Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

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Part 1: Getting Started in Boating
Two-wheel trailers (see the following photo) are easier to back and maneuver than fourwheelers.
However, if you have a flat tire on a two-wheeler, you must stop immediately
and fix the problem. With a four-wheel trailer, you can continue to a station at reduced
speed (very reduced—no more than 20 mph) if you have a flat, because the second tire on
that side will support the load.
With bigger boats, there’s no choice—big weights require two-axle or tandem trailers,
period. However, four-wheelers cost more and are heavier, so they add to the towed
weight. They may add enough to require a larger tow vehicle. There are always tradeoffs.
Two-wheel trailers like this
Calkins are lightweight and
strong enough to haul most
small- to medium-sized
recreational boats.
(Photo credit: Calkins Trailers)
The Right Stuff
Painted steel trailers are inexpensive and have reasonable durability if always used in fresh
water. Baked enamel finishes that match the boat make them the best-looking of all trailers.
Put them in salt water even once, though, and you’ll soon see the rust streaks start to
form. If you plan to use your boat in coastal areas, don’t buy a painted steel trailer.
Trailers made of galvanized steel are rustproof, tough, and probably the best value on the
market, although they’re more expensive than painted steel. They also don’t look as slick
as a painted model.
Aluminum may be the best of all trailer materials. It’s light but strong, corrosion-resistant,
and looks good without paint for years. Aluminum trailers are somewhat more costly than
galvanized but are worth the price in easy towing and years of service. (Some aluminum