Merit 22 trailer

[Smitty99]

I am looking for a trailer for this boat. Since it has a retractable keel can a regular boat trailer work for this boat? I found one on craigslist that is 17 ft long, only has a 5 ft width. The beam for this boat is 8 ft. I am also assuming the bunks may need to be modified. Maybe not. Would be even better if I didn't.

Thanks for any helpful advice.

 

[shemandr]

I think the trailer is too short and too narrow. How does the weight capacity of the trailer compare with the boat's dry weight?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Look at the load range for each tire and determine the weigh to include boat, trailer and motor. Allow for a 10% empty weight figure for safety.

I concur with @shemandr the trailer is too small.

 

[rgranger]

The trailer axle should also have a load printed on the cross bar. Typically axle sizes are 2000# or 5000#.

 

[Smitty99]

Thank you guys for the insight. I asked about the pound rating for the trailer. Waiting for response. Honestly just need it for local areas. If it can hold the boat sturdy for 42 miles one time, I'll be happy. Then I can work on getting another trailer. The boat itself is 2,000 pounds dry weight. Motor will not be mounted.

 

[rgranger]

The boat itself is 2,000 pounds dry weight. Motor will not be mounted.

I have been down this rabit hole before... and was very frustrated that there were either no good used trailers on the market or they were almost as expensive as a new trailer. ... Then I noticed that there are A LOT of really crappy boats for sale on craigs list that are sitting on perfectly nice trailers. I've done this three times now....

This trailer was sitting on a 19ft fishing boat with a frozen mercruiser.... got the boat (and trailer) for $400... stripped off all the decent hardware and sold the bare hull for $100... these are shots I took after I removed the bunks and sprayed the trailer down with some cold galvanizing compound... I now have a Rhodes 22 sitting on this trailer.

I don't know where you are located or how far you are willing to drive but... I'd go on CL and set a max price for your budget for a BOAT... and then go look at the ones on decent trailers. There are a lot of boats full of rain water (often now owned by the widow) sitting in a back yards and momma just wants them gone.

 

[shemandr]

Outstanding!