trailers

[FloridaNautique]

i have a 1997 ski nautique (196) and i'm looking for a new trailer here are some options i like diamond plated sides, swing tongue, spare tire, disc brakes, etc....

but here is the thing i was told that the new Ramlin trailer are different from what i have. since the the hull is different in the new boats anyone know anything about this... will they make a trailer for the old hull tsc1 or will my boat fit on a new trailer?

what about Prestige or Engle trailers too

[Alan-S]

RE: trailers

BOATMATE!!. I did a bunch of resarch on this subject about 5 months ago. Diamond plated sides, swing tounge, spare tire, disc brakes, prop guard rollers, led lights, reverse lights, oil bath hubs, and it fits the boat a lot better than the Ram-lin, the boat can actually drain, while on the trailer, (Ram-lins sit nose heavy on flat ground). I am so happy with the trailer and how it tows, I find myself driving to other lakes to try out because towing is so stress free now. The Prestige trailers are very nice as well but cost about 500-1000 more. I think my tandem axel was right at $3,000.

[redelf75]

RE: trailers

Alan-S, Can you post some pics of the Boatmate. It sounds great.

I would recommend dual axel on any trailer. THey're much kinder to your boat and Ramlin uses smaller wheels/tires so it lowers the center of gravity. I don't like Eagle for exactly this reason; they make the boat sit very high.

You can call Dave at Ramlin to discuss your concerns. (407) 851-1144

[Alan-S]

RE: trailers

Redelf75, the Boatmate has the smaller wheels and tires too, it just feels better. The boat sits at the same level as the Ram-lin, which is a big deal because the Boatmate is built properly and the boat sits on several bunks supported by a subframe that is connected to the wishbone frame, instead of the boat just sitting on the wishbone frame like ram-lins. Here is a pic.

[igkya]

RE: trailers

I did this research last spring when I went to buy my new 206. Boatmate makes a great trailer and they are based in TN. I considered Eagle & Prestige (stay away from Prestige). If you want, I've got several pics of my trailer w/o boat.

[JWAT]

RE: trailers

Alan-S,

You got that trailer for around 3k? Where did you get it from, your dealer? I am possibly looking for a new trailer for my super sport and 3K sound pretty good for a tandem axle. Do you know how much a single axle runs? Thanks a lot.

[MinnesotaNautique]

RE: trailers

I have a 03' 206 and the Prestige trailer...what a "pos". Other people have stated their unhappiness with it as well, but I would imagine it depends on the boat model. I don't have experience with other trailers, but I'm sure you could do much better than a prestige/pos.

[Molly_2000SAN]

RE: trailers

I have to agree with Minnesota Nautique. I also have an '02 Prestige for my 2000 SAN and it is a POS. The bunks snapped off before I even had the boat on it. They have since snapped off multiple times. I also have a problem when I drive the boat onto it from the lake, it always seems to slide up onto the side of the trailer by the wheel well. They need to be higher or something. Very poor design, and very poor cooperation from both the manufactuer and dealer. BTW Minnesota Nautique - I am also from MN.

[MinnesotaNautique]

RE: trailers

Molly,
My boat does the same thing (hugs one side) no matter the loading depth...
Where to you ski/ride in Minnesota? I spend half the summer on White Bear, and the other half it gets towed around on that pos to different lakes. Did you buy you boat from SON?

[Molly_2000SAN]

RE: trailers

Minnesota Nautique,
I mostly ride on weekends up in Brainerd at my cabin. But when I have had my boat down in Minneapolis I have rode on Long Lake, Medicine, and Riley. Just last summer I met some people down in the Twin Cities who also ride and got out on their boat a few times. I am so sick of the **** trailer I bought a boat lift this year and will keep it up north. Yes, got my boat from SON in 2003 -on consignment (made a mistake, my Prestige is also a 2003). Haven't had my boat back there since I drove it off the lot. I have had mucho difficulties in dealing with SON on the trailer issues and think that the customer service is very poor and I will never bring my boat there or recommend them to anyone I know! Your opinon(s)???

[MinnesotaNautique]

RE: trailers

Molly,
Check your p.m. didn't want to post my opinion of SON Watersports on this board!

[Alan-S]

RE: trailers

OH, man I totally forgot to take pics of my Boatmate trailer yesterday, its cool looking without the SAN on it, lots of bunks(Total of 6 separate bunks and one poly roller up front). Towed it another 250 miles this weekend, with my girlfriend's XTERRA. I would never attempt this with the ram-lin. The boatmate is balanced and built perfectly. I got my trailer from Southern Ski Boats. They carry MB Sports, Correct Craft, Centurion, Prestige Trailers, and Boatmate Trailers.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: trailers

Hey Alan - Are you talking about the Southern Ski Boats in VA? If so, when did they start carrying Correct Craft? Last I heard, they wouldn't be carrying them until the new factory was complete.

[Alan-S]

RE: trailers

Yea Jeff, you are right, Mike the guy that runs/owns the place says that they are carrying Nautiques. He says that the reason they don't have any now is because Correct craft can't make enough boats until the new factory opens. They have done one or two things for me on my SAN and done a decent job. I will still take my boat to Whitelake if anything major arises. I had a pretty serious trailer accident last Oct., and they took good care of my boat while I was awaiting my new trailer. I trust Mike, and i realize they are trying to get a business up and running so I pretend he is my local CC dealer. I would be interested to ask CC if they are a dealer.

[FloridaNautique]

RE: trailers

alan
please post some pics of your trailer i would like to see it... what kind of boat do you have? what happen with your trailer accident??