Educate me about boat trailers.

July 28, 2026, 02:39 PM

Specifically, where to get the material they're made of.

Grandson was gifted a 12 foot aluminum...skiff I guess you'd call it.

He went looking for a small trailer and bought one that we knew needed work. Unfortunately he didn't inspect it closely enough and the frame is totally gone. The tires/wheels/hubs/axle are essentially brand new (and worth what he paid for the whole thing) but the frame and tongue are swiss cheese held together by rust.

So what I need now is to know how/where to get the light 3 inch C or U channel that makes up the frame. This one is an ancient Sears unit that shows no sign of ever having been galvanized. I'd prefer to build out of galvanized for obvious reasons.

We'll also be looking for another inexpensive trailer (tho this time I'll go with to look at whatever he's interested in...)

July 28, 2026, 02:52 PM

9x18

https://www.easternmarine.com/...gues-crossbars-rails

Some of the parts here.

July 28, 2026, 05:51 PM

trapper189

Eastern Metal Supply

Steel closer to home:
https://tssteelmaine.com/

July 29, 2026, 06:28 AM

coyotedude

I'm in the steel business (import broker). Look up any steel service center, they are like a Walmart for any type, shape, grade of steel. They'll likely have C-channel in stock and will cut length, bend, etc.

July 29, 2026, 08:50 AM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by coyotedude:
I'm in the steel business (import broker). Look up any steel service center, they are like a Walmart for any type, shape, grade of steel. They'll likely have C-channel in stock and will cut length, bend, etc.

I have two in the immediate area, neither carry anything suitable.

I have an email in to the site Trapper suggested, haven't heard back.

July 29, 2026, 09:19 AM

coyotedude

Sorry, didn't see your geo location. The nearest city (medium/large) may have a svc center, and most deliver on flatbeds to outlying areas.

July 29, 2026, 09:43 AM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by coyotedude:
Sorry, didn't see your geo location. The nearest city (medium/large) may have a svc center, and most deliver on flatbeds to outlying areas.

"Local" to me is Bangor. Two steel suppliers/custom fab shops, neither can help me.

July 29, 2026, 12:00 PM

coyotedude

https://americansteelandaluminum.com/locations/

Several locations in Maine, may be worthwhile to drive over to the nearest or inquire about drop shipping options.

July 29, 2026, 01:09 PM

c1steve

quote:
Originally posted by PHPaul:
Specifically, where to get the material they're made of.

Grandson was gifted a 12 foot aluminum...skiff I guess you'd call it.

He went looking for a small trailer and bought one that we knew needed work. Unfortunately he didn't inspect it closely enough and the frame is totally gone. The tires/wheels/hubs/axle are essentially brand new (and worth what he paid for the whole thing) but the frame and tongue are swiss cheese held together by rust.

So what I need now is to know how/where to get the light 3 inch C or U channel that makes up the frame. This one is an ancient Sears unit that shows no sign of ever having been galvanized. I'd prefer to build out of galvanized for obvious reasons.

We'll also be looking for another inexpensive trailer (tho this time I'll go with to look at whatever he's interested in...)

If you use steel, it should be galvanized after assembling the frame. Aluminum might be a better bet. Often you can find a used trailer for free, that needs a new axle. Then you can just swap the parts over.

July 29, 2026, 01:10 PM

cee_Kamp

There is a business near me that builds custom trailers.
Some time ago I inquired about having a special custom ATV trailer built there for me with my design.
They weld up the entire frame of the trailer first and then haul it to a galvanizing business about 1.5 hours away and "dip" the entire frame in molten zinc.

If you buy steel that is already galvanized and then repair or build a trailer frame, everyplace you cut, bend, drill, grind, or weld, the galvanized coating is removed and the bare steel will rust.

July 30, 2026, 02:04 PM

smlsig

Since it sounds like the boat is fairly small and light wouldn’t you be better off sourcing a used trailer for a couple of hundred bucks off FB Marketplace and use your axles etc. if needed?

Like these…

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

July 30, 2026, 02:09 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by smlsig:
Since it sounds like the boat is fairly small and light wouldn’t you be better off sourcing a used trailer of a couple of hundred bucks off FB Marketplace and use your axles etc. if needed?

Like these…

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

https://www.facebook.com/marke...1e-861c-a07b25c8fe6f

Yup, that's Plan B. Getting details on one as we speak, and one got away from me yesterday.

July 30, 2026, 02:14 PM

HRK

quote:
Originally posted by smlsig:
Since it sounds like the boat is fairly small and light wouldn’t you be better off sourcing a used trailer of a couple of hundred bucks off FB Marketplace and use your axles etc. if needed?

That would be the smart move....

July 31, 2026, 12:08 AM

jimmy123x

Trying to make a trailer is going to be a real waste of time and energy. Look for a used galvanized waverunner trailer and move all of your items over to it. You can usually find them in coastal areas and they need rebuilding but the frame will be good.

July 31, 2026, 03:18 PM

PHPaul

Problem solved. VERY solid home-built off FacePlace.

Needs wiring and bunks and a strap for the winch, all of which I have materials for laying around

August 01, 2026, 12:32 PM

smlsig

quote:
Originally posted by PHPaul:
Problem solved. VERY solid home-built off FacePlace.

Needs wiring and bunks and a strap for the winch, all of which I have materials for laying around

We need pictures of the prize and the progress!

August 01, 2026, 01:01 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by smlsig
We need pictures of the prize and the progress!

Been working on it. I'll grab a couple after my nap.

August 01, 2026, 02:33 PM

PHPaul

While obviously home made - judging by the rebar bracing and what appears to be water pipe radius rods - it was well done.

The single transverse spring is not something I've seen before on boat trailers, and the axle looks to have been adapted from some other use.

I've strung new wire for the tail lights and rigged a strap to the winch. Having second thoughts about that, probably be better off with a good synthetic rope.

Grandson will pick up a pair of tail lights and it'll road legal. Should have some new tires, they have decent tread, but could be as much as 50 years old so probably harder than Chinese arithmetic. Also need to check and repack the wheel bearings just to know they're good.

Oh, and whip up some bunks. Piece of PT 2x6 and some outdoor carpet will take care of that.

August 02, 2026, 06:03 AM

smlsig

Looks like a perfect trailer for local towing. Tires and wheel bearings, as you already know, are the two main issues going forward but it sounds like you have that sorted out.

Does the boat have a motor?

August 02, 2026, 06:58 AM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by smlsig:

Does the boat have a motor?

Working on that. I think his Dad said he had a 1.5 hp he could have, and/or he's thinking about an electric trolling motor.