It is hard to give a direct answer to this question because there is a lot of variation to consider. These are some of the most popular categories.
There are a lot of different weight variations and categories that depend on size, design, and brand of trailer. Depending on what size your boat is, there are some average capacities and trailer weights that are typically a good baseline.
Boats come in many shapes and sizes, which is why it’s important to do your own research and find what options fit you and your boat.
These are some of the most common categories for boat trailer weights, and some additional things to consider when looking for a boat trailer. It’s important to find a trailer that will easily hold your boat and allow for some additional weight such as your possessions.
That is why you might be considering investing in a trailer that allows for some weight variation while keeping the boat as secure as possible. These are some of the most popular boat weight categories and the average weight of trailers for each.
12-14 Foot Boats
Boats on the smaller side ranging anywhere between 12 and 14 feet in length will need a trailer that is around 15’6” long, to ensure that it is as protected as it can be.
These trailers can hold maximum weights of 400 pounds, and weigh around 150 pounds on their own. The McClain Single Axle Aluminum Jon Boat Trailer is a reliable brand that comes equipped with its own safety lights and chains.
This can be towed by any vehicle because of how lightweight and compact it is. It is one of the smaller trailers on the market.
15 Foot Boats
Naturally, larger boats need additional support during transportation. That is why trailers that hold longer, heavier boats are heavier, and bigger on average.
Trailers that can hold up to 1,500 pound boats and other equipment weigh around 410 pounds on their own. The Karavan Single Axle 1,500 Pound Drift Boat Trailer is probably the most reliable and high quality trailer within this weight category.
It isn’t recommended that you tow this with a smaller car, as the trailer doesn’t have brakes. While it is legal, it might not be the smartest idea, as it isn’t worth causing damage to your vehicle’s brakes.
18 Foot Boats
On average, 18 foot boats need their own category of trailer. These have a lot of variation in their numbers, so it might be worth filtering your search for something specifically designed for your needs.
Trailers carrying 18-foot boats can vary in their capacity of anywhere between 1800 and 3100 pounds in total. The frame can weigh between 420 and 630 pounds, depending on what kind of trailer you decide on.
The Karavan Single Axle 3,100 Pound Roller Trailer has been designed with launching boats in mind, as well as transportation. This is heavier than the other trailers because of the wielded tubular steel and addition of the adjustable axle.
Among other features, these are key to preventing the sway of the trailer on the road. It is recommended that you use an SUV or small truck with a brake controller fitted to make for the safest and smoothest journey.
20 Foot Boats
These boats’ trailers vary in their specifications, but generally have a maximum capacity of 6000 pounds. Without anything on it, the trailer weighs around 1000 pounds.
While these might seem more substantial, it is worth getting something sturdy that you can rely on to keep your boat safe. The Karavan Tandem Axle 4,800 Pound Roller Trailer is one of the best for boats within this size and weight range.
In order to safely travel while towing this, you will need to fit the trailer with trailer brakes and drive a full-size truck or SUV.
20 Foot Boats
The bigger boats are often the more problematic for those who want to move it to a new location. It is worth investing in a high quality trailer, and 22 foot boats will need something with a 4800 pound capacity on average.
In addition, they can be a little lighter, and total weights start at 980 pounds. Check what material your trailer is made of in order to decide how durable it is. While this might allow for a lighter product, you might not want to risk any breakage from somewhat flimsier materials.
Over 24 Feet
If you are fortunate enough to have a boat that is even bigger than 24 feet in length, then transportation becomes a little more expensive and complicated. Trailers that carry 24-25 feet boats have an average capacity of 6,425 pounds.
They vary in weight, depending on additional features, but average at around 900 pounds. Even longer variants that can hold boats up to 28 feet long have a maximum capacity of 7,000 pounds. These weigh around 1,630 pounds with nothing on.
The Karavan Tandem Axle Aluminum 8,600 Pound Bunk Trailer features its own winch to allow the most seamless transition from land to water, and vice versa.
This can be a big struggle for bigger boats, so the additional weight of the winch is definitely worth including in a boat trailer. This product in particular also features an impressive lighting system.
Another reliable model is the Magic Tilt Pontoon Series Triple Axle trailer with an aluminum winch stand. It demonstrates how a wider build can be used for safe pontoon transportation.
For these trailers, you will need a tow truck so that you can safely move your boat without causing damage to your vehicle.
Things To Consider
When transporting your boat, it is important to ensure that you are protected in all areas and have done as much preparation as possible. Find the right insurance for a towing vehicle, and check that your drivers’ license allows you to drive a car that tows.
On that note, you will also need to check that your car has the appropriate towing equipment, including a tow-bar. Most vehicles have their own towing weight restrictions, so you will need to do a quick calculation to decide how much you can tow without damaging your car.
Smaller vehicles can only tow boats that are under 13 feet long, and you will need an SUV or tow truck for anything bigger.
You will also need to know what size category your boat falls into and whether you have the right facilities to store, protect, and move it.
In addition, it’s worth knowing the difference between a boat’s wet and dry weight. Water can be very heavy, and you might want to consider allowing for this when searching for an appropriate trailer.
To keep your boat in the best possible condition and ensure that it lasts a long time, you might want to consider investing in additional protection during transportation.
There are a lot of covers to deter burglars available online, as well as additional accessories that can protect your boat’s exterior on the road. Consider buying a heavy-duty cover that will prevent scratches from debris.
Summary
Depending on what type of boat you have, there are different weight categories to consider that will determine how to transport it. If you are unsure about the measurements of your boat, you can always look online for the brand specifications.
You might even find forums that compare different brands of trailers and towing vehicles. While it seems a little odd to be transporting a water vehicle on the road, there are often limitations that come with water travel that mean that it is more straightforward to tow your boat.
Often, boats are made for specific bodies of water and can face some level of damage if you aren’t properly prepared for taking it out. If you are relocating or even purchasing a boat, the above products are some of the most highly recommended trailers.
To check that you can legally tow your boat on the roads, you will also need to check the specifications of your car and how much it can safely tow. In addition, it is also worth checking your drivers’ license and insurance contract.
Most trailers are recommended to use a larger car like an SUV or towing truck, because they can provide a smoother journey and tow heavier weights. The key brand of trailers is Karavan, and they are highly recommended by boat owners.
Excellent customer service and details are provided to all who visit their site. Not only that, but they have some of the most impressive range of trailers, each with their own length and weight specifications.
It is worth investing a little more into a good trailer because you won’t want to cause any possible damage to your boat on the road. Consider finding a trailer that allows for winch connections to get a more seamless transition from land to water.
In addition, make sure that you carefully check whether your trailer has a brake attachment and if you need to add one in order to prevent damage to your vehicle. A more detailed product comparison can be found here.
