Need Advice On Buying Trailer for 14,000 Pound 350


FTL_Alan

FTL_Alan

New member
If I cant sell my 2008 350 here in Fort Lauderdale, I may decide to take it with me to TX. With the move to TX, I am giving up my boat lift, so I will either rent a slip on a lake (either Lake Travis in Austin or Lake Lewisville near Dallas), or I can try to find a trailer for the boat and find a boat yard nearby that rents space on their yard for boats on trailers. I prefer the trailer because I don't have to leave the boat in the water, and therefore do not need to bottom-paint the boat and the drives. Does anyone else keep their heavy boat (more than 13,000 lbs) on a trailer in a boat yard? Does the yard provide a service to put the boat into the water? if yes, how do they get of off the trailer and into the water? I've got lots more questions, but those are the first two out of the gate.

Here's a photo of my boat on the trailer that the dealer who sold me the boat used to take the boat from his dealership to Sanibel Marina in Fort Meyers. They only used a double-axle. I doubt that would last for a long haul from FL to TX. Likely need triple axle, but the primary factor is the 13,500 lb weight of the boat, plus the weight of the trailer, and the appropriate sized heavy duty truck to pull it.

On trailer.jpg
 
Last edited:
I towed my 37 PC winter and summer and here are a few recommendations from what I have experienced.
I had a quad axle Loadmaster custom trailer that failed me miserably due to the front axle getting all the weight while backing down the steep ramp. The Axle bent every year. Recommend a two axle trailer with 8k or 10k axles so you do not have the same problem. If height is an issue, you may be forced to stay with lighter axles, but be aware. Electric brakes work in reverse and I highly recommend them. Surge brakes only work going forward.
I had a 2 5/16 ball coupler that wore out in 8 years and less than 400 miles. The trailer disconnected from the ball in my driveway backing up and I was very lucky. I removed the ball coupler and installed a pintle hook. This setup was rated much heavier and will never fail.
My marina launched my boat with an airplane mover (Huff) every year and this was an important part of my decision. I would not feel comfortable backing a large boat down a steep ramp with a pick-up. I would prefer a larger truck with a lot of weight.
Good Luck.
 
So far I have not found a marina on the two lakes I mentioned (Travis in Austin, and Lewisville in Dallas) that can accommodate a large boat in dry storage. Their limit is 28 feet. They only have slips for the larger boats.
 
I've got a triple axle for my 370. Put in / take out at the ramp every year just like any other boat on a trailer.
 
sbdennis said:
I've got a triple axle for my 370. Put in / take out at the ramp every year just like any other boat on a trailer.
Click to expand...

Thanks sbdennis, any idea what a good used 3-axle trailer goes for? I guess the cost depends on the type of trailer needed, i.e. salt water would need higher-grade components, hilly areas need better brakes, etc.
 
TurboJoe said:
Would you have to bottom paint the boat in a fresh water lake?
Click to expand...

Zebra mussels have become a problem on TX lakes. I do need to do more investigating into hiring a diver to maintain the bottom as an alternative to bottom painting. Would be interested to know if others have opted to use a bottom cleaning service rather than bottom painting when keeping boat in fresh water slip.
 
I was advised by Formula that if you are keeping your boat in the water seasonally that you should barrier coat and bottom paint to prevent osmotic blistering. I never bottom painted my previous boats (Crownline & Regal) and never had any blistering. I had trailers for those boats and could pull them on my own for a mid season algae cleaning, as well. I opted to paint my Formula for peace of mind as well as to keep the bottom clean since I can't pull this one on my own.
 
I highly recommend the Interlux 2000E barrier cote with two coats of Interlux VC-17 for fresh water. Mine lasted 11 years before it needed recoated. Great product. Preparation is the key to a nice job. Sand the gloss off the bottom completely.
 
Invest in a lift. Zebra mussels attach to drives and tabs and love to get in the intakes. I keep my 37ss on lake Travis on a lift. It’s the way to go. The mussels are very prevalent.
 
37SSteve said:
Invest in a lift. Zebra mussels attach to drives and tabs and love to get in the intakes. I keep my 37ss on lake Travis on a lift. It’s the way to go. The mussels are very prevalent.
Click to expand...

37SSteve, thanks for the confirmation regarding mussels on Lake Travis. I had only read about it so having someone on the lake confirm is very helpful. I have a few questions about finding a boat yard on Travis that will dry-store my boat. I'll PM you if that's OK.
 
Investigate a FAB Dock dry dock for the boat. No bottom paint needed, will protect everything below the water line from zebra mussels / osmosis / corrosion / etc, easy to use, and very portable if you change locations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top