F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

This is mainly aimed at those on here with Rib transportation experience but all opinions are welcomed

I previously transported my last air floor Sib on a bunked trailer with the outboard tilted and a support on the OB leg. Bow clipped to the winch and a ratchet strap from the trailers front, over the bow, over the transom, then clipped off to the trailer to stop the transom experiencing any undue loads.

I've purchased a new Indespension roller trailer for the F-Rib I've adjusted the rollers, draw bar and snub etc to fit the hull and I'm happy with the transom support position on the rear rollers The outboard will be carried on the boat in the fully down position as there's ample clearance between the skeg and the ground so most of the loading will be up and down I assume but aware there will also be some forward/rear loading on the transom during transportation
The transom is part of the rear section of the fibreglass hull so was thinking should I ratchet strap it to support it, reducing the rearward loadings like this onto the towing eyes And finally to stop the boat bouncing on the rollers attach another strap to the towing eyes, which also reduces the forward loadings What are your thoughts

Paul

That's looking a very tidy set-up Paul...

Looks very good. I need one of those lol

I think if the transom is rated for that weight of engine then it certainly should be strong enough to support the engine whilst on the trailer. The jolting on the road should be minor compared to the thrust of the engine combined with the jolting of the waves. The question it raises is the load bearing capacity of the trailer (its suspension) matched to the weight of your rib? If the trailer is rated at a much higher weight the suspension won't do its job of smoothing things out and the boat will get a lot more jarring. If the trailer is over loaded the the ride will be too soft with the danger of bottoming out the suspension.

Many thanks for the comments Martin and James
I wasn't intending going the trailer route however lack of interest from the kids and the Mrs always working shifts 'forced my hand' if I'm to continue getting out on the water launching alone

sailrepair wrote:I think if the transom is rated for that weight of engine then it certainly should be strong enough to support the engine whilst on the trailer. The jolting on the road should be minor compared to the thrust of the engine combined with the jolting of the waves. The question it raises is the load bearing capacity of the trailer (its suspension) matched to the weight of your rib? If the trailer is rated at a much higher weight the suspension won't do its job of smoothing things out and the boat will get a lot more jarring. If the trailer is over loaded the the ride will be too soft with the danger of bottoming out the suspension.

John
Valid points there mate
I've observed the transom movement when giving the boat some 'welly' over some heavy chop/swell and it's been fine so all should be ok whilst trailering as you say.
The suspension is Indespension's own 'SuperRide' system which I believe is a torsion bar which might be a more progressive action but I'll watch it in the rear view mirror for sure or maybe get someone to tow it up the road with me following behind to see what's going on. The trailer is for Sibs and Ribs up to 4M so I hope they've done their sums right

for the input guys

Paul

Ahhhhh you pussy Paul, three Weetabix and they are in and out of the car in no time.

It does look really nice mate and to be honest if I had a double garage, I could be tempted.

Oh, by the way, Scunny lake where we met has closed off all access to the lake for boats, mainly jet skies. I am now a member and have a key so I can still get to the other side of the lake to launch but not sure yet how things will pan out. I think it closed due to the council not being able to get insurance at a sensible price.

Off to Suffolk tomorrow for a week and if I had a trailer, the Frib would be with us launching on the Waveney at Beccles, looks a cracking river.

Phil