4.5m SIB Bunks Location ?

[HighlandR]

Hi fellas, just a quick question on where to position the trailer bunks for our 4.5m zodiac.

The floor is 12mm ply skinned in GRP, 3 meter long, by 1 meter wide.
Has inflatable keel

Would it be best to position the bunks to support the weight of the floor along each side, or to place the bunks under the actual tubes themselves to support the boat?

[HighlandR]

not sure where would be best

[chipko]

Personally I prefer the bunks under the floor adjacent the tubes as indicated on the right of your sketch. Takes the weight of the boat on the rigid floor panels, can extend under and beyond transom to support engine weight, and also helps centre boat on recovery. You can also then store / tow boat with tubes at part pressure without stressing the seams.

[HighlandR]

Hi Chipko, from what youv said it seems to make more sense having the floor supported.

Will the seams and fabric be ok with the weight of these 4.5 meter long tubes just hanging in mid air while in tow/storage most of the time?

[chipko]

Good point. I don't know for sure but have supported my sibs for years this way and haven't suffered any damage thus far. The tubes are relatively light and self supporting, while the floor, transom, motor and any kit stored in the boat are considerably heavier.

[Northern Pike]

Here's mine:



I can't find a better picture, but the inner bunks carry the transom and the floor, as they run along the floor to tube joint. And there's a pad at the centre of the transom.

[Nightfisher]

I'm using centre tube bunks BUT with an overhang off centre-end of trailer which supports the engine weight under the cavitation plate. Helps prevent trailer-bouncing and definitely de-stresses the transom of engine weight. Must be done where engine is in VERTICAL position during travel.