We have a Formula 271 model year 2000 Fastech (5,500# weight) with a galvanized bunk trailer. After just 6 years of easy use, but in salt water, mechanic tells me the trailer is garbage and we need to buy new one. Have called 5 different trailer dealers and everyone has a different story. Worse yet, the stories contradict each other. For example: "be sure and get aluminum for minimum maintenance and not problem with a boat that heavy". Others say "aluminum not work for this heavy a boat". Some say "get stainless steel disc brakes, others say no, need drum brakes because the disc brakes have more problems in salt water than drum brakes", etc., etc., etc.
Problem: I prefer the bunked trailer because of minimum maintenance, but with present, so called 'customized set up' by Sea Lion in NJ, we cannot slide boat off trailer without putting the Suburban into the salt water up to the rear tires. [Have spoken to dealer in NJ and Sea Lion directly several times and no help.] If not back that far down any ramp, the boat slides off about 4' and then the step in the hull gets caught on the front edge of rear bunks. We have modified everyting we can to fix this, but to no avail. Even put slanted/angled Teflon covers on rear bunks to allow the hull step to 'bounce over' the front edge of the bunk. No luck.
QUESTION: Can any one recommend a reasonably priced, intelligent trailer dealer in MD (prefer Eastern Shore) or WDC or Northern VA area? More importantly, who has a stepped hull boat and what is their trailer set up? Must i use rollers? There has got to be an easier, less wet way to get this boat in and out of the water.
Problem: I prefer the bunked trailer because of minimum maintenance, but with present, so called 'customized set up' by Sea Lion in NJ, we cannot slide boat off trailer without putting the Suburban into the salt water up to the rear tires. [Have spoken to dealer in NJ and Sea Lion directly several times and no help.] If not back that far down any ramp, the boat slides off about 4' and then the step in the hull gets caught on the front edge of rear bunks. We have modified everyting we can to fix this, but to no avail. Even put slanted/angled Teflon covers on rear bunks to allow the hull step to 'bounce over' the front edge of the bunk. No luck.
QUESTION: Can any one recommend a reasonably priced, intelligent trailer dealer in MD (prefer Eastern Shore) or WDC or Northern VA area? More importantly, who has a stepped hull boat and what is their trailer set up? Must i use rollers? There has got to be an easier, less wet way to get this boat in and out of the water.