Boat Trailers Parts & Boat Accessories

The major components of a boat trailer are:-

• coupler and ball
• the trailer drawbar
• winch
• the trolley wheel
• bunk - rollers and docking arms
• suspension
• wheels and bearings
• the trailer lights

The Coupler and Ball

The tow ball is actually attached to the back of the towing vehicle, the coupling fitting over this and then locking into position. Sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge to get the coupling on and off the hitch, but never use force as this can do nothing but cause damage to all the components involved and end up costing you money!

The Trailer Drawbar

This a long piece of metal that goes all the way down the boat trailer, from the coupling to the back thus forming the 'back bone' of the trailer or ‘A’ frame depending on construction.

The Trailer Winch

This device is used to pull the boat onto the trailer and afterwards to help adjust the position of the boat on the trailer to ensure the correct weight distribution (very important when towing).

The Jockey Wheel

This device helps you raise the coupler high enough to get on and off the towing vehicle and also help you move the trailer around (it has a wheel at the bottom to help you 'jockey the trailer into position').

The Trailer Bunk - Rollers and Docking Arms

If you are not keeping your boat in the water at moorings, the chances are that your boat is going to be spending a lot of time on your trailer 'bunk' , thus so it is vital that this component is undamaged. The bunk must fully support your boat, as otherwise the hull can actually sag, causing a 'hook' to form, which in extreme cases will force the bow down when powering through water. The keel rollers (which help the boat slide along the bunk) are also of great importance here, as are the bunk brackets, which ensure that the bunk stays firmly attached to the trailer. Where fitted, the Docking Arms are also important as these help you guide the boat on the trailer, ensuring the boat is resting on the bunk. Some boat trailers also have steps to help access in and out of the water.

Trailer Suspension

Some trailer manufacturers and a high number of imported trailers still use leaf spring suspension. However, all major manufacturers now use torsion beam suspension which tends to be far more progressive and give a better ride.

Wheels and Bearings

This obvious component is one that needs the most attention, it being important not only to have the right tyres, but also that the bearings inside the wheels are in good order (these being especially prone to failure as they are often immersed in water when launching the boat). Advanced manufacturers are fitting sealed bearing units that outlast traditional taper bearings many times over.

Trailer Lights

These are fitted on trailers in order to comply with road traffic laws. The law covering lights on your trailer specifies that you have:-

• 2 * back side lights
• 2 * red stop (brake) lights
• at least 1 bulb to illuminate the number plate
• 2 * red reflectors (triangular)
• 2 * signal turn indicators
• plus if the trailer is wider that 1.3m at least 1 fog light.

SBS Boat Trailers

At SBS boats we can refurbish your boat trailer, using original parts (we can repair Snipe, Indespension and Bramber trailers amongst others), but can also advise if it is more cost effective to buy a new trailers, and if this is case, can supply you with a top quality trailer at very reasonable prices (see our choosing a new boat trailer advice page)..

SBS can therefore:-

• provide a quote to see how much it would cost to refurbish / repair your existing trailer
• offer competitive prices on a new trailer

Some of the boats and boat suppliers our trailers are used for today:-