Straight answers to the questions we get most. If yours is not here, call (833) 822-6737 — Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific — or send us the details.
Ordering and delivery
Is delivery really free?
Yes. Standard delivery is free on every order shipped within the United States — every boat and every trailer. There is no freight charge and no prep fee. International orders ship at carrier rates shown at checkout.
How long does delivery take?
Boats and trailers move by scheduled freight, not parcel. Stock items dispatch as soon as freight is booked, and we confirm your delivery window in writing. Custom builds are quoted with a build time before you commit.
Can I return a boat or trailer?
Stock items: yes — free returns within 30 days of delivery, and we arrange collection at our cost. Custom and made-to-order builds cannot be returned because they cannot be resold; we confirm that in writing before accepting a custom order. Full details in our returns policy.
Is there a warranty?
Stock boats and trailers carry a 1-year limited comprehensive warranty on fittings and components and a 5-year limited structural warranty on the hull, frame and transom, from the date of delivery. Details in our Terms of Service.
Who handles registration and titling?
You register and title the boat and trailer in your state, as with any boat purchase. We supply the documentation your DMV or agency reasonably requires.
Do you deliver to Alaska, Hawaii or outside the US?
Free standard delivery covers the contiguous United States. Alaska, Hawaii and international orders are quoted at carrier rates shown at checkout or by phone.
What happens on delivery day?
Boats and trailers arrive by scheduled freight, curbside. Someone needs to be present to inspect and sign. Note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that protects your claim. Full details on the freight delivery guide.
The boats
What are the boats made of?
5052 marine-grade aluminum — the alloy used for hull plate because it tolerates salt water and repeated flexing — with a 2 mm (about 0.080 in) hull plate, riveted frame construction, reinforced transom, and foam-filled buoyancy compartments.
What sizes do you build?
Six stock models in two families: flat-bottom jon boats in 12 ft, 14 ft and 16 ft, and V-hull utility boats in 12 ft, 14 ft and 16 ft. Prices run $1,899 to $3,499 delivered — all six are on the comparison page. Custom lengths are built to order for commercial and special-project work.
Which boat is right for a first-time owner?
Most first-time buyers land on a 12 ft hull: it rides in a pickup bed, seats two, and needs no trailer. Pick the Jon Boat 12 ft if you fish alone in shallow water, the Utility Boat 12 ft if you want more freeboard and a drier ride. If the family is coming, step up to a 14 ft. Our first-boat guide walks through the decision.
What is the difference between the jon boats and the utility boats?
Same 5052 aluminum, same riveted 2 mm hull, same sizes. The jon boats are flat-bottomed — lower, simpler, and they run shallower. The utility boats are V-hulled, with more freeboard and a drier ride in chop. See jon boat vs utility boat.
How many people can each boat carry?
Rated capacity goes by length, not family: the 12 ft hulls are rated 3 persons / 661 lb, the 14 ft hulls 4 persons / 992 lb, and the 16 ft hulls 5 persons / 1,213 lb, including motor and gear. In practice that is comfortable fishing for one to two, two to three, and three to four. The certified capacity plate on your hull is the legal limit.
Will a 12 ft boat fit in my truck bed?
Yes. Both 12 ft hulls are 144 in long and about 194 lb; they fit a standard 6.5 ft bed with the tailgate down and about 3.5 ft of overhang. Guide: boats that fit in a truck bed.
Is riveted construction weaker than welded?
No. Both methods build a sound boat. Riveted hulls flex slightly at the seams under load rather than resisting rigidly, which is part of why riveted boats have survived decades of hard use. Plate thickness and alloy matter more than the joining method.
Can I use one in salt water?
Yes — 5052 is the marine-grade alloy for exactly that. Fit sacrificial anodes, isolate dissimilar metals, and rinse after saltwater use. Our corrosion care guide covers the details.
Do the boats come with a motor?
No — like nearly every hull maker, prices are for the boat. Our outboard guide explains how to size one for your hull.
What size outboard should I put on it?
Size to the horsepower rating on the capacity plate; most owners run 5–15 hp on the 12 ft hulls and 15–25 hp on the 14 and 16 ft. Our outboard guide has the ranges.
Can I use a trolling motor instead of a gas outboard?
Yes. The transom accepts a transom-mount trolling motor, and many ponds only allow electric. Register the boat either way — any motor makes it a motorized vessel in every state.
Can I mount a fish finder or accessories without drilling?
Clamp-on transducer brackets and rod holders fit the transom and gunwales without drilling. If you do drill, use stainless hardware and seal the holes.
Can I see the boats in person?
Yes — we are in Upland, California. Call (833) 822-6737 to arrange a visit.
The trailers
Which trailer fits which boat?
The single-axle aluminum trailer (1,500 lb GVWR) carries jet skis and our 12 ft boats. The 25 ft tandem-axle torsion trailer (7,716 lb payload) handles the 16 ft boats and larger hulls. A 14 ft hull falls between the two rated ranges — call us and we will confirm the right fit.
Why torsion axles instead of leaf springs?
Torsion axles ride smoother, sit lower for easier launching, and have no shackles or bushings to corrode and seize after dunking at the ramp. On a trailer that lives in the water, it is the biggest quality difference you can buy. More in our torsion axle guide.
Will the jet ski trailer carry my PWC?
Almost certainly — the 1,220–1,240 lb payload covers every current single personal watercraft with margin, including a full tank and gear. Check your machine's dry weight against the label and leave margin.
Can my SUV tow a boat and trailer?
A 14 ft hull, small outboard and single-axle trailer weighs well under 1,000 lb loaded; nearly any SUV or mid-size truck with a hitch handles it. Confirm the towing figure on your vehicle's door-jamb label.
Does the trailer need registration?
Usually, and it is done at the DMV separately from the boat. Rules vary by state and trailer weight — see our titling and registration page.
Is the trailer okay in salt water?
Yes. Aluminum frames and torsion axles are chosen for exactly that. Rinse after every salt launch.
Buying
Do you offer financing?
Checkout accepts Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and all major cards. Ask us about payment options when you call — we will tell you exactly what is available on your order.
Can I reserve a boat and pay later?
Call us. For custom builds we confirm a deposit and build time in writing before starting.
Do you sell to businesses, camps and outfitters?
Yes. Commercial and fleet orders, custom lengths and purchase orders are a normal part of what we do — call (833) 822-6737. See aluminum work boats for farms, camps and fleets.
After purchase
How do I register the boat?
Take the bill of sale and the documents we supply to your state's boating agency or DMV. Our registration guide covers what to bring and what it costs.
What safety gear do I legally need?
Life jackets for everyone, a sound signal, and — depending on fuel setup and where you boat — an extinguisher, lights and distress signals. The safety checklist lists it all.
How do I winterize an aluminum boat?
Wash and dry the hull, deal with the outboard and battery, service the trailer bearings, store covered with airflow and the drain plug out. Step by step: winterizing guide.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Email support@blackseriesmarine.com with your order number, photos and a description. Terms are on the warranty page.
Can I get replacement parts (bench seat, hatch, bow eye, trailer bunks)?
Yes — call or email with your order number and the part, and we will quote it.
Company
Where are you located?
2072 W 11th St, Upland, California 91786. Boats and trailers ship nationwide. Call (833) 822-6737 before you buy — sizing advice is free and it saves people money.