Winching inflatables?

Fishery Pokery · 22 February 2010, 18:13

Hi guys,
I feel lke I already know the answer to this one, but I'll ask anyway...

On my local slipway I don't think I will have a problem launching my 4.5m SIB (famous last words!) but in the summer I will be going upto the Mull of Galloway and launching of a beach.

I am worried is because I will be launching single handed (not just here, but other places I may try over the summer), and think with the weight of my rig there may come a time when I need a winch.

Is there a way to safely use a winch on a SIB?
Do others perhaps put a winching eye somewhere other than the SIB material (ie. the solid floor, or the transom)?

Thanks for your collective wisdom,
Geoff

m chappelow · 22 February 2010, 19:21

if i ever need to winch it on the trailer i run a rope or bridle [not any longer than the boat ] from the transom ,under the boat to the front and then winch on using that ,that way most of the load is on the strongest part [transom] and the boat will also ride and not get caught up as much ....i try not to use the bow eye as with some winch set ups the boat doesent get an even horizontal pull when winching as it slides along ,and it can have the effect of pulling the bow down onto the trailer causing more strain on the bow eye .,,,i dont have a winch fixed permanantly to the trailer but i have a winch that has a ring that can be dropped over a tow ball ,,i just drop it over the jocky wheel stem .

Fishery Pokery · 22 February 2010, 22:09

Perfect!
Thanks very much for the advice. I already have a two u bolts through the transom, so I could attach either end of a rope to that and then connect the winch to the centre of the rope.
My trailer already has a winch post, so it should be dead easy to fit a winch.
Again, thanks Mart,
Geoff

Clipper · 23 February 2010, 00:01

the way i do it is; back the trailer up to the waters edge, unhitch the trailer and push it into the water, load the SIB on, then tie a rope directly from the trailer to the tow ball, pull it out, hitch it on and off i go. no pressure on the SIB, only on the tow ball and trailer.

m chappelow · 23 February 2010, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clipper

the way i do it is; back the trailer up to the waters edge, unhitch the trailer and push it into the water, load the SIB on, then tie a rope directly from the trailer to the tow ball, pull it out, hitch it on and off i go. no pressure on the SIB, only on the tow ball and trailer.

Thats what normally happens ,but some of us dont like getting the wheel bearings/brakes soaked, sealed or not sealed ,especially if on holiday or theres travel distance involved,,,sometimes with certain slipways/beaches the trailer cannot be put right into the water at low water owing to perhaps a deep drop off or a conreate sill to stop trailers rolling into the deep , at least with a winch he is covered a bit .,,mart

Fishery Pokery · 23 February 2010, 21:47

Thanks guys, you have been a big help. Will get a winch now.
Cheers,
Geoff