Just out of curiosity, for those of us trailer sailor's with experiences limited to fresh water to date... ...and knowing that this may be the "stupid question du jour"... I would love to dip my keel in saltwater some time in the future, but am concerned about my trailer, which is definitely built for fresh water. (It doesn't have any method to flush the brakes after submersion, and has a fairly light-duty paint job.) I would imagine that many boaters are less-than-eager to immerse their trailers in saltwater, except when absolutely necessary. How is this normally dealt with at marinas? Are there facilities for trailer care? Are there alternative methods of getting the boat into the water? If so, how costly? Any other considerations? As much time as I've spent around marinas, I've never paid attention to this issue before...just always took getting the boat into the water for granted.
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Salt Water Very Tough On Painted Trailers
Based on my experience with one painted trailer, and that was with red lead prime coat and lead based paint, the salt water did a real number on the trailer. And this is even with removal of trailer light brackets and a good fresh-water hose down afterwards. Even with fresh water I'd recommend carrying a spare set of wheel bearings. Some launch areas or marine yards have travel lifts which can pick the boat off the trailer and splash it and reverse the process. They are not near as cheap as dunking the boat yourself but for that one or two times it would be worth it. For more frequent splashes in salt water going the galvanized route is the only way to go.
Based on my experience with one painted trailer, and that was with red lead prime coat and lead based paint, the salt water did a real number on the trailer. And this is even with removal of trailer light brackets and a good fresh-water hose down afterwards. Even with fresh water I'd recommend carrying a spare set of wheel bearings. Some launch areas or marine yards have travel lifts which can pick the boat off the trailer and splash it and reverse the process. They are not near as cheap as dunking the boat yourself but for that one or two times it would be worth it. For more frequent splashes in salt water going the galvanized route is the only way to go.
Get it hot dipped!
The trailer made for my 260 was completely built and then the whole thing was hot galvanised dipped. Even so there is still rust coming up but in addition to hot dipping we have coated the complete trailer, wheels and all with animal fat. Looks really funning driving through a town with half a dozen dogs chasing you!
The trailer made for my 260 was completely built and then the whole thing was hot galvanised dipped. Even so there is still rust coming up but in addition to hot dipping we have coated the complete trailer, wheels and all with animal fat. Looks really funning driving through a town with half a dozen dogs chasing you!
Sure be scared...or not
I painted my trailer, on my previous boat, with a good epoxy primer folowed by a good urethane topcoat. It lasted ten years (I sold it) and it still looked great. I only had corrosion where 1) I was hit by another trailer & 2) A little around the diamond plate and thats it! And it only saw fresh water once (salt about 10-15 times a year).
I painted my trailer, on my previous boat, with a good epoxy primer folowed by a good urethane topcoat. It lasted ten years (I sold it) and it still looked great. I only had corrosion where 1) I was hit by another trailer & 2) A little around the diamond plate and thats it! And it only saw fresh water once (salt about 10-15 times a year).
Fresh water dunk...
Hose down the trailer and brakes the best you can, as soon as you can, after launching and retreiving your boat. On the way home from your salt water cruise, find a fresh water launch ramp that you can back into for a more complete rinse. Don't be too concerned, the salt water experience will likely be worth the extra trailer care efforts you'll encounter. Fair winds, Tom
Hose down the trailer and brakes the best you can, as soon as you can, after launching and retreiving your boat. On the way home from your salt water cruise, find a fresh water launch ramp that you can back into for a more complete rinse. Don't be too concerned, the salt water experience will likely be worth the extra trailer care efforts you'll encounter. Fair winds, Tom
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