Question:
I have a 1997 Starcraft 20 ft Pontoon Boat with a 50 HP outboard that
has been in the water, in a rented slip for the past three years. I
have to cut back on expenses and am thinking of buying a trailer for
this pontoon boat and keeping it in my back yard.
My question: Is it a Big Deal to get a pontoon off and on a modern
boat trailer?
My boat dealer claims it is a 'piece of cake' just like it is with
bow-riders, etc. But, he's not without a bias as he wants my $1600
for the trailer.
Years ago, I used to have an 18 ft bowrider on a trailer and I know
what is like to launch. I've never launched a pontoon, but it seems
to me that the pontoon boat would be more awkward, more sensitive to
cross winds, etc. I don't see many pontoon boats trailered and
launched, either. And will the pontoon 'scoot' up onto the trailer
like the bowrider did; would we have a true 'drive-on' trailer?
We don't boat often, and when we do it is only my wife and myself,
senior citizens (read: no muscles). No kids for additional support.
So what do you think? Do we buy the trailer and stick with the
pontoon, or do we sell the pontoon and go back to a bow-rider?
Answer:
-There is a guy down the street from me with a 18'-20' pontoon boat, he
has no problem with the
trailer on his boat. Of course it's wider and harder to see over in the
back.
I'd recommend a spotter when you back it down the ramp.
-I trailer my pontoon all over the place. Key is to have a good drive on
trailer. For that price I would assume it is. My 24' trailer cost $1500
this past year. I think they get $1200 for the 20' but may be a tad off.
Biggest thing is to have a truck capable of handling the load. Weight is
around 3500 lbs with trailer and all. However, the wind load going down the
road is huge. Definetly will need a full size pickup w/ V8 to haul easily.
Plus keep in mind that stopping that load is not easy. Again, big truck w/
good brakes since most pontoon trailers don't have brakes (don't ask me
why).
Very easy to load and unload as long as you are not directly exposed to the
wind. Even so, if you take it slow no problem. The trailer will guide you
on once you get there.
By the way, where are you at. My pontoon is also a Starcraft.
