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Buying a boat is a dream come true for many. They provide a great outlet for getting away from it all, kicking back and relaxing. Buying the boat, however, isn't where the shopping ends. Boat trailers are necessary purchases for anyone that wants to transport their new purchase from lake to lake or sea to sea. These handy devices aren't one size fits all though.

Buying boat trailers isn't at all unlike buying a boat itself. The options on the trailer market are pretty plentiful and some research will be necessary to make sure the trailer purchased is the right one for the boat in question. A trailer than handles a John boat, for example, likely won't be the best for hauling a cabin cruiser. Trailers can run the gamut, too, from those with every imaginable bell and whistle to more simplistic versions. What works and what doesn't for a particular boat and budget will be the biggest questions to address in advance.

Some things to consider when looking at boat trailers include:

* Size of the boat. This is a paramount concern when looking at trailers. It's important to make sure the boat you've purchased will fit snuggly on the trailer. Look at manufacturer recommendations on size and weight before choosing a particular trailer over another.

* Safety features. Good trailers offer their buyers a number of safety features to ensure the boat, its owners and other people on the road are safe during transport. This can range from special locking mechanisms to break and turn lights. The lights, however, will likely be required by law, so it's not a good idea to consider a trailer with this necessary feature.

* Ease features. There are manual boat trailers and then there are those that come with special devices to make loading and unloading a bit easier on their users. Adjustable trailers are chosen by many simply because it makes hauling a snap.

* Pricing. Boat trailers can cost a lot of money or they can be fairly inexpensive. It's a good idea to decide on a budget before going out and shopping. A trailer with every bell and whistle might not fit a budget, but one that's safe and secure very likely will be.

* Performance reports. There will be a lot riding on a trailer, so it's a good idea to check the reputations of different makes and models before deciding to buy a particular brand. Check with consumer reporting agencies and even look up past reports from owners to see how trailers fare.

* Hauling vehicle. Some trailers are meant to work with any type of hauling vehicle, but others are designed more specifically to work with trucks. Make sure the trailer you're looking at fits the vehicle in question.

Buying a boat can be a great way to get away from it all. There's just something about hitting the open water to kick back and relax that helps make a week of workaday grind melt away. Whether it's for sailing, cruising, skiing or fishing, however, all boats that will be transported need good boat trailers. Do some research in advance, and this purchase should be a snap.