Determining Weright SizeTrailer

[bonefish]

I have a 97 Sylvan 17 Pro select with a 130 Evinrude. I purchased it used a few years ago knowing that the trailer was going to need some work or replacement. I'd like to get a new trailer, but not sure how heavy I need. Is there a HSOforum that helps you determine the weight of your loaded boat? If not, does anyone have a similar boat that has an idea of total weight?

We take vacations that have us on the road for 4 hours where we often have to use the boat to haul gear. With the potential for some added weight, I'd rather have too much trailer vs not enough - but Im not sure how much trailer I need. Any thoughts?

[Pat K]

I would take it to a grain elevator or truck stop with a scale and weigh the boat & trailer. When I weighed my boat it was about 600lbs. more than what I estimated from the dry weight of the boat & trailer given on the mfgrs. web sites! I think we all have more weight in gas, gear, batteries and assorted junk involved with rigging the boat than we realize.

I would want a trailer rated for 25% over the weight of my boat & trailer.

[Jim Almquist]

I think that I would go to a dealership that sells Sylvan's and ask them and tell them what your plans are as far as hauling more stuff. You definitely want a heavy duty frame and bigger tires but they can tell you what model will want.