Ramlin vs Boatmate Trailer

[jslipher]

I'm looking at some Sport 200's but they do not come with a trailer, so a new one will need to be ordered. What are your preferences on Ramlin vs Boatmate on their most recent models? The following is most important to me in order:

1. Sport 200 can fit under a 7ft garage door with the tower down
2. Loading/Launching boat
3. Looks good
4. Tows well

[NautiqueJeff]

I am a HUGE fan of Ram-Lin trailers!

A Sport 200 will sit pretty low on a standard Ram-Lin. Not sure if it would fit under a 7' door, but if not, Ram-Lin can build you a low-boy trailer that will get you under the 7' door for sure. Ram-Lin uses heaver gauge metal than Boatmate, and while some might think that Boatmates look better, I prefer a beefy design over Boatmate's flashy, low-profile looks. I have certainly never understood their use of low-profile tires on boat trailers. That's just asking for bent wheels.

Some people love Boatmate trailers, but I much prefer Ram-Lin. The one Boatmate that I had had constant electrical problems. The lights never did work right. That same year, I had a friend with a Boatmate that had the brakes lock up on him, stranding him on the side of the road. Another friend had a G23 on a Boatmate and the axle came disconnected from the trailer (yes, really). That same friend had the electric brakes go out on that trailer about a month after he bought it.

[swc5150]

Having owned both, for my needs I'd give the nod to Ramlin. I prefer the wishbone-style of the Ramlin (for 196 & 200 models), so I don't need to back the trailer into the water as far as a bunk trailer. I currently have a Dorsey bunk trailer under my 196, and wish I had a Ramlin because of this. They tow great, and they've almost been the go-to trailer for CC's tournament boats since they quit building their own. FWIW, most 200 promo guys go with Ramlin's, and with the amount a lot of those guys tow, that has to say something as well.

[swatguy]

I will vote for Ramlin as well for all the same reasons. There is no denying Boatmates look good when outfitted well, but they are all bling and not as beefed up

[shag]

Ramlin

[ffmedic74]

Ramlin

[igkya]

Ramlin certainly makes a good trailer. My first 196 was on a ratlin for 12+ years with no issues. Upgraded to a 206 and bought a Boatmate tandem trailer. Well made, great customer service and no issues with it after 6 years.

[chrisschweda]

I like the fact that the ramlin is low to the ground yet I had a 2005 for my 210 and I stored it outside and only used it once a year to wax boat and it fell apart. I went to pick up the boat to service it after the trailer sitting a year and the bunks fell off in a 2 block ride. It rusted bad under the bunks It was not to bad $ wise with me doing all the work yet,I had to weld on new fender wells and do a ton of grinding to get to clean metal then I primed and painted the trailer and it was good as new again.

[Lakejackson]

My 2011 sport fits under 7' garage door with tower down and racks off. I have a Ramlin dual axle.

[jslipher]

My 2011 sport fits under 7' garage door with tower down and racks off. I have a Ramlin dual axle.

What are your thoughts on the dual axle being manuvered around your garage? I like the extra axle for towing, but the convenience of the single axle for garage storage is tempting. Not sure the 200 would need the tandem setup. Thoughts?

[Lakejackson]

I prefer tandem axle. They ride so much better. I don't have any issue with maneuverability, but my driveway and garage have good ingress/egress. But it's really a matter of personal preference


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[swc5150]

What are your thoughts on the dual axle being manuvered around your garage? I like the extra axle for towing, but the convenience of the single axle for garage storage is tempting. Not sure the 200 would need the tandem setup. Thoughts?

If you plan on hand maneuvering your boat in the garage, it's very, very difficult with a tandem. A tandem is also not necessary for a 200V, but it would tow smoother.

[Storm34]

Absolutely love our Ram-Lin trailer and their customer service was excellent when we had a mix-up in our original order. They were great to work with and made everything right in the end.

I spent some time with a 2014 200V on a single axle Boatmate this past weekend and would definitely suggest a tandem if you plan on towing and have the budget. The Boatmate did everything it was supposed to but a tandem would be a much smoother ride both for the boat and the passengers in the truck.

Moving the rig around in the shop with a tandem is difficult but it's the only downside if you're buying something new.

[shag]

One thing to add, if you have a tandem, sometimes cranking the jack down as low as it can go, relieved some weight on the rear axle, making it a little easier to maneuver....