Making SIB trailer... Any tips?

[jwatson]

Making this into this anyone got any pointers or things they wish they had / hadn't done? Cheers

[jyasaki]

If you recover in a crosswind or current, especially if working alone, you're going to want something to keep the boat more or less in line with the trailer. A couple of poles towards the back, or some angled side bunks would help a lot.

Other than that, a SIB is pretty light, so you don't need a completely bulletproof trailer; just something that keeps the boat reasonably supported.

Quick question though: Is that painted mild steel? If so, it's not going to last too long in salt water. Assuming you plan to use it in salt water, that is.

jky

[Peter_C]

Without completely sealed bearings, the bearings won't last long even in fresh water. Do you plan to use transom launch wheels, and keep the trailer out of the water? Bearing Buddies or the like might help to seal the outside up, then you just need to make sure the inside seals are top notch.

[jwatson]

No it's purely a transportation method. Will be wheeling it into the water on the transom wheels.

[camelgas]

I built one to take a 3.6 yam, the tube supports/bunks work well and I made a profiled piece of wood to sit under the transom to take the wieght of the motor off the tubes (wood is carpeted !).
In use for several years now with no issues , like you I do not use it to launch just transport to as near the water as poss !.

[jyasaki]

Fair enough. You can ignore pretty much everything I said.

jky

[Peter_C]

You must support the transom, and I would recommend setting up a transom saver on it too. Also a remote controlled electric winch for recovering the boat back onto the trailer. Which also means making the bunks tilt down at the stern so you can easily drag it up on. I cut mine at an angle, sanded them, then reattached the carpet. Better than nothing, but if I ever remake them I will bend up an aluminum bracket, cut the bunks at an angle and sand them smooth before carpeting them. Especially with the high wheels you have, as the boat is going to sit higher.

3 tie down points are important too.

[hippyhunter]

If you're towing with the engine on you'll probably need to move the axle back to give it some nose weight, also might need to beef it up a bit as the existing trailer gains strength from depth and you'll be cutting all that off.

Jim

[m chappelow]

Originally Posted by jwatson

No it's purely a transportation method. Will be wheeling it into the water on the transom wheels.

Dont know where you launch from but might be a good idea to place a label " do not immerse" or road use only or the like ,
I dont like dipping my wheels in either!
But slipway i use when coming back to shore some people watching thinking themselves being helpfull will often run the trailer down the slip & into the water for recovery Nooooo! : /

Just a thought .

[jwatson]

Cheers chaps. I'll probably either keep the engine off for transportation or use a transom saver. If I were to make a support for the transom it could get in the way of the deeper bow when getting the boat onto the trailer.
I do think the down-turned ends would be useful though for getting the boat back onto the trailer. Even though it won't be in the water, on occasions it's going to me on my own sliding it back onto the bunks. Again, easier with the engine off.
I've stripped the trailer down now and it's just a single level of box section, the flatbed is raised on 6 blocks of 4x2!!
Will get a photo of the bare trailer and my detailed, ingenious plans!

[jwatson]

[jwatson]

Done!!!

[kerny]

Nice one, all you need to do now is try it out on Dovestones

[jwatson]

Haha spoil sports wouldn't be having any of it!! Or hollingworth! Conwy closest for us I imagine?

[kerny]

Every Thursday night I meet my mates from Uppermill and we go for a drink in the Railway, Wellington, and King Bill in Greenfield it's just something that we have kept up after retiring from playing rugby a few years ago.

Where abouts in the Republic of Saddleworth are you ?

[jwatson]

You are kidding, i live in Delph but the railway has been my second home for ten years!

[kerny]

Small world. Tiger rut is my favourite tipple

[jwatson]

works well!!

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by jwatson

Attachment 100190 works well!!

Is that a Labradoodle

[jwatson]

Yep that's Riva 🐶 !!