Break back bunked trailer.

[Keith 1]

Hello.
Can anyone recommend a trailer as above for a zodiac futura mk2 with a 40hp

What make and model please.
I only have a front wheel drive sedona.
But I'm going to get a 12vlt winch to assist in difficult areas.
Or can anyone recommend another decent trailer .
Cheers

[spartacus]

Any reason for it being a break-back trailer? To launch and retrieve just dunk the trailer enough to float the boat off. You can even use ropes if drawbar isn’t particularly long.

You’re looking for a bunked trailer so the tube sponsons take the majority of the weight. The transom may be an issue with 40hp hanging off it, but a keel roller or keel pad would be the way to go.

I’ve had my Rapide 750kg unbraked trailer, admittedly set up for a 4.8m RIB, but very pleased with the product for the last 12 years. Alko sealed hubs, still requires annual maintenance.

Rapide also own Bramber and Snipe. Give them a call, I’m sure they’ve built trailers for Zodiac Futura's before with speed tubes. Everything should be adjustable to get the best ride and launch set up.

[Keith 1]

Oh.
I thought the bunked pads would have gone under the aluminium part of the flooring where it meets the tubes as then the transome would be supported either side and also in the middle support .
So I got that wrong then.
I just like the idea of being able to drop the boat at points where's there's not much slope or a drop where I would not be able to use a fixed trailer.

[HDAV]

Just use a rope?

[jeffstevens763@g]

I throw mine off the bunks if it’s too shallow done a mod on my trailer with a full width roller for pulling the boat back on details on my excel 435 fit out from scratch thread for info

[Keith 1]

Thanks Jeff I will take a look

[Keith 1]

Well I tried to set up the trailer yesterday.
Got it set up on the main tubes.
And a centre support for the transom.
I really don't like it and it can easily move from side to side
I don't think I feel safe to have it set up this way even using multiple straps lots of bumps and I can see it going sideways
I still can't understand why it's not possible .. well is possible.
to fix the bunks between the main tubes and the speed tubes. But most people recommend supporting the main tubes .
This would support all of the flooring weight and also act as a guide for recovery and most importantly stop any side ways movement . Also there is no weight in the tubes to talk of but if the bunks are under the tubes it has to put more stress at the flooring and tubes joints surely.

Is there any reason why I should not support the flooring . With also a transom support

I know people have different set ups but can you see my point !!!!

[69cmw]

I have a Ceaser Surfcat which is similar to the Futura in it has 2 hijackers (speed tubes).
I have the bunks set up on the floor section between the tubes.
I wouldn’t even think about trying to sit it on the tubes.

[Keith 1]

Really ...
well it does seem to make sense to me in all areas of the set up.
Even as much as I tried to tie it down with rachet straps it just did not seem safe and squashed the boat fabric down to much.

[HDAV]

Strap the transom down hard that’s where all the weight is and then the bow eye, that secures the boat. The rat is just support, I recon with the transom secured it’s a safe load, strapping tubes never works they will just deform. The bunks are to support the tubes and take the stress off the seams.

And there is absolutely no need for a brake back trailer for such a small craft

[Keith 1]

I've forgot the breakback trailer now.
And have a bunked one.
I can tie the transom down no issues there.im using the towing/points down to the trailer.
It's the bunks currently under the outer tubes I have issues with.
I would rather them be between the speed tubes and the main outer tubes. Doing it this way would support the flooring the will be no weight on the outer tubes whatsoever except there own weight.
And no possible sideways moment.

[HDAV]

Well just move your bunks to where you want them then it’s your craft and trailer

[jeffstevens763@g]

Never strap the tubes only the transom the boat won’t move then again all that on my thread for info Keith

[Keith 1]

Lovely boat there Jeff.
I'm in envy.
I know what hdav means .
but my bunks pads are nowhere near as wide as yours.
That's why I have this dilemma.
Of course it's my choice to do as I please .
I just wanted to know for sure why I should not mount it under the floorboards.
But I will try it and see how it goes and keep a look out for stress points.
Thanks all for your input.

[HDAV]

Sounds like you need new bunks? Or larger bunks there are twin bunks, super wide bunks, all sorts just search inflatable boat trailer bunks on an image search there is a huge range of options

A st arsed bunked trailer for a hard boat is probably the issue ……

[jeffstevens763@g]

I’m not a fan of bunks on the floor or near it some are but for me I like to use the tube as a cushion because it gives where as the floor less so of course mods might be needed but not always possible, it’s worked for me for years not saying it’s the best just it works.

Edit I did have my trailer built to my spec which makes a difference.

[Peter_C]

The transom must be supported by the bunks. I am a huge believer in a transom saver supporting the outboard leg too.



After building serious launching wheels for my old 1992 Futura MKII Sport I never dipped the trailer ever again. Adding a receiver tube to the trailer allowed a wireless remote activated ATV winch to be mounted for pulling the boat solo out of the water even on steep launch sites. There were launch sites that required pushing across beaches which took a couple strong people.

[Keith 1]

So correct me if I'm wrong.
Your bunks are not supporting the tubes.
There supporting the transom and the floor boards

[Peter_C]

The bunks are up against the tubes, but not underneath them. If the transom is NOT supported the weight of the motor will pull the transom right off the boat over a short period of time.

I sold the boat awhile ago so I can't get any more photos. It served me well for many years allowing launching in remote areas fairly easily.

[Keith 1]

That seems a brilliant idea. I think I'm going to have to look into this

I only have my son who's not strong enough to pull or push it yet .
And my wife who has no chance of pushing anything haha.