Trailer Size for Cruiser

pbexchange

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Oct 11, 2011
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I recently purchased a 1973 Slickcraft 285 Express Cruiser with twin inboards. It is 28.5 feet loa and a beam of 10'6"and dry 8050#. I want to find a trailer for it and obviously I need a trailer that will take 9000# but what length and width do I need? I am looking a a 27' trailer with rollers and an electric winch.

I will be pulling it with an F350 diesel so I am not concerned about the vehicle.

Any help would be appreciated and I will not take offense to statements of the obvious since I sometimes miss the obvious.
 

Thalasso

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Jan 18, 2011
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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

I think you should be looking for a trailer in the 30ft range. You will also need more weight cap. in the trailer. When you start putting things in the boat, gas,water, and other supplies you are going to be at if not over the trailer cap.
 

Bondo

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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

and a beam of 10'6"

Ayuh,... 'n Legal width on a hi-way is 8' 6", unless ya get an over width permit...
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

generally measure the length of the boat excluding added on swim platform and bow pulpit and add 10%... that is a good place to start for the minimum length

as others have said dry weight really doesn't matter.... add 1500 lbs for the trailer itself, 1000 lbs for fuel, 500 lbs for water, and 500 lbs for batts and misc.... that puts you around 12,000 lbs..... That boat CAN be hauled on a 10,000 lb trailer but you'll need to haul it empty and you may still be pushing it a bit.... If you plan to haul it fully loaded then a 15,000 lb trailer is the ticket..... that's 3 5000 lb axles
 

Home Cookin'

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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

also depends on if you are just going up and down the ramp from a dry slip, up and down the highway 200 miles, or up and down the mountain. you can cheat if you aren't going anywhere outside the gate. But I'd ask a pro about the care/consequences of storing on a trailer if that's your plan.
 

gnathv

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Aug 19, 2010
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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

From venturetrailers.com

How do I determine the correct capacity trailer for my boat?

You must start with the exact length of your boat measured horizontally from the bow eye to the drain plug. Figure out the beam of your boat. These dimensions will determine the length and width capacity of your trailer.
After you do this you will need the dry hull weight, weight of any outboard motor, fuel capacity, water capacity and batteries, T-top or hard top if applicable. You multiply fuel by 6.1 pounds per gallon and water by 8.3 pounds per gallon. You then must add all of these together and multiply the total number by 1.1 for a 10% gear (coolers, food, electronics, etc.) allowance. This number will establish the weight capacity of the trailer you need. Always go to the next heavier available model.
 

Thalasso

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Jan 18, 2011
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Re: Trailer Size for Cruiser

Venture Trailer sell a 12500 lb gvw aluminum trailer for a 30 ft boat. Mine is 30ft and that is what i have to tow it. It only comes in triple axle.My boat is listed as 9500lb dry.
 
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