Trailer question

M

Mike Mitchell

New Member
May 30, 2019
4
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Boat Info
2000 Sundeck 240
Engines
454 Mercruiser w/Bravo III
Hello members. I did some searching already but here goes:

We just purchased a 2000 Sundeck 240 from a family member who keeps it in dry storage on a borrowed trailer, That trailer is for a different boat and not a good fit anyway. I'm looking to purchase a trailer, (with absolutely no luck so far). I finally spoke with a local boat dealer (not Sea Ray) that is willing to help me with having one built. He said I'll need fairly accurate trailer measurements/specifications, so that's what I'm searching for. Since a used trailer for my boat is virtually non existent, I would certainly appreciate guidance, suggestions and any general info.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Mike Mitchell said:
Hello members. I did some searching already but here goes:

We just purchased a 2000 Sundeck 240 from a family member who keeps it in dry storage on a borrowed trailer, That trailer is for a different boat and not a good fit anyway. I'm looking to purchase a trailer, (with absolutely no luck so far). I finally spoke with a local boat dealer (not Sea Ray) that is willing to help me with having one built. He said I'll need fairly accurate trailer measurements/specifications, so that's what I'm searching for. Since a used trailer for my boat is virtually non existent, I would certainly appreciate guidance, suggestions and any general info.

Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

When I purchased my 240SD I didn't like the C-channel frame Sea Ray was offering as standard, so my dealer sold me a Vanguard box frame trailer made in Indiana. I would imagine they'd still have all the specs.
https://trailmastertrailers.com/custom-boat-trailers/vanguard-tube/

-Tom
 
Mike - Congratulations on the new to you boat!
We have a Road king aluminum trailer, model RKAV
http://www.roadkingtrailers.com
We have been very happy with it. Cyprus 4x6 bunks, dual torsion axle with disk brakes, etc. it is rated for 7000#
There is not a lot of customization required, just set the bunk width and the bow stop. Done.
Road king has dealers throughout the southeast.

You should finish filling out your profile with location info, people near you might have better local suggestions.
 
I would advise strongly against giving a trailer manufacturer the specs. They will make it to your specs... if it doesn't fit, guess who's responsible?

There many decent adjustable trailers out there. Probably about as many as there are opinions. And many custom-made trailers, too. For Sea Ray's at our shop, we've had great luck with Tidewater as an inexpensive line of adjustable trailers.

Which model 2000 240SD do you have? Is it the older style or the newer one that ran through 2009? Originally, that boat was never offered with a packaged trailer from Sea Ray. But later in the run a trailer became an option and if you have the newer style that would be an option for you. It was made by Shoreland'r so any Shoreland'r dealer (or a Sea Ray dealer) could get it for you and you'd be guaranteed it would fit properly. Shorland'r, by the way, is not an entry level trailer - it's a very good, overbuilt trailer.
 
Lazy Daze said:
I would advise strongly against giving a trailer manufacturer the specs. They will make it to your specs... if it doesn't fit, guess who's responsible?

There many decent adjustable trailers out there. Probably about as many as there are opinions. And many custom-made trailers, too. For Sea Ray's at our shop, we've had great luck with Tidewater as an inexpensive line of adjustable trailers.

Which model 2000 240SD do you have? Is it the older style or the newer one that ran through 2009? Originally, that boat was never offered with a packaged trailer from Sea Ray. But later in the run a trailer became an option and if you have the newer style that would be an option for you. It was made by Shoreland'r so any Shoreland'r dealer (or a Sea Ray dealer) could get it for you and you'd be guaranteed it would fit properly. Shorland'r, by the way, is not an entry level trailer - it's a very good, overbuilt trailer.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for the great information that you have provided. The fact that there were two styles in 2000 is something I was not aware of. The manufacturers ID number is SERV3209K900 if this helps.
 
I put a deposit on a custom trailer for my 310da a couple of weeks ago.
I almost bought one from a semi local manufacturer, but I was responsible for all the measurements. I decided that probably wouldn't work out good for me.
I am having one built from Loadmaster Trailer Company in Port Clinton, OH.
They have been a really good company to work with so far, and from what I've read they build a nice trailer.
 
I have a large tandem wheel trailer for my 22’ Sea Ray Pachanga for sale. If interested I could send you pictures and details.
 
wyrman said:
I put a deposit on a custom trailer for my 310da a couple of weeks ago.
I almost bought one from a semi local manufacturer, but I was responsible for all the measurements. I decided that probably wouldn't work out good for me.
I am having one built from Loadmaster Trailer Company in Port Clinton, OH.
They have been a really good company to work with so far, and from what I've read they build a nice trailer.
Click to expand...

