G23 trailers Boatmate Vs Phoenix

[bsurfin]

Im coming from having a boatmate trailer on my 2012 Tige RZR and it was a decent trailer. The boat had been loaded probably over 50 times and the bunks still looked excellent. I wouldnt have an issue going back with them on a G23. Im trying to decide which trailer I would want to get with my G23. Phoenix is made in MI and they look like a decent trailer, but at the same time every Phoenix trailer I have seen used on a G23 the bunks are bowed horribly and the carpet is burned down terribly. The local Dealer pushes Phoenix and says they are much better then a boatmate. Im worried about Gel coat issues with the Phoenix trailers. Does anyone have similar experiences?

[swankster]

I'm on a Boatmate and trailer it every weekend. The bunks bow but I believe they are designed that way. As for the carpet, I will probably be replacing it every other year, as it sets in the sun while we are on the water. The biggest problem I have is with the shallow ramps in Texas. I'm use to driving the boat the on the trailer but with the shallow ramps I find myself at the bow controlling how the boat loads while my son or a friend drives the boat on. Also, I have a black hull and I am concerned about micro scratches showing up.

[nauty220]

Ive been questioning Boatmates design for the G.

1.) I struggle keeping it cinched tight at the bow roller when I pull out of water and feel like a rookie at the ramp. Always fun to have a jet skier come over and give his .02 on how my trailer is too far or not far enough in water. Problem solved if I have someone else at the winch to help but thats not always the case. I end up with a 1"-2" gap At first I figured the strap was stretching which it does at first, but shouldn't anymore. I have never had issues when loading a boat on a trailer but feel defeated with the boatmate.

2.) Regarding the design, I don't think the outer bunks sit right with the boat. If i flip up the passenger seat there is a curve in the floor you can see and definitely feel where the fiberglass is flexing. I thought this was a problem probably just with mine but when I went to my dealers show room, other G's had a curve or flex as well. Didn't think much of it, until now, little cracks have formed in the gelcoat inside.

Check out the photo, where you see the water mark or stain thats where the curve is.

[nyryan2001]

Guys-
I had a Phoenix on my 247 Wakesetter, aluminum Ibeam. Good trailer, but it had some flaws. The Ibeam would flex at the jack from the weight of the boat when on the jackstand, sometimes extreme. Good trailer, I'd give it a B- due to beam flex and the bunks were kinda rough on the hull... Close but uneven support high/low areas = bunkrub marks.

The boatmate on the G23 gets A++. Perfect fit, bunks evenly support the hull the entire length of the bunk... ZERO ruB marks after 75hrs, I trailer every time. Before this, I would have NEVER had a colored hull due bunk rub marks.... My 2014 arrives next week has a black hull. G23 Boatmates are THAT good.

I can post pics, and I mean not a single scrape, mark or anything.

[bsurfin]

Ryan post a picture if you can. So far we have 1 for boatmate and another that is having issues with his boatmate trailer on his G23.

[swankster]

I would say two having issues. I'm not thrilled with my loading process. As it really takes three to load it effectively; one in the truck, one at the bow, and one in the boat. I blame it on the ramp but since the water has been so low this year I have not been on a good ramp to test it.

[nyryan2001]

^^ can't even imagine. 3 people really?

50% of the the time pulling out I load and trailer completely by myself. I send the wife and kids on their way.

Back the truck in(time starts), run over to the dock, pull the boat around, bring up in the trailer, engine still in fwd idle... Go up the the front of the boat, hook the chain and strap, winch up that last 1-2ft, go back shut off engine. Go over the front, get in the truck and pull it out(time stops). I can do all of this in about a minute.

Never a scratch never a problem. My ramp is very shallow, the bumper of my Tundra is 1/2 under water, it's a granny slope.

[swankster]

3 if I want your one minute load and the boat straight on the trailer. If I do it myself it is easier but takes a lot longer, than one minute. It starts with wade to the ramp because the dock is to shallow to pull up to.

Time also depending upon who I send to back the trailer and it goes on from there, but I will stop here as you all have been there. Some winter training practice when the ramp is not busy and my wife, 17 yr old son and friend will be better backers.

I do agree it is sometime easier to do it all yourself.

I noticed they closed the ramp last night so I'm done on the lake near the house until we get some rain.

[DCXR1000]

Get one of these. I have been using them for years. Just drive up and click in. works great!!!



Replace your roller or V-block with this automatic attachment system. Drive your boat onto your trailer until the bow eye contacts the Boat Buddy

[nyryan2001]

^^^ Wow all of this is crazy to hear.

1. The boat mate is setup with tight tolerances so centering the boat isnt an issue. Perfectly centered, there is maybe 2" between the guide pads and the rub rails. Even if one side is off center and you are completely against a guide pad it isnt an issue. On my 247 Wakesetter it was a huge issue even to be a little off center as the weight of the boat would rest on the chines/edges of the stepped hull. None of those issues with the boatmate.

2. No light, brake, jackstand or any other issues. not tracking any electric brakes on these trailers

Nothing to gain here....I am pretty critical of gear, this trailer has exceeded all expectations. Again, before this trailer I thought bunk marks and hull scrapes where just normal business for thise who trailer. NOT the case, 75hrs, trailering every time, maybe 25-35 times.... not a single scratch, not a single time having to reposition/center the rear of the boat on the trailer. This is my G just before it went down to Dallas to sell. I likely the trailer so much I wouldnt even consider another because I liked it so much and it fit the G so well.

Only critique would be to revise the rear fender/mudflap so the tires dont kick rock up and chip/ding the front edge of that rear step. Tows exceptionally well, straight and stable.

Also below is the Phoenix I had.... NOT reccomended. Bunk rubs, marks and the trailer beam would flex at the jackstand with the weight of the boat on it... almost to the point you would think it would snap off. Im tracking the aluminum trailer below and those being used for the G's are completely different... but this is a Phoenix.