Towing sib with engine mounted

jwatson · 17 March 2015, 08:30

I always put my 25hp in the back of my van when towing my 3.8m quicksilver. However, I wondered if to save launching time I could tow it from the campsite to the marina when I go to Pwhelli weekend after next. Depending on which campsite we choose it will only be 15 minutes drive maximum.

jeffstevens763@g · 17 March 2015, 09:15

i always tow my sibs with the engine mounted the last one was a zodiac 310 solid zoom with a 15hp engine on, 1000 miles no problems as long as the boat is supported properly and the engine strapped you should have no probs, your journey is very short

regards jeff

steco1958 · 17 March 2015, 12:20

I towed my sib on a trailer to Spain with the engine mounted for years, never had a problem.

Steve

philpot · 21 March 2015, 05:55

Honwave actually state that the engine should never be left on the boat whilst towing however I would not worry so much about a short trip but even on a short trip I would use an engine support arm and ensure the whole package is well strapped down.

Phil

jwatson · 27 March 2015, 15:24

I've just remembered that my boat on the trailer is too evenly balanced, with the engine on there is no nose weight at all! Bag of sand in the front!

steco1958 · 27 March 2015, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by philpot

Honwave actually state that the engine should never be left on the boat whilst towing however I would not worry so much about a short trip but even on a short trip I would use an engine support arm and ensure the whole package is well strapped down.

Phil

And the difference between towing on a trailer with the engine attached, and say, using the actual boat on water, is what ??

69cmw · 27 March 2015, 16:48

I always towed both my Bombard Aerotec with 25hp Yamaha and my Zodiac Mk2c with a Yamaha 25hp with the engines on them, didn't see a problem with it, as long as its supported on the trailer at the transom.

Neuner · 27 March 2015, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by steco1958

And the difference between towing on a trailer with the engine attached, and say, using the actual boat on water, is what ??

A legal statement at most. Common for most things now. Sure it's fine to tow with the engine but with that notice they are now not held liable for anything when the boat is out of water. That is all it is.

Start thinking of things in legal terms, risk and liability instead of with an engineering concept and then you will see how manufacturers, suppliers, etc try to squeeze out of commitments, warranties and guarantees.

Ronaldj · 27 March 2015, 18:48

It depends on if it is a 2stroke or 4 stroke.
There is a huge weight difference between the two
If you originally towed a 25hp 2 stroke
You would be unable to even use a 25 hp 4 stroke due to the weight difference alone.

Now for 2015 Sibs/Rib boats are no longer rated for maximum hp
They are rated for max weight on the transom

jwatson · 27 March 2015, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by steco1958

And the difference between towing on a trailer with the engine attached, and say, using the actual boat on water, is what ??

A good point but potholes would be my main issue, also the increased leverage created from having the motor lifted upward. However I assume this is less than the thrust created from the prop on full throttle! Hmmm

69cmw · 27 March 2015, 20:35

Surely if certain manufactures say not to tow with an engine attached, that tells you there not upto it ......

Neuner · 27 March 2015, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Surely if certain manufactures say not to tow with an engine attached, that tells you there not upto it ......

'certain' = companies with better/bigger lawyers for identifying risk mitigation. You should step into the world of construction and engineering some time

69cmw · 27 March 2015, 21:32

In simple terms, if "certain" companies spout that about not towing, their products are pish ...

HDAV · 27 March 2015, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Surely if certain manufactures say not to tow with an engine attached, that tells you there not upto it ......

Well tells you that those boats arent up to it.....

Doesnt seem to bother these guys.....................
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service launches third rescue boat

http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/Asset...craft-5000.jpg

When stowed, the dimensions are 40x70x160cm with an inflation deployment time of three minutes, although Cheshire will be keeping the craft at immediate readiness, transporting it inflated with outboard mounted.

jeffstevens763@g · 28 March 2015, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

Well tells you that those boats arent up to it.....

Doesnt seem to bother these guys.....................
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service launches third rescue boat

http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/Asset...craft-5000.jpg

When stowed, the dimensions are 40x70x160cm with an inflation deployment time of three minutes, although Cheshire will be keeping the craft at immediate readiness, transporting it inflated with outboard mounted.

We have the same boat at work with a 25hp suzuki on the back and tow it thousands of miles with no problem I've never seen a boat which states don't tow with engine attached but if I did I wouldn't use on the water if it's that weak

hector · 29 March 2015, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cmw

I always towed both my Bombard Aerotec with 25hp Yamaha and my Zodiac Mk2c with a Yamaha 25hp with the engines on them, didn't see a problem with it, as long as its supported on the trailer at the transom.

Craig you sound as if you are missing your old sibs and I know somebody who is selling a belter with a 40 Yamaha on the back and you do love your yamaha 2 strokes!