Loadmaster built one for me back in 2017. I was told they have the dimensions for a perfect fit.

It is! Drive up, click, click... done!
 
If it were me I would go with any of the major manufacturers (Venture, Load Rite, EZ Loader, ShoreLand'r) and simply search from their line up. Each has a website with options for boat size, weight, galvenized vs. aluminum, bunk vs. roller, single vs. dual axle etc. etc. I personally don't see the need for or the added expense of a custom built trailer for your application.
 
Mike Mitchell said:
Thanks so much for the great information that you have provided. The fact that there were two styles in 2000 is something I was not aware of. The manufacturers ID number is SERV3209K900 if this helps.
Click to expand...
Check the pictures on Sea Ray's website. 2000 was a transition year. You could have a late production 'earlier' model that is labelled as a 2000, or you could have the newer model.
 
TNT8808 said:
When I purchased my 240SD I didn't like the C-channel frame Sea Ray was offering as standard, so my dealer sold me a Vanguard box frame trailer made in Indiana. I would imagine they'd still have all the specs.
https://trailmastertrailers.com/custom-boat-trailers/vanguard-tube/

-Tom
Click to expand...
I don't think "Sea Ray" offered a trailer till about the 2008 model year for that boat. It could have just been a trailer that the dealer had in stock, though, for some other reason. The normal 'Sea Ray' trailers were ShoreLand'r and they were/are boxed frames.

Trailmaster/Vanguard makes good trailers, too. I've used them in the past when Eagle went defunct. The only downside is that you can't get a galvanized Vanguard - or at least couldn't the last time I used them. Mike, I see you're inland so it's not as big of a deal, but a galv trailer will last MUCH longer inland, too. Just an FYI on that. But not as pretty as a painted trailer, obviously!
 
Lazy Daze said:
I don't think "Sea Ray" offered a trailer till about the 2008 model year for that boat. It could have just been a trailer that the dealer had in stock, though, for some other reason. The normal 'Sea Ray' trailers were ShoreLand'r and they were/are boxed frames.

Trailmaster/Vanguard makes good trailers, too. I've used them in the past when Eagle went defunct. The only downside is that you can't get a galvanized Vanguard - or at least couldn't the last time I used them. Mike, I see you're inland so it's not as big of a deal, but a galv trailer will last MUCH longer inland, too. Just an FYI on that. But not as pretty as a painted trailer, obviously!
Click to expand...

I have no idea who made it, or where it came from. The dealer (Skipper Bud's) called it the standard Sea Ray trailer, and it had a Sea Ray sticker on it. It was pretty thin, and known to flex so I upgraded like I said. The OP asked a question, I had a 240SD at one time with an aftermarket trailer and I answered to the best of my ability.

-Tom
 
TNT8808 said:
I have no idea who made it, or where it came from. The dealer (Skipper Bud's) called it the standard Sea Ray trailer, and it had a Sea Ray sticker on it. It was pretty thin, and known to flex so I upgraded like I said. The OP asked a question, I had a 240SD at one time with an aftermarket trailer and I answered to the best of my ability.

-Tom
Click to expand...
No worries. I was only adding some clarification to differentiate whatever that trailer was from a ShoreLand'r - I just didn't want Mike to think that because I mentioned that ShoreLand'r was the official "Sea Ray" trailer, that it was the same one you were referencing. I'm sure I would have done the same thing as you and changed to a better, more robust trailer, as well. Like I mentioned, Vanguard is a solid trailer.
 
I definetly want a low cost solution because the dry storage is 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the the marina. I do appreciate everyone that's taken time to help.
 
Once loaded for a day on the water, the 240 SD (especially with your 454) is HEAVY.

If you decide on a box frame style trailer, 3”x4” box rails should be ok for storage and your short trip to the marina.

If you plan on doing any serious highway towing, you really need a Trailer with 3”x5” rails.

If it’s a roller trailer, I would look for one with at least 48 rollers, 64 would be best.
 
I called to price a trailer and a couple places asked the length from transom to bow eye. Obviously the boat is around 24' not including the swim deck. Since the boat is in dry storage and we live 200 miles or so away, I'm asking if anyone knows the length from transom to bow eye. Again it's a 2000 model Sea Ray SD 240. Thanks, Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,154
Messages
1,427,383
Members
61,060
Latest member
Danileo
Back
Top