Using a dinghy launch trailer with a SIB

[kaferboy]

Boat: Honwave T35 Alu Deck OB: Mercury 6hp 4 stroke.

Just thinking out loud here, I already have a folding dinghy launch trailer that I use with my little GRP rowing boat, could I use this to launch the SIB? I was wondering about the potential to stretch or damage the PVC that sits beneath the aluminium floor that the upright pads of the launch trolley will meet, or will the weight not be enough to worry about that?

Thoughts?

[kaferboy]

Launch trolley is the same as this:

[billows]

I have the same sib and engine. If as I do and lift the sib on and off the launcher from the side and mount the engine when afloat no danger of those blocks damaging the fabric from launching by hand IMO
I would not tow it with a car though

[paddlers]

Get a decent set of Trem heavy duty transom wheels fitted. No dragging the launch trailer back up the beach when you go out plus if you want to beach somewhere for lunch etc just drop your wheels in and drag your boat out of the surf . There'll be little weight with that engine but the 3.5 AE's a decent weight SIB on its own.

[Mikefule]

Certainly transom wheels are more versatile and put the stresses in a safe place.

If I used a launch trolley on a SIB, with the engine attached, I would prefer the weight to be spread over a bigger surface area than on the trolley shown.

[beamishken]

I think id add some conveyor belting to act as a sling between the two pads to spread the load a little. we used to prefer a trolley instead of launch wheels because the wheels put a large amount of weight on you which you have to lift to your destination often whilst pulling the boat through sand. Whereas the boat can be positioned on the trolley so it has neutral balance. I also think transom wheels look hideous stowed flipped up & it's something else to get in the way of fishing lines or tow ropes etc

[kaferboy]

Thanks for all the info folks. I think I'll bite the bullet and fit some launching wheels.