Single or Double

Thinking of pulling the trigger on a new trailer in the coming weeks. The current trailer is the original and is due to be replaced. So the question...do I go single axle or double? Single has enough capacity to carry the boat but I typically tow at least 300 miles to where I use the boat. Double is more stable to tow and gives the option of tying up an axle given multiple blowouts...what say the masses???

I have owned both and as far as towing any distance give me a tandem any day. Using a single axle now and can't wait to upgrade just feels more stable and tracks better.

bhectus wrote: Kristof wrote: I prefer double axle. More stable on the road. And when manoeuvering, it is smoother to back up for example... While a tandem will definitely track straighter, and feels more solid on the highway, there's no way that it is better for backing up and maneuvering in tight spots. Can't beat a single for that.

+1, my tandems are a major PITA to put in tight spaces. You can forget about pivoting them around, even when empty.

Ive owned several of each type, and put a lot of miles on them. Tandems do track nicely on the highway and usually run smaller wheels and tires, allowing the boat to sit a little lower (which helps mileage). A properly set up single axle will track just about as nicely though. Theyre more maneuverable in tight spaces and a lot cheaper to maintain... the 2x cost on springs, hubs and tires gets old fast.

A properly set up single axle with 3500lb running gear (like the original trailer) is a really nice, reliable set up on a smaller 2200lb boat like that '82 Ski Tique. We've towed our heavier (2800lb) Barefoot Nautique on its original #4 all over the place and it does well. I'd actually like to see what your original trailer looks like- unless its been dunked in salt continuously for a long period of time, I cant imagine its beyond repair. The open channel CC trailers last forever... unless the frame is rotted through, it could be repaired/restored for far less $$ than a new trailer will cost. Plus it will look way better than an aftermarket trailer.

uhh it's 2014 hello. triple

Hollywood wrote: uhh it's 2014 hello. triple

I think they are talking about boat trailers Hollywood, not shots!

That's only if you don't have your party flag up.

I have towed quite a bit with singles and doubles of various manufacturers and without question the double is WAY better going down the road, if you have brakes on both axles your rig will stop as well as it does without anything behind it. Backing up is no problem either, the doubles seem to hold a line easier, not that that matters too much though. If you need to make tight turns regularly , bacerds or forwards, I would imagine it puts more stress on the axles & tires vs a single. Also if you need to move it by hand and turn, double axle is going to fight you where a single could be spun in circles easily.

Why would you need a tandem trailer for a Skitique?

I've never had anything but single axle trailers but have heard the pros and cons about tandems. The primary purpose of the dual axle trailer is to dispearse the weight of the trailer to four points on the ground instead of two. A Skitique can't weigh that much to constitute going to a tandem. I can move the 88' pretty easily round the garage with the single axle and the two wheeled jack. Twice the maintenance on dual axles. If you maintain the single axle regularly then you shouldn't have a problem.

81nautique wrote: just keep your tires in good shape and properly inflated.

and make sure you have the right ones. I got burned by that.

Thanks for the discussion here. The original is going to get replaced for several reasons:

1. It has been used in salt regularly and likely the new trailer will continue to be. (Going to go galvanized on the new one.)
2. The prop guard has some serious rust and the channel is cracked in this area.
3. The spindles looked pretty worse for wear last time I replaced the bearings.
4. A previous owner made quite a few little cutouts in the c channel that I believe may compromise the integrity of the trailer over the long run. (Especially in the salt)
5. Because I was quoted approximately the same to replace as to redo the original how I want it done. (Not counting any additional issues found)

The reasons I was considering a double though I do not need it to carry the load are as follows:
1. Tracking behind the truck
2. Ability to tie up an axle in case of a blowout or cooked bearing
3. Safety in case of a blowout while towing on the highway
4. I like the looks better

If you were towing to the local lake and had to deal tight spaces stay single but with your towing distances tandem.Sure it's twice the axles to maintain they are running with half the load.How much time are you spending peeking in them mirrors to check on that one axle .Mine weights 3600 gross and sm constantly looking to see if alls ok and I do my bearing maint twice every season regardless of miles .Spending as much time as I do on road for work see countless boats on side of road with people out in the woods looking for their tire and hub assembly

oldcuda wrote: Spending as much time as I do on road for work see countless boats on side of road with people out in the woods looking for their tire and hub assembly

Pretty sure that was me. Oh wait, I was in the desert. Amazing how far a wheel and hub can go. And they pass you like your standing still! That was one time I wish I had a double axle.

Have both. For my use, with a bunch of small launch ramps at lakes without much forward runout to get straight, the singles are SO much easier. My tandem just fights itself to turn, not so bad on dirt but on pavement I cringe at the stress I sometimes put on the bearings/axle.

Having said that, I did have one blowout on the tandem, ratchet strapped up the axle and drove with no problem, so definitely understand the argument about not being broken down due to a blown tire or bad bearing.

I'd get a single for a Tique.

My 78 Ski Nautique had a single axle, we put 1,500 hours on it and towed everywhere, it was weighted perfectly and towed very well. Even at 75 mph on long highway drives.
My two boats after that have had double axles and I prefer the look, the boat looks great on the tandem. Around the house, moving it in the garage or backing into my tight driveway the single axle trailer had some real advantages, the one negative the single axle designs have more tongue weight if you want them to tow well the tongue is heavy, I think mine was over a 200 pound lift.

Wow...that's why singles tow better more tongue weight.

I don't like how the doubles wag the rear of the tow vehicle around...singles are smoother