For every boater, there is a need for a trailer to transport the boat. This is not only convenient for storing the boat but also for cleaning and maintaining it. Before buying a trailer, it is vital to know the width of the boat trailer, which will help us to choose the right one.
In the United States, most boat trailers are 8.5 feet wide. However, in Hawaii, New Jersey, or New York, boat trailers are usually 10 feet wide.
However, understanding the width of a boat trailer is essential to choosing a more suitable boat trailer, so read on for a complete guide to boat trailer selection.
The Intended Use of the Boat
The width of a boat trailer depends on two main things: your intentions and local regulations. The purpose of the boat can usually be categorized as follows:
- Offshore boating or fishing
- Deep sea boating or fishing
- Water sports
- Boat trips or water cruises
Knowing your intended intentions will enable you to make a better choice of boat trailer.
Typical Dimensions of the Boat
Smaller boats, or marine vessels up to 20 feet in length, are usually 8 feet wide. Therefore, a boat trailer of 8.5 feet in width is adequate.
If you intend to use the boat for freshwater fishing or hunting, then you will usually need to use a compact boat. The width of the boat trailer can be chosen to be around 7 feet.
If you intend to use the boat for bay boating, then a larger boat over 20 feet is the best option. You can choose a boat trailer that is 8.5 feet wide, or 10 feet wide, depending on local regulations.
Boat trailer size chart
Single Axle Bunk
Boat Length | Width Between Fenders | Overall Width | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
14 – 16 ft | 4 ft | 5.17 ft | 1,000 kg |
14 – 15 ft | 4 ft | 5.17 ft | 1,300 kg |
15 – 16 ft | 5 ft | 6.5 ft | 1,500 kg |
16 – 17 ft | 5.59 ft | 7 ft | 1,800 kg |
16 – 17 ft | 5.59 ft | 7 ft | 2,000 kg |
17 – 18 ft | 5.59 ft | 7 ft | 2,200 kg |
17 – 18.5 ft | 5.59 ft | 7 ft | 2,400 kg |
18 – 19 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 2,600 kg |
19 – 20 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 2,800 kg |
20 – 21 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 2,800 kg |
18 – 20 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 3,000 kg |
20 – 21 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 3,100 kg |
20 – 21 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 3,300 kg |
Tandem Axle Bank
Boat Length | Width Between Fenders | Overall Width | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
18 – 20 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 3,600 lb |
21 – 23 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 3,700 lb |
21 – 23 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 4,200 lb |
21 – 23 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 4,700 lb |
21 – 23 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 5,200 lb |
21 – 23 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 5,600 lb |
24 – 25 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 5,900 lb |
25 – 26 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 6,400 lb |
25 – 27 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 7,400 lb |
25 – 27 ft | 7 ft | 8.5 ft | 7,900 lb |
It’s interesting to know that we’d consider our local regulations before buying a boat trailer. I heard that my cousin and uncle are buying a boat in a few weeks, so I think they’d benefit from reading your trailer tips. I appreciate your information on choosing a boat trailer with the right width to match your sailing needs.