226 Seafarer Trailer - What type do I need?

[merlin25]

Looking for a trailer for my 2001 226 Seafarer. Any suggestions?

Grady White says my total weight to consider for a trailer (including motor) is 4,800 lbs. I checked with a Grady dealer and he recommended 5,800 lb trailer. Not sure if he is bumping me up to get more trailer and $$ than I need?

So looking at the Tidewater and Load Rite 5000, 5200, or 5400 lb trailers.

By the way most of my trailering is local (10-20 miles) with an occasional 100 mile trip.

 

[seasick]

A general guideline is not to load the trailer at more than 80% of carrying capacity. In your case, you exceed 80% but not by much. Add fuel at 6+ pounds per gallon and gear and you can easily exceed the total capacity of the 5800. I think the dealer is giving good advice, perhaps even a bit on the low side.

 

[Curmudgeon]

I have an '86 Tournament 22. When last weighed, it was 5300 on the hoof with 1/3 fuel, and nothing else aboard.

While the wqeight of the boat (empty) may be 4800#, don't forget to add anything you put in the boat plus the weight of the trailer when determining "hoof" weight (the trailer axles have to suport the whole thing). I think you're looking at a 6500# trailer (better part of 1k lbs), or else you may be pushing it for the sake of a few hundred dollars. :?

 

[G8RDave]

My 228, decently loaded, weighs around 6500 pounds including the trailer. My trailer is rated for 7000lbs (including itself). Your dealer is definitely on the right track!

 

[Seahunter]

My 226 that has lived happily on a 5400 lb Loadrite for the last 12 years. Many many miles of use. Minimum travel distance 110 miles round trip.

 

[Grouper Duper]

I calculate my rig's weight to be about the same as G8orDave's, and it's on a 7000-lb. trailer as well.

 

[Tundra1]

I had my 228 Seafarer on a Venture 5225, and it was both too small, and not enough capacity. I sold that trailer and bought a 6400 Venture, its about the right size. The tongue is a bit long as the trailer is made for 25-26 foot boats, but I dont mind that. Venture rates their trailers for the carrying capacity, you dont include the trailer wt. Interestingly, the 5225 was a torsion axle that towed like a dream, but they reccomended spring setup for the 6400, in fact dont manufacture the larger trailers with torsion axles. They are going away from torsion as a rule they said, they have had some issues. During a chat with the factory, the guy said most of the travel trailer industry is going back to spring set ups as well because of the same issues. Hadnt heard that before.

Jim

 

[okletsfish]

When I bought my trailer it was only around $100 to increase from a 6K to a 7K so that is what I did.My trailer is a Loadmaster.

 

[Parthery]

If your 226 has a hardtop, add 500 lbs or so to the weight total...

My 226, with hardtop, and about 70 gallons of fuel, weighed 6300 lbs including the trailer when weighed at the local truckstop. It sat on a 7000 GVW trailer (6000 capacity). I wouldn't have wanted anything smaller.

 

[CJBROWN]

My 208 is on a 6,000lb trailer. I wouldn't want it any lighter, that's for sure.

Go with a 7K lb gross weight on the trailer, kodiak disc brakes in stainless, tandem, 15" HD tires.

Aluminum will save you several hundred pounds, and I think they resist corrosion a lot better than glavanized. Plus they look terrific.