Aluminum vs. Steel Trailer for Small Boat

[Omay Elphick]

I am building a 14 ft glued lap cruising dinghy. Finished weight should be under 250lbs wet.

Finding a trailer that won't beat up a light weight boat has been a challenge.

I have been considering what type of trailer to purchase. One brand that is interesting is Trailex aluminum trailers. The idea of light weight is appealing. However, at 120 lbs, I wonder if a trailer can be too light. Would a heavier steel trailer with the appropriate springs have a better ride, stay on the road and bounce less than a comparable alumninum trailer? Any thoughts?

[On Vacation]

My opinion and it is free. A trailer weighing in at 120 lbs, should hold a capicity of about 600 lbs of boat. If it has 9 inch wheels consider a larger one with 12 inch tires. Keep in mind at 60 mph and with your car tire either 14 or 15 tires, the tire is going about 100 mph. Steel or aluminum, think also about if you may upgrade your boat at a later date. 12 inch tires, IMHO, is a safety measure for highway use. Many trailer brands vary from area to area.

[JimD]

I have a Karavan steel trailer for a 15 foot daysailer, happy with it, though the ballast alone weighs more than your boat so its over twice as heavy but that still makes it a light boat on a steel trailer rated to 1,000 lbs.
jimd

[David N.]

$.02 worth , go for the steel . Aluminum is wonderful stuff , I have built with Aluminum for 3 decades plus , it makes me a fair income , love aluminum , go for the steel .

[shadow99]

Go for the steel trailer. My boat weighs in around 140 lbs (15' sailboat), I found by removing the 2 upper leafs on the 600 lb springs and adding (2) 50 pound S.S. bars to the trailer she rides great. Without the added weight on the trailer I saw too much air between the trailer and the ground, quite a scary site on a busy highway. Good Luck!

Rick

[landlocked sailor]

I have one of each. I think the Trailex trailers are wonderful but too expensive. My steel Karavan does a nice job for my Windward 15. Rick