How to Make a Boat Trailer

Making a boat trailer for a small boat is a simple and easy building project. Jon boats, and other similar small boats, are well known for their use in duck hunting and fishing. Stable and lightweight, they can be launched easily and can be re-trailered without a launch ramp. Building your own boat trailer for such a boat can save you some money.

Materials and Supplies Needed:

• (2) pressure treated 2x4's, 8-feet long
• 2-inch galvanized metal tubing
• 6-inch U-bolts, with cross-brackets and nuts
• 1/2-inch galvanized bolts, lock washers, and nuts
• Light-duty winch
• Hub, wheel, and axle kit, designed for a small trailer, approximately 5-feet in width
• Hitch ball receiver (class 3)
• Small LED light kit
• Galvanized strips, 1-inch by 3/16-inch

Step 1 - Getting Started

Measure the width and length of your boat. Add 4 feet to the boat’s length, which will be the finished length of your new trailer. Your galvanized tube must be cut to this length, as it will form the backbone of the trailer.

Step 2 - Crossbeams

Cut 2 pieces of galvanized tubing to the same width as the mounting pads of the axle kit. These pieces will be used as crossbeams, to distribute the weight of the boat on the trailer. Mount these tubes on the upside of the backbone tube, with galvanized U-straps. Place the rear crossbeam about 2 feet from the rear end of the trailer, and place the front crossbeam approximately 2 feet in front of the rear crossbeam.

Step 3 - Support

Cut 2 2 ½- foot pieces of tubing for the support of the crossbeams. These should be parallel to and level with the center beam of the boat trailer. Attach the right and left galvanized tubing at both ends to each crossbeam, and to the axle mounts in the middle. Use a drill to make the necessary holes to bolt these pieces into place.

Step 4 - Attach Frame

Attach these assembled parts of the boat trailer to the center beam with 2 U-bolts on each crossbeam. U-bolts should be placed with threads facing downwards. The 2 2x4 studs should now be mounted to the crossbeams, using galvanized steel U-brackets. These should be installed in such a way as to be able to swivel slightly, in order to conform to the boat’s bottom. Space the studs so they are located about 6-inches to the inside of the location where each side of the boat will rest above them. Cover the studs with indoor-outdoor carpet, to protect the boat’s finish, and ease in loading and unloading the boat by making it slide more easily.

Step 5 - Wheels
 

Attach hubs to axles, being certain to pack both the bearings and hubs with grease. Attach wheels, tightening lugs.

Step 6 - Finishing

Attach the hitch securely to the front end of the center beam. Install the light kit at the rear end of the trailer, and run the wires through tubes to the front. Mount the winch, using a 1-foot piece of square tubing at the boat trailer’s front end. Attach a small piece of carpet-covered wood to the front, as a stop. Finally, install tie-down hooks along the frame, in order to properly secure the boat to your boat trailer.