Used-Float On trailer value

[McGillicuddy]

I'd like to upgrade my 1970s trailers a wee bit. I wonder what you guys might consider fair value for used Float-On tandem trailers. Used by USN Seal teams for their RIBs. Not sure if they are 6 or 7000lbs class.

They have no brakes but new bearings and bearing buddies. Will also require new bunks and brackets.

They will not come with title, only bill of sale. Assuming they are solid, any thoughts on value?

[wattaway2]

just dont argue with them over the price!!! some times if you cant get what you want its best to just walk away---LOL

[DonV]

Assuming the aluminum I-beams, cross members and axles are all in great shape there is the cost of bunks and brackets, not too much money there $200-$300. The cost of brakes, now that's some real money, Kodiak SS caliper and dacrament rotors $500 per axle plus a surge coupler $175 . Springs and hanger hardware, not too bad $300 for 2000# springs. If you go to SS bolts double the price of all the u-bolts, etc.

Now to answer your question on value, I'm assuming this is for a 23'er since it's 6000# - 7000# class, I would think anywhere in the $1000 to $1250 range is fair. A nice rebuild would get you in for way less than $3000, which is good.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

we can get brand new aluminum for 23 for 2500 or so down here.. and should be that or less in south /central fl.. but there are hundreds of builders down here.. i wouldn't go more that 500 - 750...

[McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by RUSTYNTABATHA

we can get brand new aluminum for 23 for 2500 or so down here.. and should be that or less in south /central fl.. but there are hundreds of builders down here.. i wouldn't go more that 500 - 750...

Thanks for the feedback guys. That's pretty fortunate, RNT. You'd hard pressed to find a rusty (no pun intended), painted steel, 3000 lb class, single-axle trailer w/ a cracked frame and w/o papers and for that money in SoCal.

[flyingfrizzle]

I would say that most aluminum trailers used in that size around my area go for $750-$1500 depending on condition. $750 for one that is a wreck and $1500 for a like new condition trailer. The cheapest you can find a boat trailer around here is about $500 regardless of condition. I would say $1000 bucks would be fair but I don't like to buy anything used unless I get it at half of what I think that I could resale it for so I wouldn't give but $500 for one myself. I got a nice older Float on with a 74 sceptre on it for $800 bucks a cupple of months ago myself, but don't think you will find deals like that everyday.

[Rlbol]

The only problem with the old float on trailers is you can no longer find the replacement pad for the bunks. There bunk was actually an aluminum I beam. It had an angled ledge on one side to fit the hull. There was then a rubber/ plastic piece that slid on. None of those piece are available any more. I have seen some people place wood on the bunk/I beam to provide some cushioning but there is not enough width on the trailers to use a normal cypress or wooden bunk like modern trailers have to day.

The float on trailers are very very solid and will last for ever. With that being said the only replacement parts are the axles and those can be had from the factory for not much money.
I have an old float on trailer for my 23 Seacraft. I like it because it is very narrow. Tire to tire is about the width of the hull. You can really get the trailer in most any spot or small area.

[McGillicuddy]

Good insight, Rlbol. I had no idea re. the narrow frame, unique bunks and support structure. I'll have a look this weekend and check adaptability. I really like the idea of removing 4 or 500 lbs off my tow just by swapping the trailer. The guy bought a mess of them from the Gov auction and is asking around 1500. Seems high but like Don said, probably save a fair amount over new. Thanks again guys. Quite a stable you have there, FF...

My steel tandems are in the 12-1400 lb range. I'd actually be putting them under the 20 Seafari, and the Moesly.

[77SceptreOB]

I sold this 1977 "Float-on" brand trailer in Fla for $300 cash. It had partially dry rotted tires and rusty leaf springs. The axles were fine and the aluminum structure was solid. No brakes - No fenders.

[77SceptreOB]

In South Carolina I bought this 2003 aluminum slide on trailer built by "Wesco" for $1200. It had a new front axle with new disc brakes. Overall it was in very good condition. It had galvanized 14" wheels with new trailer service tires too.

I changed out to aluminum wheels the next year...