To make a long story short, we are in the process of considering a
trade-down of sorts to a new, but slightly smaller boat. Anyone ever
heard of such blasphemy?

In any event, the new boat, which we viewed at the local boat show, from
a local dealer, included a trailer in the price. If we chose to not take
the trailer (we live on a canal, boat lift in the back yard) we get
$2600 credit. Granted to replace the trailer with a new one, it would be
significantly more than $2600, that's the deal per the manufacturer. The
dealer has offered free pick up at the ramp near by his location for
service any time I need to bring it to him.

I can think of a few times a year when it would be really nice to have a
trailer, but we can more than likely be boating just fine and never need
it. For most of the year, it will simply sit in the yard, probably just
waiting until we need it, to decide it needs maintenance. I could rent a
trailer locally, assuming one plans in advance, but how often to does
that really happen?

It is really not just a matter of the money. I am using a surprise 2006
bonus recently received so the entire deal is no real money (previously
saved or financed), so that is not my concern. Well, that's my
perspective and I got the wife to agree! If I had the trailer I could
probably make up a few reasons or trips to make just to use it, but more
to explore other areas. However, for the most part SW Florida offer
plenty of accessible areas from the reach of my back yard.

My question to all, would you take the trailer knowing you would rarely
use it, but also knowing it's nice to have a brand new trailer there
anytime you wanted or needed it?

or

Skip on the trailer, use the $ for something special for the Mrs or the
boat, or both, and simply deal with trailer issues when or if they arise.