Brakes for boat trailer

[McCRam]

This boat is 20 ft that weighs about 3200 lbs or so going down the road. The trailer is a single axle trailer, but no brakes. I have been looking for a kit to install surge brakes (disks), but havent found one yet.



Does anyone know of such a kit or am I going to have to scratch build a system. I am interested in any other options if there are any. I might just get an exhaust brake, (at least I would be able to use that with all the trailers), but I want to examine all my options first.



Thanks for the help.

 

[GerryDrake]

Try wandering around this site a bit...



http://towbrake.com/hypowered_disc_trailer_brakes.html



I didn't look for surge brake systems, but you can certainly contact them

 

[McCRam]

Thanks for the link, they are nice brakes. They are pricey though, over 1100 according to their website. There was a link to tow laws on that website, In MT we need brakes if the trailer is over 3000k. If I do this, I am going to need a less expensive option, that 1100 would buy a real nice exhaust brake. But that wont help me when I pull the boat with my grand cherokee.

 

[JPS]

Boat Trailer Brakes

I went thru the same thing a few years ago. Cheaper to trade trailers!!! jps

 

[Kennywould]

Check this site out http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/trailerbrakes/trailerbrakes_hyd.html

 

[JKinney]

I thought Northern Hydroulics sold them

 

[Glen Pratt]

Here's another site www.championtrailers.com . Everything you need

 

[bulabula]

Does your axle have the mounting lugs to attach the backing plates or calipers? I'd bet they do, and if they don't you'll need a new axle that has them.



In any event, you'll need a pair of backing plates, drums, a master cylinder coupler and the plumbing from the MC to the brakes. Any trailer shop will carry these things in stock for a look-see.



For a 3200 lb boat, you could certainly do disks, but drums will be fine.



Don't try electric brakes. They work great the first time or two the trailer is on the road, then they'll fail on you.



Here's a thread from Champion Trailers; about $300 for drums:

http://www.championtrailers.com/DRUM BRAKE KITS.htm



A $hundred more for disks:

http://www.championtrailers.com/TIEDOWN_STAINLESS_DISC_BRAKE_KITS.HTM



edit: Glen, I didn't see your post til I hit the button .....

 

[juicedcummins]

I second Jps, In my case it was also way cheaper to trade up to a new trailer.

 

[McCRam]

Thanks

I have been searching for a trailer for quite a while. This is a tournament ski boat with a direct drive. I haven't found a single trailer for these types of boats yet.



The champion website was very helpful. A lot of good info there. I will need a new axle, but that will give me the opportunity to lift the trailer a couple of inches by getting a straight axle instead of a drop axle. The back end is just too low to the ground, even with a ten inch drop hitch. It looks like I should be able to do this for less than $600. I am going to have to get an actual weight on the boat and trailer combo and measure the current axle before I order.



Thanks again for the help.

 

[rweis]

A local used car dealer is a Ski Nautique dealer. If you want I will see what they have. I think the Ski Nautique has a direct fixed inboard prop drive. I think I remember seeing a frame bracing system to protect the prop drive when the boat is on the trailer.



However, I am in central florida.



Bob Weis

 

[McCRam]

A trailer for a ski nautique would work, but I dont think it would be worth the effort to drag it across the country. Thanks anyways.