Transporting a trailer - boat

[Channel Ribs]

Has anyone ever deliberately moved a trailer by leaving it attached to a boat?

I know Mythbusters did this, to see if it is plausible for someone to do it by mistake.

But we have some customers that are planning on moving a trailer off the island this way, it would be slung under a large (>5m) inflatable and towed using a RIB.

Edit: Personally I would rather hire a landing craft!

[karlT]

The drag will be huge so they will probably by lucky to achieve 3-4 knots!! They would be far better stripping trailer down a bit and putting it onboard or just get it freighted!!

[Tim M]

I have done this with trailer for a 4m Searider. Had to get it from Portsmouth to Cowes. We strapped it to top of my Rigiflex and towed it behind Evolution at about 20 knots. Worked fine. My biggest advice is put bits of carpet or something under where the trailer touches the boat; I didn't and it made a few scratches.

[Channel Ribs]

Well, the sale has gone through and they are now rigging the trailer for the voyage across some of the fastest tidal currents in the world.

I will post photos as the sage unfolds on our web site here:

www.alderneymarine.com/subtrailer/

[Channel Ribs]

This is probably the best photo so far, soon they are going to float test to see if it needs ballast!

[PeterM]

Why oh why dont they put the thing on top of the boat ! You coudl defalte the boat & then re-inflate it so you didnt have to lift the trailer. I am sure that boats have been designed for some time to have things in/ on them and not under! Good luck - I cant wait to hear what happens.

I wonder if they drop the trailer somewhere if any insurer would pay out - I can imagine the conversation - 'it was where ?'

[Tim M]

That's a big trailer! How far has it got to go?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Tim M

That's a big trailer! How far has it got to go?

It is a 7m trailer and now afloat!

They have 10 miles to do, 6 of which is straight across the Alderney Race.

The nose is a bit heavy, but otherwise it looks interesting!

[Nasher]

Good luck to em.

I hope its not being considered a 'new' trailer when it gets the other end.

Nasher.

[karlT]

Malthouse,

As a "professional" working in the marine industry you surely have a moral responsibilty to suggest to these folk that they are ******* stupid to proceed with such a dumb ass stunt.

If you do not wish to approach them, I am sure a short call to your harbour master to suggest he takes an interest will soon put a stop to anyone endangering their lives with such a reckless stunt.

I am certain there are a few large fishing boats that can be hired for a day to transport trailer at reasonable cost.

Regards
Karl T