Need help with technical stuff

[Sillylion]

Im planning to buy a use aluminum boat but first i have to worry about getting a hitch and trailer for my SUV.
My problem is i dont know what type of hitch i need and what kinda of coupler i need to attatch it to my currently non existant trailer.
Can someone guide this newbie in purchasing a boat, hitch, and trailer? My fear is that i get one of them wrong and it wont all fit together.

 

[mcsteve]

I'm gonna assume your not picking up a 34 ft cabin cruiser since you mentioned an SUV. Go get a class II hitch and pick up the quick change ball at Canadian Tire. It will have 2 sizes of ball that you can switch depending on the trailer. If you're not sure just ask one of the guys at the counter. To be safe though you should check your owners manual for maximum tow weight and make sure the boat and trailer don't exceed your Max allowed.

I hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Spinninreel]

What size of boat were you thinking and for what type of fishing?

 

[Sillylion]

was planning to get a 14-16 feet aluminum boat. with a 9.9 motor
I plan to do some minor modifications to it (like adding a floor board and casting deck) but over all it shouldn't weigh much.
My SUV says it can tow 3500lb so im good on that part.
I have no idea where to begin for this as i only have the SUV
Like you said, i guess my first step is getting a hitch, i will most likely get a class II hitch.
I have no idea how trailers are connected to hitches but after some research, from my understanding theres a ball thingy on your hitch and some sort of coupler on your trailer.
now what im confused about is that different trailers require different ball sizes, im not sure what ball size i should get, or if i should buy the boat and trailer and THEN buy the ball after?

I plan to buy a used boat with trailer off kijiji but the thing is i was afraid if i got the wrong ball size or something i wouldn't be able to tow the boat home.
i also found out recently that i need to plate my trailer. How does the transaction work? Would i have to get a plate for it before i even pick it up?

These questions sound very silly but this is all very new to me and i want to make sure i get it done right.

 

[Spinninreel]

I would recommend a larger motor if possible so if there is a storm or strong current you will have no problem moving through it. Lund is my favourite boat in that size because I believe it is the strongest build you will find. As to the hitch, you can buy a hitch that has multiple ball sizes so you can adapt to the proper size. Talk to a couple of places that sell and install hitches before you buy. The trailer attaches to the hitch by lifting a lever on the tongue of the trailer and it will slip into place. Then you need to put on the safety chain and connect the lights. You will have to go to the licence bureau to get a trailer licence prior to using.

 

[threeparrots]

Take off the hitch after every use and just keep it in the trunk. If I see one more rusted on hitch on a car I am going to kill myself.

 

[Sillylion]

I was thinking more of a jon boat, less maintainance and things to worry about.
As for the type of fishing i will be doing...im not really sure myself, i think just a bit off shore. I dont think id go really far out into a big lake.
Thank you for all the replies i think i have a better understanding of the requirements.
I will see if i run into any other obsticals as i start preparing for the new toy

 

[Spinninreel]

Jon boats are good for shallow water, but if your going on any lakes, a hull with some kind of "V" would be recommended.

 

[igor1]

Just some advice...check the price of a hitch at Canadian Tire then check this price of one at Hitch City...I got mine bought and installed at Hitch City for cheaper then it would've been to just purchase one at Canadian Tire ..you can probably save yourself so money$$ and the work by lookin in to it..I drove over an hour to the closest Hitch City and I saved money,time, work and dirty fingers..hope this helps gl and fish on..

 

[Sillylion]

Jon boats are good for shallow water, but if your going on any lakes, a hull with some kind of "V" would be recommended.

Would a V hull be too unstable to put in a casting deck and floor boards?

 

[Spinninreel]

It has been done before. I just stand on the seats and that work good enough for me.

 

[igor1]

Would a V hull be too unstable to put in a casting deck and floor boards?

Well I had done this a few times putting floors and front deck in aluminum boats and it will make the boat more stable if done correctly.but remember more wieght will be added to the boat so take that into consideration with how mant horses will be pushing it...I did this with one boat that made me go with a 30 hp from a 20 hp to get back the speed and power it had...hope this helps GL and fish on

 

[hightechdecks]

if putting in casting decks go with the lightest possible materials that will provide the strength needed i suggest cedar over pressure treated lumber for the frame and 5/16 pt plywood for decking , also use all stainless steel fasteners