New Trailer Recommendations

[jamwill]

I've got a single axle trailer for my 2006 SANTE and really want a double axle. Given there aren't too many posts about available double axle trailers, I'm considering ordering one.
If I understand correctly, Ram-Lin isn't making trailers for Nautique anymore, and reviews in the PN forums on Boatmate aren't overly positive when compared to Ram-Lin.
Curious who else I could be reaching out to for a double axle trailer. Live in North Carolina in case that helps with regional manufacturers.
Any suggestions appreciated!

[Jigsaw]

Jamwill

I recently purchased an ez loader triple axel custom for my G25 and I have been very happy with the trailer. I didn't want to spend as much as I did but as they say cry once if you buy it right cry forever if you don't! I have no involvement with the company, just like their product.

[NautiqueJeff]

I loved my Ram-Lin trailers. When they stopped building trailers for Nautiques, I used EZ Loader. I have had two of them, and they have been good trailers. I don't really have any complaints.

For my 2021 G23, I am having a Phoenix trailer built. Based on the reviews from White Lake, they sound like a very good option.

[bturner]

I have a 2019 Phoenix trailer that was built in as part of a deal I put together from my local dealer here in Michigan. It loads good, tracks well and is built very well. Seems to have all the right components that you would look for in a higher end trailer (Fulton F2 winch and jack, Vault bearings, UFP actuator, etc.). One recommendation that I would suggest on any trailer that you're looking at is to make sure you get all the options you want at the time of the build. With everything that was going on at the time of the purchase I had a couple items slip away from me that I should have done better with.

Like cars and other products these days there are a lot of packages these companies sell. You may not need polisshed stainless steel fenders but look closely at pricing on the various package levels to make sure you're getting the best deal on the important items you want as buying the package may be cheaper than going "a La Carte". Things to keep in mind that I thought I was doing that apparently didn't.....

The dealer had a special package that they worked out with Phoenix that I'm sure gave them the most bang for the buck. It is a very nice package with many premium features that I'm sure most boaters wouldn't even think about adding but.....The problem with these packages was they varied by boat model which I wasn't aware of. The one I looked at for the G that was there would end up being a higher level than for the little 200 Sport I was buying. Things I liked were the F2 winch and tongue jack. polished aluminum step plates, along with the UFP actuator and torsion axles came standard. What I didn't like was the steel wheels and no spare tire / mount. I did specifically say I wanted the spare tire and mount but when it arrived it wasn't on the trailer. The dealer made it right with a high quality mount from Phoenix but it's still a bolt on and I would have much preferred it welded on. I'm also stuck with the steel wheels which of course work fine but are very difficult to balance and just not the look I wanted.

All in all this is in no way a bad trailer but being so picky about trailers there are a few things I would have done different.....

• Aluminum wheels. If I could swap these out now or sell them cheap now they'd be gone tomorrow. I may still swap them out but I don't want these hanging around my garage for the next 10 years sitting in a corner (anyone looking for a set of wheels cheap?). This is a personal preference thing but something that really bugs me. This would have probably added another $200 to the cost which I would have gladly paid.
• Spare mount. Having a spare is very important even if you pull just a few miles at a crack. Most of the boats this dealer sells live on ShoreStations and the trailers they sell with them are basically storage cradles hence no spare tires. While the mount I ended up with is rock solid and high quality I really would have preferred this to be welded on.
• UFP actuator model. While the actuator is a UFP it still has the old style latch assembly. I much prefer the A60 model and in particular the new XR self latching model. This probably would have added about $60 to the cost but I would have gladly paid it.
• Winch post. This trailer has the twin uprights which seem common on Nautiques. It works well but gets in the way at times putting the cover on. I would have rather had a bow roller winch post but for this boat I'm not sure that would have been an option. When I looked at the G's that were there they all had bow roller winch posts which is again what I thought I would be getting.

I know this all sounds like a lot but it's really nit picky stuff. As far as actual construction, how the boat loads/launches and the standard components I have no complaints whatsoever. Which ever trailer you go with I would highly advise you not take anything for granted and make sure you're getting all the features and components you want during the order process. When it come to trailers I've found most dealers try to put together the cheapest package they can as most boaters are focused on the boat and really don't care about the trailer, at least not while they're picking out the flake gel coat and leopard skin vinyl for the interior. Most dealers are worried about the cost of the trailer killing their deal to the next dealer selling an even cheaper trailer to get the price down a couple hundred dollars.

[yeahbuoy]

I recently acquired a LoadRite for my new-to-me 2005 SV-211. It was the only thing I could manage to get my hands on, given the factors you (jameill) indicated above plus COVID-19 shutdowns. And it is nearly impossible to find anything used. Double axle model had a pretty reasonable setup all around. Pretty adjustable, though I do wish the boat sat a bit lower on it. Was neither the most nor least costly option. Have used it to tow on back roads and on interstate, pulls very nice. Can’t yet speak to its durability. Good luck - not many alternatives for our boats.

[jamwill]

thanks all - this is great!