Trailer for SIB/F-RIB?

[ArcusFlyer]

Trailer for SIB/F-RIB?

Hi all. I'm considering a trailer for my F-RIB 360. The indespension micro swing coaster looks like the best I've found.

I know James did a topic on folding trailers but I have enough room in the garage to accommodate a none folding one.

I first thought about it after my first sea fishing trip. I think I spent more time packing up / cleaning / flushing than I did fishing:

On a trailer I imagine the hose-down and dry off and engine flush would be much easier in the driveway with engine attached then leave it all to drip for half an hour on the drive then wheel into the garage still inflated on the trailer.

I imagine a manual electric water pump would be a must to suck out the water from the boat on the trailer prior to final towel down?

I know it seems to defeat the object a bit of having a foldable boat but to me the main advantage of these boats is how easy and light they are to launch manually on the launch wheels without having to reverse your 4x4 down a ramp and across a beach etc. And you still get all that even if you arrive with it already inflated on the back of a trailer (drop the launch wheels down, pull it off the trailer and you're off).

So what are peoples thoughts on trailering a SIB?

Are SIB / F-RIB transoms strong enough to leave the engine on all the time including travelling (my main engine is 44 kgish). I understand that the vibration / movement of transport with the engine mounted puts a lot of stress on the transom. Has anyone fabricated a strut/brace between the trailer and O/B to alleviate this issue? or best to just shove the engine in the boot?

Thanks,
Matt.

[Martin]

Myself and Paul have the micro swing roller.
Cracking trailer !!!

[ArcusFlyer]

Oh right thanks Martin.
I didn't realise you had taken the plunge and bought one.
I am very tempted now....

[9-R]

You might have seen my other posts about a trailer for our SIB.

We initially got the SIB because of the price and ease of storage in our garage. It didn't take but part of a season to realize that we really wanted a trailer. The floor assembly was just too exhausting and took both of us since it was a lot for one person in the Texas heat. 4.6m, 15' with a 20hp can wear you out! Found that the area along side our house was large enough to house the boat and trailer so fenced it in for that use. Made a huge difference for us. I was then able to launch it myself so I could take just my boy and I out for fishing trips instead of dragging the whole family.

Ours folded up but I never needed to use that feature. Kept the boat on it all the time. Traveled with the engine on the boat without a brace but only did this for a year so I can't say if it hurts it or not.

[Paul B]

My Honwave sits on a trailer all year round, I couldn't be bothered with all the fuss of inflating/ deflating it every time I wanted to go out, if I didn't have the trailer it wouldn't get used,

[ArcusFlyer]

Thanks all. Kind of re-inforces my my reasoning for getting one.
Paul - do you trailer/transport yours with the engine attached to the boat?

Thanks,
Matt.

[Paul B]

Hi Matt,

For short journeys I would leave the engine on, but make sure that the transom has a support roller under it, I know some folk say you shouldn't ever leave them on, but my thoughts are if the transom is strong enough to take the force of the engine pushing the boat and persons etc at speed it's going to be fine for shortish journeys,

[9-R]

but make sure that the transom has a support roller under it.

x2, I agree! Forgot that part.

[The Gurnard]

I imagine a manual electric water pump would be a must to suck out the water from the boat on the trailer prior to final towel down?

Matt.

I'm not sure about that thought though Matt. The Frib is a funny boat that way.. it keeps dribbling water for a day or two ..see this post for more info.

http://f-ribsandsibs.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1172

I have never found a way to get it dried properly for storage.. except to leave it open for a day or three until it dries itself out ?

Trailer..I agree with all comments. I was going to get a new trailer from Extreme this year as my old one is rusting badly (not galvanised) However I have since found the Extreme trailer has Alco axle with "sealed for life" bearings. I would much prefer standard taper bearings so I can clean them or replace them when I want .. its easy to do ..and they are cheap to buy. sealed for life bearings do go eventually and are expensive to replace.

The indespension trailers .. I believe have normal taper bearings ..perhaps the guys can confirm this ? ..so I will probably get one myself.. eventually

[Paul]

Hi Matt (ArcusFlyer)

I've been transporting my f-rib360 on a Indespension Coaster Swing Micro for the past 18 months on a monthly basis of distances between 140-250mile round trips with my Tohatsu 20hp (52kg) attached to the transom in a vertical position without any issues thus far. I did remove the OB for my annual trip to Scotland of 2000 miles round trip to enable me to get a 'hustle on' to shorten the 12 hour trip.
I spent a great deal of time setting up the boat on the trailer to give me the best overall launching/retrieving settings together with the best towing experience based on 42 years towing boats, trailers, caravans etc all over the UK and Europe.
I'm happy to photograph and measure the axle, roller posts, roller positions, winch post, spare carrier etc positions if its any help to you along with my method of strapping the boat, OB to the trailer to prevent damage to either, if that's any help to you.
The current setup measures 14' 6" from coupling to inflated tube tip with OB fitted, fuel tank/anchor box in the bow, giving me a 50kg nose weight.
The trailer has performed faultlessly with regular greasing of the bearings, even when being 'dunked' half its life, with no play/noises within the bearings thus far.
Great setup, can be ready to go within minutes or folded up to go away in my caravan when required ..... best of both worlds
As for cleaning, my engine gets flushed on the boat whilst I'm washing down the boat and trailer. I then raise the front of the trailer until the OB skeg just touches the ground with the plug removed, once drained any water left within the hull is removed with one of these

Easy Bailer

Easy bailer.jpg (2.37 KiB) Viewed 6330 times

http://www.force4.co.uk/whale-easybaile ... IZwWH2Fe_s which I stow beneath the seat and carry bag whilst out on the water anyhow not withstanding fitting in with The Gurnards rule of everything must have at least 2 uses
Any other info just ask.