What To Consider Before Buying a Pontoon Boat Trailer
If you have a pontoon boat, then you would need a pontoon boat trailer to haul your vessel to almost anywhere. There are several considerations to make in order to purchase the right pontoon boat trailer. The first thing you should take into account is the total length of the tubes of the boat because the pontoon boat trailer is fitted to these tubes. There are instances when the pontoon boat trailer is shorter than the boat but for new pontoon boat models that have larger engines, it is very important to ensure a perfect fit of the boat to the trailer in order to distribute weight properly.
The boat's weight is another important consideration because the pontoon boat trailer should naturally be able to support the boat. You should take note that the engines of recent models of pontoon boats would be larger and heavier than the engines of older boats. In addition, newer pontoon boats have more furniture and seating, which all add to the boat's weight.
How you plan to use the pontoon boat trailer will also help you decide which trailer is right for you. Initially, you may be planning to use the trailer just a couple of times a year but you will soon discover that having a pontoon boat trailer will allow you to easily explore other lakes so you would probably go on more excursions. You should anticipate this and be prepared for frequent boat trips by investing in heavy-duty pontoon boat trailer with tandem axle and brakes for easy transportation.
Some of the recommended features of pontoon boat trailers include powder-coated frames that are resistant to rust and paint chipping; axles and bunks that can be fully adjusted to haul a longer pontoon boat; marine-grade bunk carpet for great durability; and 13 inch tires for heavy-duty hauling.
In addition to the above considerations, you can be sure to purchase a quality pontoon boat trailer if you look for the NMMA certification. NMMA stands for National Marine Manufacturers Association, which is the group that established industry product standards. An NMMA-certified pontoon boat trailer simply means that the product has complied with or exceeded quality standards for construction of said product.
Before you make a purchase, contact the office of the Department of Transportation in your area and ask if there are any local laws you should consider when buying or using a trailer. Just as you take care of your pontoon boat, you should also give proper care to your pontoon boat trailer. Perform regular maintenance like washing it down with freshwater and checking up the signals and lights to make sure your trailer stays in good working condition.
