Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Drift Boat Trailers...

Hello, all.

The time has come for me to start thinking about getting a trailer for my driftboat. I've seen a few sites online but wanted some input as to where I could look to possibly purchase a used one? I'm in Southeast Michigan so the market is pretty much non-existent for 'local' dealers/sellers.

any ideas on where I could go online for such a thing? Buying new isn't out of the question, but they do tend to be a bit expensive..

Thanks!

Mike

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on May 7, 2012 at 7:03am

Rick,

Have you spoken with Dennis over at driftboattrailers.com? He sells plans for trailers that are custom designed for your drift boat. I was considering going this route so I called him and talked with him at length. Great guy! He was more than happy to give me a bill of materials, how to go about construction and he even told me what HE pays for material so I had numbers for comparison.

I think I may have found a drift boat club up in Northern Michigan who have trailers for sale, but it that doesn't pan out I will absolutely be giving Dennis another call. Building my own would definitely be a tempting option for me since I have a full fabrication shop at my disposal. Otherwise I can't think that I would give it much consideration.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on May 7, 2012 at 7:36am

Phil,

Thanks for all the info! My company actually has an account with Tri-Star Steel here in Detroit so I would most likely be getting any steel I needed from them if I decide to build my own. Heading up to Traverse City June 1st and hopefully I'll be coming back with a trailer in tow! If you like, I can ask around while I'm up there and see about getting some names and numbers for you. I'm learning that the drift boat culture although small in Michigan is very concentrated around the AuSable, Boardman, and Manistee rivers. (gee, I wonder why..)

It sounds like I'm under more of a time crunch than you so I'll most likely be past this little road bump before you've the need, but I would definitely give Dennis a call (see my reply to Rick Newman above). He uses 2 x 3 tubing for almost the whole frame. There are other things you need to take into consideration as well before you design something. DOT regulations for lighting, both running lights and tail lights need to be visible at certain angles and so on..

If I end up getting plans from Dennis, I'll let you know. Who knows, if there are as many Midwesterners needing driftboats as it seems, perhaps I'll start another business and put my welder's apron back on!