrosion begins. The same could be argued with a galvanized coating, however, it takes a bit more to get throgh it. My first choice would be an aluminum, then galvanized.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 01-05-2010 05:14 PM ET (US) Even when breached, galvanizing still protects the steel by virtue of the dissimilar metals. Chuck
vkg65	posted 01-05-2010 06:41 PM ET (US) How fast would you run....? New, 2450# trailer for $700.00
ScooterCO	posted 01-05-2010 06:55 PM ET (US) Yea... My last painted trailer only lasted 24 years, stored outside. It had a few touch ups on the paint (shake and shoot) just on the nicks and scratches. Mind you it was not beautify queen but just as functional as the day I brought it home. It was even on the original wheel bearings. It did have Bearing Buddy's! I probably put on average 800 miles a year. The new owner will not wear it out either! Yea... I would definitely get the aluminum version! Ok, so, I live in Colorado (Denver), High sierra desert, read very dry. The trailer never saw salt water. Didn't really use it in winter. Got rinsed every time it was put in the water by natures own! I sure wish I lived closer to the ocean. I just might feel the need to drive out and see my Uncle in San Francisco...The Bay talk has me wanting! Wait, my new trailer is painted also!!!
jimh	posted 01-06-2010 01:12 AM ET (US) I prefer a boat trailer with a galvanized finish over all other finishes.
Jorgen	posted 01-06-2010 02:45 AM ET (US) As my wife owns a business in dealing in boat trailers as well, I can advice the following: A galvanized trailer ( Zink applied ) offers in general the best protection you can have. This is standard on all our trailers we offer. However, on salt water, the salt will slowely dissolve the zink layer. You notice this because the zink turns black tinted a bit. For this reason, we offer to customers that do salt water boating, the option to get their zink galvanized trailer, protected by an additional powdercoating, this to seal the zink protection. The trailer will than outlast corrosion for at least 10 Years. We offer a waterflush system on the brake drums, with a gardenhose coupling, so you can flush out the salty water from the brake drums each time you have been on salt water. The ball barings of the axel are also cleaned with the same fresh water stream, and have 316 stainless rings to protect the entry of the barings and their ''O''ring seal. Hope this helps you a bit. :-) Jorgen
Jorgen	posted 01-06-2010 03:00 AM ET (US) Here is a link to the website of the brand we sell the most, PEGA. For each type of boat there is a best practise trailer. http://www.pegabv.nl/en/start_en.html :-) Jorgen
JFergwh26	posted 01-06-2010 06:57 AM ET (US) Even at $700.00 I would not get a powder coated trailer. Now I guess if you go from your house a few miles to an inland lake... then I could see it. But if it is going to be stored outdoors year round especially in a climate up north, or see salt water or heavy road use, I'd keep looking and go for an Aluminum or galvanized trailer still. I had to pick up a small trailer for my small marsh boat for duck hunting. I had the chance to get several good used painted trailers. I kept looking and spent a few more bucks on a galvanized trailer because I knew what it was going to look like in a few years of use. With a quick wash down, the little trailer looks like the day I bought it four years ago. This also tends to see salt on the roads the second half of the duck season due to me living in the snow belt.
gnr	posted 01-06-2010 08:55 AM ET (US) jferg. Do you have any experience with poweder coating? Powder coating is VERY tough stuff. The powder coated frame and jugs on my motorbike have been across the country numerous times and I can still shine it up to look brand new. The fact that the trailer dealer posting here offers an "upgrade" to the galvanized trailers to extend the life says it all. This is not paint.
hauptjm	posted 01-06-2010 10:37 AM ET (US) If price is not a factor, then the ONLY choice is aluminum: second would be galvanied. Never painted! Just my opinion.
JFergwh26	posted 01-06-2010 06:23 PM ET (US) I have had multiple truck accesories running boards, brushguards, and luggage racks, all powder coated and from different companies. Every one of them failed within two to three seasons (Winter). I've also had some smaller items that were coated (industrial coatings)... failed. You will also find some camps of people out there that are vehemently opposed to powder coated towers on their center counsels. I heard stories similar to my experiences, once one spot fails it peels and flakes. Nothing like owning a $300,000 plus dollar boat to have the powder coating peel off. I'm sure you or others may have had positive experiences with it. I'm just one who would rather pay once for a trailer and not have to have any worries. Just my opinion.
