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Trailer

Boatmate Trailer

BoatMate Trailers builds a custom, matching-colored trailer for each of the completed boats. It is timed in such a manner that the boat and the trailer are completed at almost the same time. Supra comes standard on a tandem axle trailer, which includes stainless steel fenders, front disk brakes, surge brakes and a Boat Buddy. Moomba is standard on a single axle trailer with all other options available.

BoatMate Trailers builds trailers that are custom fitted to the boat for which the trailer is ordered. To obtain this custom fit, BoatMate obtains a pre-production boat from the boat manufacturer. The frame of the trailer is formed to follow the lines of the hull. Whereas many trailer manufactures will bend the frame in an "A-frame" pattern, BoatMate rolls the forward bend of the frame to closely follow the bow section of the hull. There is no structural significance to the roll, but the roll does make the trailer appear more fitted to the boat.

Cross-members that are bent to allow clearance for the hull and any underwater gear are used to tie the two frame rails together. After assembling the frame, the boat is suspended over the frame in the position in which the boat should sit on the trailer. Brackets that support the trailer bunk boards are positioned to support the hull and guide the boat onto the trailer and welded into place.

Adding the bow stop

A bow stop is fabricated and positioned to stop the forward motion of the boat during loading. Then, with the boat resting completely on the trailer, axles are positioned under the trailer. The axles are positioned to provide tongue weight equal to 10% of the gross weight of the boat and trailer combined with the tongue weight not to exceed 400 lbs. From this, trailer jigs will be fabricated which allow BoatMate to fully replicate the trailer in production.

BoatMate builds trailers utilizing structural tubular steel. Because structural steel is typically used inside the walls of buildings, it can have a rough surface. BoatMate contracts with the steel mill and pays a premium for "boat trailer quality" steel. Care is taken during the production of this steel to eliminate mill marks and surface scale. The steel is also handled using straps instead of chains to prevent scarring.

Subassembly saw tubing cut

The steel arrives at BoatMate in mill production lengths. It is cut to size and processed in the subassembly department. In subassembly, the frames will be cut and rolled and the cross-members are cut to length and bent to spec. Several components of the trailer are welded in subassembly such as the prop guard, tongue and bow stop.

The trailer frame is assembled and welded in the welding bays. The frame rails are positioned on stands and the jigs for the particular trailer are positioned on and around the frame. The jigs are used to locate the cross-members, the steps, the bow stop, the axle(s) and all of the bunk board brackets. All of these components are tacked together and then welded together. Mig welders are used for all welding processes in the BoatMate facility.

When the welders have completed the frame, the trailer is supported on dollies, which keep the frame at a comfortable working height for the rest of the build process. The frame is rolled into the paint prep area where the brake lines are installed and bled. The frame is moved forward

Prep grinding

in the prep area where grinders and sanders are used to smooth the weld seams and any imperfections that may exist in the steel.

The last process in the prep area is cleaning the frame. BoatMate sprays a degreasing compound onto the trailer frame that is allowed to soak for a few minutes. A high temperature steam cleaner is used to apply a detergent and iron phosphate mix to the frame. The detergent removes any dirt, grease or other contaminants from the frame. The iron phosphate bonds to the steel on a molecular level and creates a crystalline surface layer on the steel. This crystalline layer provides much more surface area to which the primer can bond. A greater bond between the steel and primer provides better chip resistance than applying primer to the steel alone. The crystalline layer also provides a barrier against rust that might spread around a rock chip.

Priming booth

From the paint prep area, the trailer frame is moved into the priming spray booth. BoatMate uses Dupont TuffCoat enamel primer as the undercoating for paint. After priming, the trailer frame is moved into one of two paint booths where Dupont Imron paint is applied over the primer. BoatMate mixes all paint to form Imron mixing colors. Color chips are sent to Dupont and Dupont analyzes the color chips to provide a mixing formula to custom match any color required.

After painting, the trailer frame is moved into a two-stage oven. The first stage is a warm area of the oven where the frame is not subjected to direct heat. This allows the paint to flash, which releases gasses emitted by the catalyzing process of the paint. The second stage is under direct radiant heat that bakes the paint.

Paint mixing center

The frame is then moved into the rigging area where pinstripes are applied. Pinstripes are painted on instead of using tape. Once the pinstripes have dried, the remaining components are installed. These components include the winch, jack, wheels and Marathon radial tires, wiring, lighting, non-skid mat and pressure-treated bunk boards wrapped in 20 oz. carpet.

Once the proper authorities sign off on the boat, the dealer is contacted for delivery and the boat is shrink-wrapped and loaded on a truck and sent out.

Conclusion

As detailed as this account is, there are many other smaller procedures that Skier's Choice does to make the Supra and Moomba boat lines distinctive from other manufacturers. While some other boat builders use many similar processes, others use methods that are completely different.

Hopefully, you've come away with a little more knowledge about what goes into the making of a wakeboard boat and will be a little more informed and confident when you go to make your next boat purchase.

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