Convert box trailer for SIB

ManxJason · 20 July 2022, 10:09

Hello, I'm based in the Isle of Man. There is a non-existent second hand market and to get a trailer delivered will cost approximately £400. Or for me to use the ferry, £500. Plus the £1100 for the trailer itself.

I have found a 9x4ft shallow box trailer locally. The width of the trailer will pretty much line up nicely with my tubes, so I was thinking about installing bunks either side of the trailer rails and using it to transport and store my 3.6m SIB on (keel deflated).

I have a FWD car also so I'm not sure paying 3x for a new Extreme Trailer + shipping would be the way forward for me. Instead, convert this box trailer to hold the boat, and either transport the engine laying down in the car boot (like I normally do), or laying down underneath the boat. All the additional gear, fuel, rods, seats etc can be stored underneath the boat for transport.

Without the engine NOT attached, and the transom wheels attached, I could easily lift the bow and pull partly onto the bunks. Then from the stern, lift and push the rest of the way.

Does this sound feasible given the circumstances?

Max... · 20 July 2022, 10:51

Sounds like a plan and not that uncommon - seen a few out and about and I'm sure there are past topics with ideas and tips on here?

ManxJason · 20 July 2022, 10:57

Thanks Max. I will do some digging through the forum search

jeffstevens763@g · 20 July 2022, 18:36

I’ve done this using the trailer as storage and erecting 4 corner posts with a large roller between it worked well but it’s a lift off and launch and set up so keeps the trailer dry.

ManxJason · 20 July 2022, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

I’ve done this using the trailer as storage and erecting 4 corner posts with a large roller between it worked well but it’s a lift off and launch and set up so keeps the trailer dry.

Thanks Jeff, this is exactly what I'm looking for. I don't fancy spending big money on a trailer, especially with my old tired FWD car. So I'm quite happy to roll it off with the transom wheels, and get her set up from the boat park.

It'd be fantastic if the engine could lay on its' side underneath the boat, along with the rest of the gear.

TmMorris · 20 July 2022, 19:18

Any point in fitting a hinged lid with the bunks on top so that the unit remains a usable box trailer for all your kit and you just lift the boat on and off?

Or just transport deflated in the trailer?

ManxJason · 20 July 2022, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by TmMorris

Any point in fitting a hinged lid with the bunks on top so that the unit remains a usable box trailer for all your kit and you just lift the boat on and off?

Or just transport deflated in the trailer?

Potentially, I'll have a think about it. I do like the idea of it just being open to be honest, can squeeze more in it without a lid restricting the height

- it does come with a full cover though.

I plan on running bunks along each side rails (they line up perfectly). Definitely not transporting deflated.

jeffstevens763@g · 20 July 2022, 20:06

Using key lock hand railing you get the brackets to fit and bolt to the trailer then tube to the height you want with 90 bends across to the opposite side with some plastic tube on the cross piece to act as a roller such as down pipe for gutters. No welding just cut to length end cuts can be sprayed with galv spray to protect. Just Google key lock hand railing. This way you can get the trailer to the waters edge roll off without getting bearings wet on the trailer.

Ps worked on the isle for about 6 months doing rock netting on bulgam bay some years back great place

ManxJason · 20 July 2022, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Using key lock hand railing you get the brackets to fit and bolt to the trailer then tube to the height you want with 90 bends across to the opposite side with some plastic tube on the cross piece to act as a roller such as down pipe for gutters. No welding just cut to length end cuts can be sprayed with galv spray to protect. Just Google key lock hand railing. This way you can get the trailer to the waters edge roll off without getting bearings wet on the trailer.

Ps worked on the isle for about 6 months doing rock netting on bulgam bay some years back great place

Thanks! Would love to see some illustration or photographs of your solution if you have them?

Glad you enjoyed the IOM!

jeffstevens763@g · 21 July 2022, 19:46

https://www.rib.net/forum/attachment...5&d=1628934403

All I could find Jason this is much the same just it’s on the bunks if you add legs to the height you want you can just push the bare boat on yes it only rests on the two rollers but with no weight in the boat there’s no problem.
Hope that helps

ManxJason · 21 July 2022, 19:48

Yes that makes more sense now thank you - I indeed plan on adding some sort of similar roller on the front to get the bow up. Thanks!

WayDownUnder · 27 July 2023, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManxJason

Hello, I'm based in the Isle of Man. There is a non-existent second hand market and to get a trailer delivered will cost approximately £400. Or for me to use the ferry, £500. Plus the £1100 for the trailer itself.

I have found a 9x4ft shallow box trailer locally. The width of the trailer will pretty much line up nicely with my tubes, so I was thinking about installing bunks either side of the trailer rails and using it to transport and store my 3.6m SIB on (keel deflated).

I have a FWD car also so I'm not sure paying 3x for a new Extreme Trailer + shipping would be the way forward for me. Instead, convert this box trailer to hold the boat, and either transport the engine laying down in the car boot (like I normally do), or laying down underneath the boat. All the additional gear, fuel, rods, seats etc can be stored underneath the boat for transport.

Without the engine NOT attached, and the transom wheels attached, I could easily lift the bow and pull partly onto the bunks. Then from the stern, lift and push the rest of the way.

Does this sound feasible given the circumstances?

Hi ManxJason. I am looking at much the same idea for transporting a 3.8 RIB on a box trailer. If you have made something, would you be able to post photos please?

ManxJason · 27 July 2023, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayDownUnder

Hi ManxJason. I am looking at much the same idea for transporting a 3.8 RIB on a box trailer. If you have made something, would you be able to post photos please?

Hi mate, yes I did.

Bunks: 6x2" lengths of treated timber

Bunk carpet: heavy duty rubber-backed carpet runner https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182684773...r=690004302700

Bunk supports: Heavy duty angle brackets (80KG per bracket) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264766788...r=564592291458

Fine-tuned the bunk height with some washers, then a couple screws keep the bunks down tight enough. There's a boat on top with ratchets pushing down too of course.

WayDownUnder · 30 July 2023, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManxJason

Hi mate, yes I did.

Bunks: 6x2" lengths of treated timber

Bunk carpet: heavy duty rubber-backed carpet runner https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182684773...r=690004302700

Bunk supports: Heavy duty angle brackets (80KG per bracket) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264766788...r=564592291458

Fine-tuned the bunk height with some washers, then a couple screws keep the bunks down tight enough. There's a boat on top with ratchets pushing down too of course.

Great detail and photos. Thanks very much!