David Pendleton	posted 01-06-2010 07:09 PM ET (US) I have to agree with JFergwh26 somewhat. I have seen powdercoated finishes deteriorate just like painted finishes when the coating is compromised. It all depends on the environment and what type of metal is actually coated. My hardtop cage has been powdercoated (white) since new (1999) and for the most part, still looks like it did the day I had it done (and re-done after structural repairs). I have a few small nicks here and there, and at some point these may prove problematic as the aluminum is exposed, but I don't worry about it because of my environment. If I lived in Miami, I'd worry. Powdercoating is tough, but once something (corrosion) gets under it, it's not much better than conventional painted finishes.
lizard	posted 01-06-2010 11:32 PM ET (US) vkg65- I have 3 boats, one on a galvanized trailer, one on painted steel (it came with the boat) and one that is powder coated. I used a reputable party, who was competitively priced, adequately prepped and it was not cheap. The powder coated paint application is better than painted steel. To clarify some misperceptions about what powder coating is: Powder coating is the technique of applying dry PAINT to a part. The final cured coating is the same as a 2-pack wet paint. The paint powder is mixed with a resin and there are about a half of a dozen products, epoxy, poly, etc. all with different pluses and minuses. In powder coating, the powdered paint may be applied by either of two techniques. The item is lowered into a fluidised bed of the powder, which may or may not be electrostatically charged, or the powdered paint is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the part. The part is then placed in an oven (think BIG) and the powder particles melt and coalesce to form a continuous film. In general, it looks nice for a while but does not hold up well to the rigors of trailering and launching, particularly in salt water applications. If money is very tight, I would consider it as an option superior to painted steel. If money were limitless, I would go with aluminum. Since my money is neither, my replacement will be galvanized.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 01-07-2010 12:13 AM ET (US) My trailer hitch is powder-coated. It's rusting under the the powder-coat and the powder-coat is being peeled off by the rust. And this is something that only occasionally meets the brine. A trailer gets salty twice every day I go boating. I would not consider a powder-coated trailer. I wish I could find an aluminum trailer maker on the west coast (Pacific won't do one for the classic Montauk). David Pendleton: Your hardtop cage is aluminum. AL doesn't rust. That's why it still looks good. Chuck
David Pendleton	posted 01-07-2010 01:15 AM ET (US) Yes Chuck, I know that, but it will oxidize under the right conditions (hence, my reference to Miami).
Angel	posted 01-13-2010 05:11 PM ET (US) Anybody know how to best protect a powdercoat finish? Auto wax, fluid film?
L H G	posted 01-13-2010 05:52 PM ET (US) For my money, the strongest and longest lasting boat trailer you can buy is made from galvanized structural steel channel section, with the complete frame pre-welded before dipping, and any remaining bolts and U-bolts needed in stainless steel. And that includes raw aluminum trailers, which are no where near as strong, and suffer severe galvanic corrosion at the bolts when used in salt water, and also surface pitting. It is also difficult and costly to install keel rollers on the aluminum trailer designs. We build buildings and bridges from structural steel, not aluminum. These "C" frame trailer frames are lighter in weight than the tubular steel galvanized trailers, don't squeak at all the bolted together joints (additional sources of rust, corrosion and potential failure), are stronger and more rigid, and all surfaces are exposed for inspection. Here is an example of what I am talking about: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2019/?action=view& current=Scan0015.jpg
contender	posted 01-13-2010 07:31 PM ET (US) A painted trailer down here(South Fla.) will last you about about two years max,(they are considered junk) Depending on the type of ramps( shallow float on, deep break away) is the trailer you need to purchase. A trailer that breaks/tilts are usually made of galvanized, A trailer that is of the float on type is usually Aluminium. I have a galvanized under my 16'7'' and its 35 years old. I have another galvanized under my 11' but it was just purchased new (1 year). I have a float on type under my 25' Contender that's aluminium. When I purchased the trailers (all 3 brand new) the first thing I did before placing the boat on the trailer was to coat all the nuts, bolts, springs, and axles with LPS#3. This spray is the best for protection against rust. The other reason when you need to change something the hardware is protected for the elements and comes apart easy. I really do not understand why they still make painted trailers, the cost difference to have it galvanized is minor compaired the the promblems that may occur and waste your time...