Utility Trailer As Boat Trailer

[bassinri]

After looking at a bunch of boat trailers that were either over priced junk or just over priced for my 11 foot flat bottom jon boat I decided to go to Harbor Freight yesterday and look at the trailers. I was going to get the regular small boat trailer that have but it has to be ordered and the warehouse was out and it could take up to 6 weeks to get it, and at least 4 weeks at minimum. Not wanting to wait and tired of lugging my boat in and out of the truck I purchased a 4x8 flat utility trailer rater for over 1000 lbs. If anyone has ever wondered about these, they are very nice. My question is Has anyone had experience useing these or any flat trailer as a boat trailer. I was thinking about customizing it a bit and welding a vertical post and attaching a winch just like a regular boat trailer. Also I was debating weather or not to put the plywood down or leave it off and build some type of flat beds like on regular boat trailers. Is all that worth it or should I just leave it be. What have you found to work on yours? I know Im not the only one to use these as boat trailers. All my other boats had regular trailers but after my divorce Im back at square one with a smaller jon boat and I acutaly dont mind it at all if I can just work the trailer part out. Thanks all.

[drmnbig]

I've got a 6x10 utility trailer that I haul my 12' jon on.  It works perfect for this also.  I back it down the ramp till the trailer almost touches the water and slide the boat out at this point.  The low trailer makes this a very easy thing to accomplish.  I honestly believe this is easier than a regular trailer to use with a jon.  Not only that but you can use it for other things to haul.  

[Wayne P.]

I got one of those also and put a plywood floor on it and made two removable bunks of 2" X 6" with carpet for when I used it for a 10' jon boat. I used it for two trips and about 3 weeks later, I was going to haul some plywood and the wheel bearings had rusted solid. SOOOO- if you plan on getting the axle wet, change the seals to the boat trailer type and add a spring pressure/lube cap. You can also order a boat trailer axle and just change it. Cheap and shortcut doesn't apply when it comes to boat trailers.

[bassinri]

Thanks! Yes I beter change the seals I amost forgot that! Thanks for the info.

[matthadahemi]

ive used the 4x8 folding trailer from h.f.t for 2 years or so now for my  9 ft pond prowler it's worked exellent i put a piece of 5/8 pressure treated plywood on the deck and a a small winch bearing buddies and the buillt some sides and a smmall toolbox on the front    i use it for my snowmobile in the winter  very versitile