Question

The Trailer Boat Guys

My boat is a Trophy Pro 2359 on an Escort trailer. I am pulling it with a 2005 Ford F350 Super Duty Diesel. The trailer has 10" hydraulic brakes on both axles and a Dico surge brake actuator. As the truck has a built in brake controller, I am interested in going to electric brakes on the trailer. What are your thoughts on electric brakes for marine use? I launch in both salt and fresh water. How about using a trailer mounted brake actuator? As a minimum I will change to disc brakes. Thanks for your column in Boat U.S. Trailering magazine. L.Taylor, Goleta, CA

L.Taylor

Answered on: 9/2005

MIKE: Electric brakes have come a long way, especially as we have seen increased usage in the marine marketplace. Manufacturer's designs are using corrosion resistant components and have added ports to which flush kits can be added. As far as the actuator goes, when using electric brakes you will be utilizing the vehicle's brake controller. The only actuator that I am familiar with that utilizes the electric brake controller is when you want to use the vehicle's controller to activate a hydraulic system. GEORGE: I don't think it's worth the money. Electric over hydraulic brakes are becoming more and more common, but it would be cheaper to simply switch to disc brakes. Get the Kodiak stainless steel brakes-they have a 6 year warranty (most of the other manufacturers only have a 2 year warranty).

The Trailer Boat Guys: Mike and George