Build Your Own Boat Trailer

I live in Michigan, and have a 13 foot aluminum fishing boat, but no trailer. Im not against buying one, but I am curious to know, it is legal to make one? If so, is there a weight requirmet? Could it be built from wood? What steps do I have to take in order to make it street legal, (lights licensing, etc)

Thanks!!

Yes it is legal to make one. When you register it, it must be registered under a homemade trailor though. There is no law against making you own boat trailor. Just make sure you do it right! :) Make sure you have directionals on it, brake lights, tail lights, and marker lights, and make sure they all work. Yes there can be wood on it as long as it is build on a metal frame, not all just wood. There is no weight requirement, just make sure it fits your boat correctly, and make sure the trailor is strong enough for your boat. :) It also must have a serial number on its tongue because it must have one for the DMV to be able to register it.

2008-07-22 07:34:05 by Brent

Ever wonder if you could or should build your own sail boat trailer? See what the HideAways learned from the experience of converting a power boat ...

How much truth is there to that statement?^^


Consider the following questions:
How long have you had your boat?

How often do you use your boat a year? (months)

How many days out of the month do you use it?

Do you ever just go out to get away from everything by yourself?

If you trailer it, do you need 2 people to get the boat on and off the trailer?

For a college guy, is it practical to own a boat?

Reason i ask is because i want to buy/build a boat with my uncle. He is retired now but im in college. i think the boat would get quite a lot of use between the two of us. i know, id use it all the time during the summer and he would use it when ever and we would go on it together.

I live 15 mins from my uncle and we may even pay to dock it...should i go for it or save my money?

You're either into boats, or not into 'em. If you're not, it'll be another dust-gathering toy, and neglect is really hard on boats (like any machinery I guess).

I use my boat twice a month year-round, with maybe a few exceptions now & then for freezing weather and family commitments I can't get out of.

For a college student? you bet, if you have a place to keep it and a vehicle to tow it with. I bet $10 you more than get your money's worth. Here's a couple tips to help you get the most out of it:

1. get yourself a factory service manual for the motor. there's nothing on it you can't fix with a little determination and the right tools. Save literally thousands.
2. join the repair forums at iboats.com -- a lot of expertise over there and it's free.

2009-04-19 19:38:50 by John H

Price: $129.99 $84.47

Can be stored flat behind the seat when not in use
Features adjustable height for roof top hauling
Features a 4" wide support