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Old 07 December 2022, 22:08   #1
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Country: USA
Town: Storrs Mansfield
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bunks on trailer suitable for RIB

I'm planning on buying either a Zodiac 9' or 9/ 10" RIB. Do I need to consider any particular type of bunk arrangement so that the transom does not get damaged? I'm just driving a Honda FIT so I need to be careful about weight and length so have looked into a 12' CE Smith Multisport trailer with one bunk on each side. However I found another trailer that had double bunk arrangement that could probably do a better job of cupping the tubes for support but it was not only quite a bit longer than I need but more expensive and maybe one bunk on each side is enough for support?
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Old 08 December 2022, 05:47   #2
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Country: USA
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Boat name: SHARKY
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Length: 4m +
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Welcome to RIB.net

2 bunks is just fine for a RIB with no need for tube support. The bunks should extend just past the transom, and they will conform to the hull with time and adjustments.

I towed a 14' (4.2m) Zodiac Futura MKII Sport GT with a 40hp two stroke on a steel Pacific brand trailer behind a Gen 2 Prius without any issues. The Prius had a few mods with excellent upgraded wheels and tires for grip <Most important on any vehicle. The boat weighed about 500lbs and the trailer weighed around 200lbs. A RIB will weigh more than a SIB.

Budget is probably important, but an aluminum trailer would be preferable and an aluminum hull is even better. There are a lot of other boat brands out there other than Zodiac. AB Lammina series are very light RIB's. https://www.abinflatables.com/ribs-d...lammina-15-al/ Highfield builds awesome boats but they are heavier, fancier, and more expensive. https://www.highfieldboats.com/classic-360/ There are lots of other brands too, like Honwave's that are very popular.

Lots of things to think about, like do you want a steering wheel or tiller steered? Seating inside the tubes? Hypalon vs PVC for which there will be a large cost difference. What size outboard? How much seating? Launching wheels used for beach launching? Ask lots of questions as there is a ton of experience on this board. You can also use the search function to help answer questions.

"Bigger is better".
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Old 08 December 2022, 15:36   #3
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Thanks, those other boats also look good and are carried by my local dealer!
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Old 13 December 2022, 14:37   #4
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Country: USA
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Make: Zar Formenti
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Peter C gave lots of great advice. I just sold my 15' AB ALX. Deep-vee aluminum hull and hypalon (hypalon is the trademark name that everyone continues to use but it is called CSM now). Hypalon tubes were still great after 14 years of storing boat on the beach each summer (did use a tarp to cover). In waves, a flat-bottomed boat will have you looking to buy a kidney belt for your body. Fiberglass hull weighs a ton more than aluminum. Install a self-centering bow roller on the trailer.
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