The Sunway SW345PN12 inflatable roller trailer

ManxJason · 28 February 2024, 11:51

Greetings again. I took a trip off our Island to visit Redcap Towing in Blackburn to collect my brand new shiny Sunway inflatable boat trailer.

This is marketed for ribs/inflatables, yet there has been a few SIB users creeping up recently. I've had my eye on this for a while, and since upgrading to a (a very affordable) 4m SIB, the whole preparation, setup, pulling up slipways by hand etc, was getting tiring on my desk-job body.

Here's an initial in-depth look and setup of the trailer. If anyone would like further information, please do reach out - I'd be happy to answer your questions, provide measurements etc (no this isn't sponsored - I paid full price).

Spoiler: I'm so so impressed with it!

https://youtu.be/W3wR1MYTH9A?si=nRmPrWA_MOxhTmng

chipko · 28 February 2024, 12:34

That’s a really nice break back trailer and well set up. Must admit the trumpet rollers are a great upgrade from the more usual bunks.

Fully agree with your suggestion to lower the mudguards and get boat sitting lower. Should make launch/retrieval even easier. Good call also to remove the keel rollers as more trouble and can cause wear on a sib.

If you don’t mind a quick suggestion, ditch the over tube straps, never good on a sib or rib. Pop a couple of towing eyes in the transom (always useful on the water) and strap down to rear cross member. Also would recommend a safety chain/strap at the bow to stop boat riding forward and up the snubber under heavy/emergency braking.

Looks a great set up.

ManxJason · 28 February 2024, 18:51

Thanks mate! Waiting on some tow eyes from Excel as oddly they weren't included with the Scout, but will certainly take your advice!

Peter_C · 28 February 2024, 20:45

If you read the boat owners manual for SIB's they will most always insist on the transom being solidly supported. A roller probably isn't considered a solid support. Especially if leaving the outboard on. A "transom saver" also helps take the motor load off the boat.

ManxJason · 28 February 2024, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

If you read the boat owners manual for SIB's they will most always insist on the transom being solidly supported. A roller probably isn't considered a solid support. Especially if leaving the outboard on. A "transom saver" also helps take the motor load off the boat.

I haven't read that personally but agree in that the transom will need to have sufficient support. I will say however that the large blue rollers underneath the transom seem to provide plenty of support - key being to ensure the boat can't move at all during transport.

Transom saver arrived today!

Steve509926 · 28 February 2024, 22:35

Hi Jason, nice video and a good looking trailer, apart from the wheel arches which as you say look extremely high.

I agree with chipko re: tube straps and a strap at the bow to stop the sib riding forward, and Peter_C with regard to the transom support. Maybe ditch the transom rollers in favour of small swivel bunks instead, that way your positioning doesn't always have to be absolutely precise.

ManxJason · 29 February 2024, 09:34

Thanks everyone. Taking all on board. The transom saver has arrived so I'll get that fitted, and I'm currently waiting on some tow eyes to strap via the transom rather than the tubes. I know from previous boats that makes a huge difference to stability.

> Maybe ditch the transom rollers in favour of small swivel bunks instead
The downside to this is the friction when rolling back on from land. I still think I need to rely on the large blue rollers, but I'm definitely open to more ideas and thoughts to add stability. If only a car-jack style transom support existed - just slot it in for transport.. :Know of anything like that?

Steve509926 · 29 February 2024, 09:58

I use HDPE on my bunks, far less friction than carpet.

ManxJason · 29 February 2024, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

I use HDPE on my bunks, far less friction than carpet.

Thank you Steve

ManxJason · 29 February 2024, 11:29

I went ahead and installed the transom saver - with a set of ratchets on her it's incredible how much of the stress is transfered to the trailer - that triangle of strength it creates. How does it look?

Edit: not sure it rotated

chipko · 29 February 2024, 12:40

Looking good.

If being a tad picky I’d prefer a bit closer to a right angle off the leg but that would mean removing the keel roller and strapping directly to the rear cross member I suppose, unless you can shorten the saver.

Also think you’ll be ok with the rollers under transom. Not ideal but changing to short carpeted transom bunks might interfere with winching on. Issues with both options so a compromise in the end.

Stirling work there Matey, and well worth all the effort fine tuning in the long run.

ManxJason · 29 February 2024, 12:56

Thanks mate! I see what you mean about the right-angle there. I could shorten the saver but the roller in that position is preferred, at least until I start tinkering again with the wheel arch height etc - there's not much clearance to work with with the roller there, but it also gives me a bit of reassurance winching. Compromises like you say!

Steve509926 · 29 February 2024, 15:31

Nice one Jason.

I started using a transom saver (thanks chipko) last year, and with the way the roads have deteriorated I'm so glad I did.