A boat trailer is designed to launch, retrieve, carry and sometimes store boats. As of 2024, the cost of a boat trailer can be anywhere between $700 to $8000, depending on the size and number of axles the trailer has.^[1]

Commercial hydraulic boat trailers are used by marinas, boat yards, boat haulers, boat dealers and boat builders. Generally, this type of trailer is not used for boat storage.

Self-propelled boat movers are not strictly trailers, but hydraulically operated boat movers, with their own tractor unit. They share all of the features of hydraulic boat trailers.

This type of trailer is usually used by the boat owner/operator. The trailer is also used for storage.

• Roll-on, also known as a "Roller style trailer", uses rubber and/or polyurethane rollers for ease of launching and loading a boat.
• Glide-path, also known as a "Float-on style trailer", allows the boat to float onto the trailer; after the trailer has been partially submerged (usually 3⁄4 of the trailer). Since its inception, it has become quite popular compared to the "Roller style trailer".

• Boat dolly, a device for launching small boats not suitable for towing.
• Dolly (trailer)
• Flatbed trolley
• Maritime shipping Roll trailer
• Trailer sailer

• Henkdel, Steve (1991). Boat Trailers and Tow Vehicles, A User's Guide. International Marine Pub. ISBN 0877422907.
• Skorupa, Joe (2006). Chapman Trailering, The Complete Guide to Pulling, Parking, Launching, & Retrieving Your Boat. Hearst Books. ISBN 1588164594.
• Michalak, Jim (2002). Boatbuilding for Beginners (And Beyond). Breakaway Books. ISBN 1891369296.