If you're towing a boat trailer, there's a good chance it has surge brakes. Electric brakes are less common on boat trailers, but they're not unheard of. Here's a look at the two types of brakes and how they work.
Surge brakes are the most common type of brake found on boat trailers. They use hydraulic pressure to activate the brakes when the trailer starts to fishtail or sway. The advantage of surge brakes is that they're relatively simple and low-maintenance. The downside is that they can be less effective than electric brakes in certain situations, such as going down a long, steep hill.
Electric brakes are more complex than surge brakes, but they offer some advantages. First, electric brakes can be operated independently of the tow vehicle's braking system. This means you can activate them even if your tow vehicle doesn't have its own brake lights or if its brake lights aren't working properly. Second, electric brakes can provide more stopping power than surge brakes in some situations, such as going down a long, steep hill.