Tandem or Single Axle Trailer???

[AbunDiga909]

My family will be getting a new boat soon and it comes with a tandem axle trailer. We think this is good, for the obvious reasons. However, I've been hearing mixed feelings about them. What are yours? Please tell me as much about them and your experiences with them as you can! And overall...Good or Bad???

[NautiqueJeff]

I assume you're talking about the trailer for that 216 you keep mentioning. That's a lengthy boat, and while it might not weigh as much as a 210, I would probably go with a dual-axle trailer.

I had a single-axle for my '94 Ski Nautique, and I was always VERY impressed with the way it towed. It never fishtailed, was easy to turn, and had very few maintenance requirements. I did have to replace the entire braking system on that trailer though. The master cylinder and brake lines had rusted from the inside out because somehow water found its way into the fluid. That was a mess, and quite expensive.

I was happy to get a dual-axle trailer with my new Super Air, but was kind of surprised with the way it handled on the long drive from Ohio to Virginia. It was all over the road for the first part of the trip. When I finally checked the tire pressure, all four tires were WAY overfilled. Once they were lowered to the correct pressure, the trailer worked as it should have. It is a little bit stickier when turning sharply, but that is to be expected with the design. Also, the wheels are smaller on the dual-axle, and that makes the trailer ride lower to the ground. You will hit your prop guard on both trailers, but, I guess that's why the prop guard is there. Prop guard rollers would be well worth the investment on either trailer. Overall, I do feel better about having the dual-axle because of the weight of the boat. Also, if you ever check out the boat section of Wakeworld, I'm sure you've seen the pictures of that single-axle trailer that fell apart under the Moomba. Not a pretty sight.

[lcap]

Tandem axle is the only way to go for reasons too numerous to list. If purchasing a CC, see if they will let you choose what manufacturer's trailer is put under your boat. If they will, Custom Extreme Trailers has some fantastic options; rollers, keel gaurd, l.e.d. lights, etc.

Also find out from your dealer, if they have the ability and willingness to adjust the keel roller/pads. I've seen numerous new 10 hour demo boats that the keel roller/pads has worn through the gelcoat.

[bretski75]

My suggestion would be based on the size of the boat and how far you tow. I have a single axle and the ease of maneuvering is great but for long road trips you can't beat a double.

If your talking about a boat that weights more than 3200 pounds I would definately go tandem.