Trailer brakes

[rb437]

My trailer has surge brakes that no longer work. All the fluid leaked out awhile back so I'm sure by now rust has taken its place. I think my best bet is to replace the entire system. I'm looking for suggestions on what to do. I usually only drive about a mile to the local boat ramp so living without brakes has been easy. I would like to take my boat to some other areas and feel much better about getting on the highway with brakes. Cost of course is always an issue, but other issues include a steep driveway to back up. My concern with the driveway is that even if I add a reverse cut out, I am still putting a great deal of pressure on the master cylinder when backing up a hill. I've seen electric brakes, and even though my truck is already rigged for electric brakes I'm concerned about the reliablility of anything that combines electricity and salt water. So what do you guys think? Brakes or no brakes?, Electric or hydraulic? 2 wheel or 4 wheel? Disc or drum?