SIB trailer problem.

[Sirius_Bane]

Hi everyone. Ive had my Quicksilver 4.30 HD SIB for the past couple months and have loved every moment exept for launching. Its a nitemare

My problem is the following:
1. I back down the ramp to find my boat trailer bunks not even in the water and with water coming in my exhaust.

2. I find myself unhooking the trailer and pushing it into the water then manualy lifting the trailer and boat back onto the trailer hitch because the trailer wont go far enough into the water without exhaust filling with water!(my back is hurting)

3. Being a SIB the majority of weight is on the back (due to the outboard and inflatable floor) and the back of the boat is hanging off the trailer. This doesnt seem balanced.

My trailer is obviously not good for my boat. Do I need a longer trailer? Would this solve the problem? I was looking at roller trailers but they do not recommend them with SIBs. Please reply as I want to enjoy my SIB!!!

[stan_deezy]

The way I was taught to launch a small boat, and this may well have changed as I'm feeling as old as Victor Meldrew so treat it as anecdotal rather than advice, was like this:

1. Reverse to the top of the slipway.
2. Secure a line between the trailer and the tow hitch.
3. Use the tow hitch as a belay post (if you know what I mean) and gently, slowly, let out the line so that the trailer gently moves down the slipway.
4. Once the boat is launched gently drive the towing vehicle forward with the line secure until the trailer is clear of the water/green slippy stuff and then brake the trailer.
5. Reverse back to the trailer and hitch on as normal.
6. Recovery is similar.

(the above assumes that you have a jockey wheel)

It may be more difficult to do this single handedly: and even with a crew of three I used to have real problems controlling the rate of descent at times!

Like I said, its the method I was taught years ago when Queen Victoria (God Bless 'er!) was a nipper and slipways were empty,deserted places, so the practice may not be recommended in todays crowded world.

[Sirius_Bane]

I dont have a jockey wheel. Im just looking for suggestions for a new trailer because this one is rediculous. Thanks for the replies

[Zippy]

I agree with Stan but if you dint have a jocky wheel then thats no use!

I have a roller trailer for my 5 meter rib and it is very easy to launch. i tow with a Golf and choose the steepest slip way i can find.

A friend has his 4.8 on a bunked trailer and its a nightmate compared to launching mine. (he has to do the same as you)!

Couldnt give you details on what length of trailer or if you can use a rollered trailer on a sib but would be worth looking at!

[Nick Hearne]

You could fit a Jockey wheel

[Sirius_Bane]

wat exactly is a jockey wheel? also ive heard rollers arent good for sibs because they can damage the bottom. not sure if this is true.

[Mark Halliday]

The jockey wheel is the thing that stops the tow hitch dropping on your toe when you un-hitch. A small wheel on an adjustable height prop near front of the trailer. It turns your trailer into a tricycle.

[Nick Hearne]

This is what you want!
http://www.towsure.com/default.asp?t=57&p=0&d=28

[Nick Hearne]

Mark thought I was the only sad kipper on hear tonight!
Nick

[Sirius_Bane]

aw yes. i see. but still my boat ramps are pretty steep so i think dragging that trailer to my car would still be brutal. hehe