Boat Trailer Shop: How Much Do Boat Trailers Cost?

Did you know that there are more than 100 million boaters just in the United States? With boating being such a popular hobby, it’s important to know what you’re looking for at the boat trailer shop. But how do you know if you’re getting a good deal?

If you’re curious to learn more about the cost of the best boat trailers, we’re here to help. Read on to learn what you should expect to pay for a boat trailer.

Common Boat Trailer Types

One of the first things to consider is what type of boat trailer you’ll purchase. This will decide much of the price.

Here are some of the most common boat trailer types and what you should expect to pay. Note that the prices shown are average! Your prices will vary depending on the brand, location, whether it’s used, and more.

Single Axle

Single axles are among the cheapest boat trailers to pay from a cost standpoint. They’re also typically the smallest that can safely transport a vessel.

A single axle can cost as low as $700-$800. However, this is assuming you’re purchasing a small trailer, such as for a shorter or cheaper boat. Single-axle trailers can cost thousands of dollars when buying larger or higher-quality trailers.

Tandem Axle

Next is the tandem axle boat trailer. These trailers are more expensive, but they’re better equipped for larger, heavier boats. As such, the trailers are also larger.

You should expect to pay between $1,000-$5,000 for a tandem axle boat trailer. The make of the frame can change the cost, such as purchasing aluminum boat trailers.

Tri-Axle

Tri-axle boat trailers are for heavy boat transportation. If you have a boat big enough to fit on a tri-axle trailer, you likely don’t mind the higher costs! That said, many boat owners substitute a tri-axle trailer for compact watercraft that they can tow.

A tri-axle boat trailer can cost as low as $5,000. There isn’t a cap on how much to expect to pay, though most land around $8,000.

Submersible/Float-on Trailer

With the axles out of the way, you can look at what features and types affect the price. Submersible or float-on trailers are great for any type of trailer. However, they require more maintenance due to constantly getting wet.

These trailers don’t have a set price. Refer to the prices of the axle trailers to know how much one may cost.

Kayak and Canoe

Kayak and canoe trailers are smaller than most trailers but still need length. They have a low entry cost but can end up costing as much as a tandem axle. Expect a kayak/canoe trailer to go between $500-$2,000, depending on features.

Personal Watercraft

Finally, trailers for personal watercraft are common. Many owners opt for a single-axle trailer to keep costs low.

For personal watercraft like jet skis, you can sometimes find specialized trailers. These go for about $500 at the lower end to around $1,750.

Factors Affecting Price

It’s easy to see that trailers fluctuate in price, but why? Here are some of the factors that go into deciding the price of your trailer. With these factors, you can figure out what you’re willing to sacrifice.

Size

Above all else, the size of your trailer will affect the price. Larger boats need larger trailers, and larger trailers cost more!

You can sometimes reduce the price by changing materials. A trailer with few features might have a lower cost, but your quality of life will suffer.

Launch System

The launch system of your trailer is also a massive decider of price. Some trailers are more expensive but require less maintenance.

For example, roller trailers cost more than float-on trailers. For that higher price, you won’t have as much maintenance to worry about.

Axles

Axles are usually tied to the size of your trailer. You’ll also look at the number of axles for stability in larger watercraft.

Trailers with multiple axles will almost always have a higher cost. They also will need more maintenance, which can raise prices further.

However, they’ll handle much better when driving and have better stability. Because of this, they’re ideal for long drives, large boats, or quality of life.

Additional Costs

Sadly, your expenses won’t end when you’ve bought your trailer. There are several other features to think of that will increase the cost of your boat trailer.

Here are some of the additional costs you’ll want to factor in when finding the best boat trailers.

Spare Parts

Your trailer has plenty of parts that may need replacing. You should factor in their cost for how much you’re spending.

For example, your trailer should always have at least one spare tire. These can help you out of a rough situation if a tire blows in transit. Factor in an extra few hundred dollars for your spare tire and the supplies to store it.

Hitch

Your trailer hitch is a crucial piece of gear. Most trailers have a standard hitch. The standard hitch is adequate to attach your trailer to your towing vehicle.

If you need to buy a trailer hitch, you won’t find it cheaply. You can expect to spend up to $500 on a reliable trailer hitch.

Towing Vehicle

Finally, you’ll need to consider the cost of your towing vehicle. Towing a large boat isn’t an easy task, and you can expect it to strain your vehicle. With the right trailers, you can reduce strain!

Towing regularly will require more frequent maintenance on your vehicle. Costs include more gas, repairs, oil changes, tire rotations, and more. Keep close tabs on your vehicle to make sure it isn’t becoming damaged by towing.

Visiting a Boat Trailer Shop

Looking at all the choices in a boat trailer shop can feel overwhelming. Following boat trailer guides can help you find the best boat trailers without stress! Consider the costs, your uses, and the size of your boat to decide what your budget for a new boat trailer is.

For more information on towing your boat, be sure to contact us to learn more!