Boat Trailer Plans
$ AUD
Fabplans design boat trailer plans built to last. If there’s one type of trailer we see fail more often than others, it’s boat trailers. This is mainly due to their lightweight construction. While light boat trailer designs have their place, the constant exposure to salt water, corrosion, and heavy use can quickly lead to wear and damage.
Our solution? Build a boat trailer that suits your boat and the conditions you’ll actually use it in. Fabplans steel boat trailer designs are engineered to be strong, practical, and easy to maintain, whether you’re building for weekend trips or serious off-road adventures.
Tough Design
Fabplans are created for real-world use. Strong enough for rough boat ramps, long hauls, and off-road conditions. Each plan includes detailed fabrication drawings, specifications, and guidance on materials to help you build a trailer that’s reliable and easy to maintain.
Our designs use a skid-style setup, ideal for aluminium boats. This approach:
- Reduces moving parts,
- Minimises trailer maintenance, and
- Makes it simple to drive your boat on and off with ease.
If you have a fibreglass (glass) boat, our trailer plans are still a great fit. We recommend using rollers or a roller-and-skid combination for the best performance and hull protection.
Aluminium Boat Trailers
Can you build our boat trailer design from aluminium? Absolutely, but there are a few things to consider.
Fully welded aluminium trailers, while lightweight and corrosion-resistant, can be prone to cracking when exposed to harsh road conditions (like corrugations) or minor impacts. For tougher conditions, steel may be a better choice.
Alternatively, if you prefer aluminium for its longevity and corrosion resistance, consider a bolted construction rather than fully welded. This can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of cracking over time.
Aluminium vs Steel - Which is better?
Choosing between aluminium and steel for your boat trailer comes down to a few key factors:
- Fabrication skill and tools: Working with aluminium requires specific tools and experience. It’s not as forgiving as steel, so you will need to factor in that learning curve and the cost of new equipment.
- Cost: Aluminium is typically more expensive than steel, and the tools required add to that cost. However, aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant and doesn’t require painting which means lower long-term maintenance costs.
- Longevity: A well-maintained galvanised steel trailer generally lasts 10 to 15 years, while an aluminium trailer can last 15+ years depending on use, environment and build quality.
- Environment and use: If your boat frequently enters salt water, aluminium may provide better long-term value. For heavy-off road or load-bearing use, steel is often the more durable option.
Ultimately, the best material depends on your budget, skills, and where you’ll be towing your boat.
Off-Road Boat Trailers
Our tandem boat trailer and small boat trailer plans are ideal for anyone who loves exploring beyond the bitumen. Designed and FEA-tested (Finite Element Analysis) for structural integrity, these trailers handle gravel and dirt roads with ease.
They are designed to get you to remote boat ramps, fishing spots, and camp locations AND… back home again.
Tinny Trailer Plans Coming Soon!
We know that getting your tinny out on the water is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes. Not everyone needs a heavy-duty trailer, which is why we’re currently developing a 750kg boat trailer plan to suit boats up to 4 metres.
These lighter-duty designs will be perfect for weekend boaters looking for an affordable, easy-to-build trailer that still performs reliably.
Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when the tinny trailer plans are released.
Why Choose Fabplans Boat Trailer Designs
- Engineered, tested, and proven designs.
- Suitable for DIY builders and experienced fabricators.
- Detailed fabrication drawings and cut lists included.
- Designed for both steel and aluminium construction.
- Backed by years of experience and community support.
Fabplans makes it easy to build a boat trailer that’s strong, safe, and suited to your conditions, because every great boating trip starts with a trailer you can trust!