FAQ

Buying a boat trailer that will fit your boat is critical. Flat bottom, tri-hull and deep V-hull designs all require a certain setup and configuration. Fitting the wrong boat trailer to your boat invites disaster if the size, weight and configuration of the trailer does not conform to the profile of the boat. Bigger trailers do not necessarily mean better hauling characteristics.

Measuring your boat

Use a tape measure to determine the distance from the bow eye of the boat to the furthest part of the transom. Your trailer should fit within this length or slightly longer, measuring it from the winch post to the back support frame of the trailer.

Measure the width of the boat from the bottom side of the chine (outside hull edge) to the other side of the chine. Your boat should fit on the rollers with enough adjustment on the rollers to move in or out to fit the hull profile. Measure the roller diameter with a tape measure from edge to edge across the width of the trailer, allowing for the length of the adjustment notches in the roller supports.

Determine the total weight of your boat. Refer to your boat owner’s manual for your boat’s empty weight, then add the outboard /engine weight, plus the regular amount of fuel, water and gear on board. Check the specifications of your trailer to ensure your boat does not exceed loading capacity and towing capabilities.

Fitting your boat to your trailer

Make sure the bow stop roller on the trailer fits snug above the bow eye, and that the winch can wind the boat on a horizontal plane, and not deviate up or down. Fit the boat on the trailer and tighten the winch strap, securing the boat bow into the bow stop roller, to make sure it fits correctly.

Make sure the keel rollers fit up against the deepest part of the hull, and that the boat keel sits on the keel rollers and does not drag over any part of the trailer frame. Examine the adjustments tolerances of the keel rollers to make sure they extend high enough. Use a socket and wrench to loosen the adjustment bolts and extend the keel rollers. The side rollers or hull stabilizers should also be able to fit flush against both sides of the hull, with at least two adjustment notches left for expansion or contraction.

Adjust the side rollers or hull stabilizers with a socket and wrench to determine the extent of their reach. Once all the adjustments have been made, tighten all the adjustment bolts for the keel rollers, hull stabilizers and side rollers with a socket and wrench.

View the NZTA Guide

Our fully galvanised trailer frames come welded and are made to the highest specifications. We build all our trailers with heavy duty box section and all come standard with bearing buddies. Another feature of Performance Trailers is the number of rollers to ensure your boat is easy to launch and retrieve.

We have a comprehensive selection of boat trailers to suit your needs. Right from small trailers to extra large braked trailers. We have developed a range of boat trailers to suit your needs, we are happy to discuss your requirements individually. You can also follow the link below and work out how to measure your boat correctly.

Our trailers are built to last, and our reputation for supplying top quality trailers is important to us. We encourage you to view our trailers so you can see the quality for yourself.

If you are after an extra large and super strong, versatile trailer our range of cage (box) trailers will suit your needs.

Our box trailers are 10 X 5 tandem trailers and are built to take the heaviest loads.  Our customers use these for farming, carrying stock, quadbikes, building materials, camping and for gardening equipment.

All parts and frames are fully galvanised and made to last.  These trailers come in different options with standard cages or stock crates dependant on your needs.  We can offer both models with or without brakes.