Trailer - Keep or Sell

C

C-SIDE

Member
Sep 6, 2009
313
Michigan City, IN
Boat Info
2001 340 Sundancer
Engines
6.2L w/ genny
I have a 27 foot boat with a trailer and I boat on Lake Michigan. I will never use the trailer except for winter storage. I do not have, nor will I ever buy, a truck big enough to trailer my boat

Any thoughts on whether I should keep the trailer for resale value when I sell my boat or should I just sell the trailer?

My thought is sell the trailer and get the cash now. I have to pay $150 extra each year to put the boat on blocks, but who cares if I can get $2,500-$3,000 now - if I calculate the cash flow difference, its a no brainer to sell

Thanks for your 2-cents
 
There is probably a break even point. But consider if you have to pull the boat out during the year, or you move, and factor in the valve of the trailer if you sell the boat with a trailer...
 
Keep the trailer for a trailerable boat if you are planning on reseling. there are plenty of inland lakes that a future buyer could want to to take the boat to. You limit your byeres pool without the trailer. I'm sure someone at the marina has a big enough truck for you to use to pull the boat. Instead of blocking it keep it on the trailer
 
I say sell it. As you said you will "never" use it. Then put that money aside for repairs and yard fees for maintenance when it comes up. A well maintained boat will make up for the cost of the trailer when it comes to resale time.
 
It's a trailer-able boat, keep the trailer.
 
I think the REAL question is how long do you anticipate owning your current boat? Do you have kids that are growing and will need more space? Is your job secure in this economy? Will you ever move? And the big one, how long until you get 5 foot itis and want to move up to a 330 or bigger?

Many people buy a boat and anticipate owning it forever. In reality, they start progressively moving up to larger boats or boats that suit their lifestyle better (water sport, fishing, cruising, trailerboating, sailing, etc.). Some folks do it because they can afford to, others do it because they need the space for friends, relatives or kids. Not all move up (or down!), but it would be interesting to see the average length a person owns a boat! Maybe that's a new poll I should start?

If the marina knows that you have a trailer, I would think they'd be inclined to put it on the trailer rather than block it up? That would be a savings, but storing it might offset that cost too. If you don't need it and don't anticipate selling your boat in the near future, sell it. The 270 is easily trailered and having a trailer for that boat is a good selling point.

I'll never buy a boat that doesn't have a trailer. We trailer our 300 DA every weekend. I can't stand going to the same place every week, but that's why I'm out West and why people back East are back East. It's in our genes!
 
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Thanks for all the input. I'm leaning toward selling it, but not for liquidation value. It will be a price point decision - anyone want to buy a trailer :smt001
 
I would say sell as well.

Mine had a trailer when I bought it an I sold it to the dealer.

Like a boat, a trailer needs to be used and maintained. Keeping a big trailer like this in useable shape can cost a couple hundred a year. Also hard to store such a large thing.

Yes I pay extra to have my boat hauled and stored for me but I don't need a huge truck and all the cost of that or a place to store it all.

A trailer can be found or made for your boat with no problems.
 
I'm sure it would depend on who put the boat on blocks, but wouldn't a properly adjusted trailer be better for the boats hull v/s the blocks during storage? I always thought a trailer was better support for the boat. In a perfect world (blocks placed correctly) I'm sure it would be fine. I would keep the trailer. Just my 1 1/2 cents.
 
If I lived in Northern Illinois (which I have), and owned a trailerable boat, I would want the opportunity to take that boat to different locations for vacation.:grin:

Just my 2 cents (and it's probably not worth that amount....).

Good Luck!!!!!
 
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