How do I get a F-Rib 375 across soft sand

Alan · Post by **Alan** » 11 Jul 2018, 15:31

I had my new F-Rib 375 out on Lake Huron last weekend for its maiden voyage with a 20hp Mercury outboard. The boat performed great but my plan to pull it across 200 feet of soft sand alone on the launch wheels was a major failure. It took two guys to pull the F-Rib through the sand without the outboard motor 120lbs (55Kg). It took 3 guys to pull it back up through the sand with the motor 229lbs (101Kg). It was actual easier for three guys to just pick up the boat and motor combination and carry it up the beach. Wish I always had 3 guys around!!!

I am hoping to find a system that allows 1 person to pull the boat across the sand. I have a motor trolley that marginally works for pulling the motor down to the water but any suggestions for transporting the motor 100lbs (46Kg) would be helpful.

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » 11 Jul 2018, 17:57

I'll leave it to more experienced hands to answer, but I suspect the soft sand will always be the winner, even a 4X4 would struggle.

Andy B · Post by **Andy B** » 12 Jul 2018, 11:16

Big fat tyres.

Alan · Post by **Alan** » 12 Jul 2018, 15:32

Thanks for the comments. I am thinking about trying 2 pieces of wood 1M x 5M (3ft x 8ft) and go down the beach by moving them forward or using 4 or 5 foam tubes to do the same thing.

YouTube · Post by **Martin** » 12 Jul 2018, 15:46

You could try out inflatable boat rollers, I have some but never needed to use them yet...
I’d have thought a decent set of wide tyres would help substantially

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » 12 Jul 2018, 16:28

Not sure about the foam or the planks, I think Martins suggestion inflatable rollers might be the way to go. Three of these babies should defeat the enemy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MRq1sw0QVY

Alan · Post by **Alan** » 12 Jul 2018, 20:14

Thanks for all the great comments. I managed to take a picture or two of my first outing in the new F-RIB 375 on lake Huron

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » 12 Jul 2018, 22:19

Don't want to put a downer on it, but I'd invest in a proper life jacket for the little girl.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » 13 Jul 2018, 13:57

Alan wrote: ↑
11 Jul 2018, 15:31
I am hoping to find a system that allows 1 person to pull the boat across the sand. I have a motor trolley that marginally works for pulling the motor down to the water but any suggestions for transporting the motor 100lbs (46Kg) would be helpful.

I was recommended a boat dolly with big balloon wheels by another forum member when I was struggling with sand and shingle beach launches. They’re an expensive piece of kit, but should do the job:

https://wheeleez.com/shop/products/doll ... t-dollies/

acidcloud · Post by **acidcloud** » 13 Jul 2018, 16:15

I have been looking at different wheels these look pretty good.
Mersea Trailers Beach Trolley Wheel
They are beach wheels, not the american but a much wider standard type UK wheel

https://www.pinbax.com/index.asp?Detail ... &ordering=

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How do I get a F-Rib 375 across soft sand

How do I get a F-Rib 375 across soft sand

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