F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Any of you chaps strap a T38IE to a trailer, I have looked through the posts but have not come up with any one dealing with the problem of the tabs projecting past the transom,it appears that strapping over the tubes is not recommended as this may damage the tubes, I intend to tow with the cover on, would this prevent any damage, any advise would be most welcome as I have run out of ideas.

Hi,
Yeah guite right strapping over tubes a definite no no.
Gotta keep things in perspective though, this is a lightweight sib and if there’s no other easy way, then so be it.

For the front you have the bow and two towing d-rings. Three points to strap down to trailer.

Bit more difficult as you say at the back. If you have transom towing eyes/u-bolts it may be possible to strap diagonally down to trailer, thus missing the tabs in the centre at keel.
If none of this is possible/feasible then by all means just strap over tubes. Use plenty of protection to stop marking/chafing though. Also bear in mind pressure in tubes will vary due to temperature fluctuations, altering tension in straps.

Personally I wouldn’t tow with a cover on but plenty do. If it’s a well fitting heavyweight fabric perhaps ok, but I’d be more wary with lighter weight ones. The constant flapping /ballooning will quickly mark tubes.

HI
I have a t40 which is slightly different. Its handles are in the same place as the seats, So I run a strap over the tubes, but through the handles, and over the seats, where there is also a V shaped gap in the fabric that holds the rigging cord that runs the length of the boat on each side. I know people have said to me you shouldn't because it will ruin the tubes, this is the only place to do it.
I also use these on the straps where it hits the tubes. Link .... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-2-5-Silve ... 49.l2649

At the front I have added 2 V clamps to the trailer and run a strap through both front side rings to these.

Link .... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-SATELLI ... 749.l2649

I have tried many ways, but this seems to be the best at not moving, and I make sure the straps are done up quiet tight but not over tight. If you boat moves in 10 mins then they are not tight enough.

At the back, I have put x2 more V bolts on the trailer, and pass a strap over the top from the towing eye and down, rather than across. If the engine is left on, then I pass another strap from each thumb screw that holds the trailer board in position, under the boat, straight across the bottom of the OB, and onto the thumb screw on the other side. A block of wood is fitted to the transom support using cable ties, so this is a sandwich, between the transom support and the bottom of the engine. There must be tons of other advice, but I think trial and error. Take it out for a 10 minute drive, and youll find your own way.

Should you leave the engine on ? Well I asked that question, and its being worked out, lol !

I’ve towed my Honwave T38 and my previous T32 all the time with straps over the tubes and never had any isssues, I put the ratchet straps inside some pipe insulation and then they sit over the tubes with no issues what so ever, you don’t need to strap it down so tight as to indent the tubes, it’s a case of just enough pressure on them to stop the hull moving sideways,

I also tie the bow down via the D rings and it never moves,

In all fairness the ‘don’t strap over the toobs’
is more relevant in rib world.
I wouldn’t dream of strapping my 600kg rib down to the trailer over the tubes. Not just because it will mark/damage the tubes, but more the fact it will not be a secure load. Tubes flex and render it impossible to sufficiently tension straps to keep hull from shifting/bouncing whilst underway.

Non of this is relevant to transporting a lightweight sib on a trailer. If you protect tubes from rubbing by straps then all should be ok.

Thank you all for sharing the alternative ways you use, Into the workshop this week end with the straps, I have a Honwave cover and it never crossed my mind that this might rub on the tubes as well when blowing about under tow, the information you guy's provided is superb thank you.

Everyone does things slightly different.
I do tow with the ducksback cover on

I use ratchet straps covered in foam pipe insulation over the tubes & cover.
My cover fits perfectly and never really moves when towing.

I tie down using the towing eyelets on the transom and the front winch ring on the bow.

Just take your time and use the thought process..

As pointed out, if I had a rib or such then I too would be avoiding the tubes retention system ..

Regards,
Martin.

Never strapped my Zodiac over the tubes. Even on long journeys.
Strapped the front down through the bow carry handle and the towing D rings and at the back i just strapped the transom down.