Trailering my inflatable with an outboard

fortress66 · 16 June 2016, 03:35

Hi guys!!

(sry for my english)

I'm a long time reader of this forum but never posted stuff. I have a question for all the pros here.

I have a 3.8m sib since 2 years. I was using a trolling motor with it but now, i did purchase 20hp outboard (4 strokes) for it.

My question is, is is safe to let the engine on the SIB while trailering?? The sib sit on the right and left tube on the trailer. Nothing under the transom. Does the boat can handle that???

Max... · 16 June 2016, 07:58

Some say it will be OK as it sits in the water like this but the loading forces will be different. A 4 stroke 20, depending on model is quite a lump. I'd look at supporting the engine somehow with a beam fixed to the trailer.

steco1958 · 16 June 2016, 13:16

I trailed (Bunk) my zodiac 3.8m with a Honda 20hp on the rear for over 5 years, with no adverse issues, journey's were as short as 20 miles, up to 1,100 mile from UK to Spain, just make sure the boat is at the correct pressure as that is what holds the transom in place.

fortress66 · 16 June 2016, 14:29

Thx Max and Steco

Steco, on your trailer, your SIB was sitting on the Tubes and nothing was supporting the transom, its what you are saying??

I could propably easily modify the trailer to put something under the transom but if not needed, i prefer not

jeffstevens763@g · 16 June 2016, 17:32

I have three bunks two for the tubes one for the keel full length reason I carry all our holiday stuff in the boat and its supported full length I tilt the engine up with a composite block between engine and clamp to take the load off the tilt mechanism and strap the engine down done it for years and thousands of miles. Welcome fortress66.
Cheers

fortress66 · 16 June 2016, 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

I have three bunks two for the tubes one for the keel full length reason I carry all our holiday stuff in the boat and its supported full length I tilt the engine up with a composite block between engine and clamp to take the load off the tilt mechanism and strap the engine down done it for years and thousands of miles. Welcome fortress66.
Cheers

OK thx ' i will look into putting a third "bunk"