Receiving Helpdesk

how to measure the length of a boat trailer

by Marisa Hamill Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

  1. Measure its Width The width of a boat trailer starts from the outside of one fender to the outside of the other. ...
  2. Measure its Length The length of a boat trailer is the distance from the front of the tongue to the back of the trailer frame. ...
  3. Measure the Trailer Height

Part of a video titled Measuring your boat - YouTube
2:06
3:48
Measure from the center of your trailer to the center of your rear roller pivot point measure fromMoreMeasure from the center of your trailer to the center of your rear roller pivot point measure from the inside of your rear quad roller to the center of your boat.

Full Answer

How to measure the size of a boat trailer?

  • Towing capacity: a tow vehicle must be rated for the full GVWR of the trailer being towed.
  • Hitch: a hitch assembly rated must be rated for the full GVWR of the trailer being towed.
  • Tow ball size: match tow ball to the coupler / actuator requirement (2” or 2-5/16”) depending upon trailer capacity.

More items...

What is the maximum allowable width of a boat trailer?

Typically, the maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet, and the maximum height limit is 13.5 to 14.5 feet. Legal length, both in definition and measured length, varies significantly from state to state.

What are the dimensions of a boat trailer?

Trailer axle measures 89″ from hub face to hub face and 74″ from spring center to spring center. Includes complete electric brake assemblies, hubs, drums, bearings, races, seals … of your wheels, the brake type and the aforementioned lengths.

How long is the trailer for a 20 foot boat?

Single axle trailers are suited for boats up to about 20 feet in length. Your Load Rite dealer will help you select the appropriate configuration for your trailer. Tandem/Tri-Axle

How do you measure trailer size?

It's simply the length from the front wall to the back wall inside the trailer. The exterior length should be measured without the trailer tongue. The overall length is the length of the entire trailer. You should know the length of the trailer without the hitch and with the hitch and tow vehicle.

What size trailer do I need for a 22 foot boat?

Single or Multiple Axles. Typically, a single-axle trailer can accommodate a boat up to 22' (6.7 m) or 23' (7.01 m) with a maximum weight of 3,300 lbs. (1,369 kg) to 3,500 lbs.

How is length measured on a boat?

Length overall is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the vessel. Bowsprits; rudders; outboard motors and motor brackets; handles; and other fittings, attachments, and extensions are not included in the measurement.

How long is a trailer for a 22 foot pontoon boat?

Some experts even recommend that the difference between pontoon and trailer sizes is 4 feet (1.2 m) in ideal conditions. In other words, the ideal trailer size for a pontoon boat should be: From 20 to 22 feet (6.1 – 6.7 m) for 18 feet (5.5 m) long pontoon. From 23 to 25 feet (7 – 7.6 m) for 21 feet (6.4 m) long pontoon.

How long is a 20 foot boat with trailer?

Re: Total Length of 20\' Outboard Boats & Trailers? 21' Seahawk/offshore bracket 37' from the front of the trailer to the back of the motor when it's tilted down.

How long is a typical boat trailer?

Maximum allowed trailer length varies state-to-state, from 30 feet to 60 feet. States also stipulate the combined length of the tow vehicle and trailer, which ranges from 50 to 85 feet. If your rig is over-length, you may still be able to tow with an over-size load permit and some restrictions.

Does length of boat include motor?

A motor boat is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the boat. This measurement does not include any attachments such as swim platforms, outboard motors, bow sprits, etc. This measurement is called the length overall (LOA).

What does hull length mean?

More Definitions of hull length It is the straight line measurement of the overall length, stated in feet and inches, from the foremost part of the watercraft to the aftermost part measured parallel to the centerline, excluding outboard motors, brackets, bowsprits, rudders and similar attachments.

How wide is a 30 foot boat?

The average beam of a 30-foot sailboat is about 10 feet, give or take a foot or two. Beam also varies by sailboat type. A typical cruising sloop is likely to have a 9 to 10-foot beam, while a catboat of the same length will probably have an 11 or 12-foot beam.

How do you measure a pontoon boat trailer?

The easiest way to find the length is to measure the length of the pontoon tube. Next, you will need to determine the weight of your boat. This will help in determining how many axles you will need. The number of axles on a pontoon trailer will indicate how much weight it can handle.

How long is a 20 ft pontoon boat with trailer?

Trailers for every size pontoon should be 3' to 4' longer than the pontoon boat. A trailer for a 20' boat should be 23'-24'. A trailer for a 24' should be 27'-28' length overall. In the photo to the left, the bunk could perhaps be a few inches longer, but with the weight in the back it's immaterial.

How tall is a 20 pontoon boat on a trailer?

How tall is the average pontoon boat on a trailer? For example, a 22-25 feet boat will usually be above 10 feet tall on a trailer, with some exceptions. Often times it's above 10 feet going to 11′, and with radar or a hardtop, it can go up to 12 or 13 feet.

How to determine load capacity of a tow vehicle?

To determine the load capacity requirement of your tow vehicle, refer to the Vehicle Identification Label attached to the trailer on the left frame rail just behind the tongue junction. It will display the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer. It is required to show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the load-carrying capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself. It is the trailer operator’s responsibility to ensure that the total weight of the boat, engine fuel, water, gear and trailer do not exceed the GVWR capacity.

How tall is a tow ball?

Tow ball size: match tow ball to the coupler / actuator requirement (2” or 2-5/16”) depending upon trailer capacity. Tow ball height: 18” to 21” from the ball centerline to the ground. Adjust by using an offset drawbar.

What happens if a boat has a pulpit?

When a boat has a pulpit, the way the hull is supported while the boat is loaded and unloaded is important. If a hull drops off the trailer while sliding in the water too early the pulpit may hit the winch stand. Bow guide boards are a common solution.

What is GVWR on a boat?

It is required to show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the load-carrying capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself. It is the trailer operator’s responsibility to ensure that the total weight of the boat, engine fuel, water, gear and trailer do not exceed the GVWR capacity. If you don't know the correct weight ...

What is a V drive trailer?

A V drive is a consideration only in that the rear of the trailer needs to be strong enough to support the additional weight of the engine in the rear. The weight is similar to a stern drive engine configuration.

What is an inboard engine?

Inboard Engine: There are 2 types of inboard engine configurations that concern trailer fit. One is a straight shaft and the other is a V drive. The straight shaft places the engine more toward the front and the axle position on the trailer may have to be moved forward as well to achieve proper tongue weight.

What is a motor bracket?

Motor Bracket: Motor brackets are metal or fiberglass boxes that allow the mounting of outboard motors behind the boat’s transom. Brackets will increase the amount of weight on the rear of a trailer and are NOT counted when measuring the length of the hull. Axle position may have to be moved toward the rear to achieve correct tongue weight ...

Primary Steps in Choosing Boat Trailer Dimensions

The proper length and weight of your boat need to be measured and are essential to your trailer capacity. Consider the wet-weight and dry-weight of your boat for the proper weight capacity of your trailer and its right width.

Conclusion

Learning the essentials from this tutorial, you should be able to answer “How wide is a boat trailer?” These simplified tips aim to give you the information you need in securing smoother and faster boating movements.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9