Class floats RIB Rigid Inflatable Boats are well-deservedly considered to be among the most versatile and safe to operate, but their transportation requires a special approach. Unlike all-hull boats, it is critical not to damage inflatable tubes when loading, and to ensure that the hard bottom is firmly fixed while driving on the highway. A properly selected trailer for a RIB boat solves both these tasks, preserving the integrity of the vessel and road safety.
Many owners make the mistake of using universal platforms or homemade designs that do not take into account the specifics of the airboards. This often leads to uneven pressure distribution on the cylinders, the formation of scuffs and even tears during long transportation. floater and calm on the water.
The modern market offers a wide range of specialized solutions, from lightweight single-axle models to heavy biaxial trailers. To understand the technical nuances, such as the type of suspension, frame material and the configuration of the lozenges, you need to before you buy. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects that will help you make an informed decision.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Trailer
The first and most important parameter is loading capacityRIB boats, especially with the engine, battery and full tank installed, can be impressive. Not only the mass of the hull, but also the weight of the engine, fuel, anchor equipment and the trailer itself, an error in the calculations can lead to axle overload and traffic fines.
The second key factor is the geometry of the padlock. Inflatable vessels prefer to use a roller system or a combination (rollers + pads) as they provide a softer landing. Hard wooden bars, typical of metal boats, can deform cylinders under the boat's own weight when launched.
You should also pay attention to the availability of additional options, such as a winch with a stainless steel cable or synthetic fiber. The use of steel cable on soft-sided boats is undesirable, as it can damage the cliff. pneumocameraA high-quality winch allows the vessel to be carefully pulled to the stop, minimizing the risk of damage to the bow.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum permissible mass specified in the trailer vehicle passport (VP) and overloading leads to the destruction of the frame, overheating of the hubs and loss of controllability on the road.
Materials of manufacture: galvanizing against aluminum
The choice of frame material is a matter for every buyer, traditionally using hot-galvanized steel and aluminum alloys. Galvanized steel It is also very durable and has a more affordable cost, making it popular with most water-engineers, but the zinc coating wears off over time, especially in the attachment areas, requiring regular treatment with corrosion-resistant compounds.
Aluminum trailers are devoid of the metal's main enemy, rust. They are lighter than steel counterparts, allowing a heavier boat to be transported at the same gross weight of the trailer. However, aluminum is softer than steel and more susceptible to mechanical deformation when hitting the side or rocks on the descent. In addition, the cost of aluminum models is much higher.
The choice should also consider the type of coating of the mounting elements.Stainless Steel) significantly prolongs the life of the structure, especially if you often go to salt water bodies. Cheap fasteners quickly corrode, turning into unaesthetic rusty streams and losing their strength.
Design features and types of suspension
The type of suspension is directly related to smoothness and cargo safety. For lightweight RIB boats up to 4 meters long, spring suspensions are often used. They are easy to maintain, cheap, but provide a hard drive, transmitting vibrations to the frame of the boat. On uneven roads, this can lead to the gradual destruction of the adhesive seams of the transom.
A more advanced solution is the torsion suspension, which has no rubbing parts, does not require lubrication and provides excellent cushioning, and the boat on the trailer moves softer, which is especially important for long stretches along the track, Torsiones are less susceptible to lateral loads, which increases the stability of the trailer in cornering.
The respirator is an important design element. RIB boats often use telescopic breathing tubes to adjust the length of the platform to a specific length of the vessel. This is convenient if you have multiple boats or plan to upgrade in the future. The position fixation must be reliable to avoid backlashes when moving.
Comparative table of specifications of suspensions:
| Characterization | Spring suspension | Torsion suspension | Spring (rarely) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort of movement | Low. | Highly | Medium. |
| Service | Requires lubrication and inspection of ladders | It's practically non-required. | Periodic inspection |
| Resistance to overload | High. | Medium | Low. |
| Cost | Low. | High. | Medium |
Full weight calculation and legal aspects
Legally competent operation begins with the correct calculation of the total weight. The total weight consists of the weight of the curb boat, the weight of the engine, fuel (1 liter of gasoline ≈ 0.75 kg), the battery, the crew (if they are in the boat while moving, which is prohibited, but the weight is taken into account when loading) and the mass of the trailer. BEif the total mass of the trailer exceeds 3,500 kg or if the mass of the trailer exceeds the mass of the equipped vehicle.
However, for most water lovers, the category is relevant. BTo remain in this category, the total mass of the trailer must not exceed 750 kg or the sum of the mass of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3,500 kg, provided that the mass of the trailer does not exceed the mass of the vehicle in use, and violation of these rules shall entail a fine and a ban on further movement.
When buying, it is important to pay attention to the marking on the frame where the maximum permissible mass is knocked out. Some manufacturers offer the possibility of artificially understating the load capacity in documents (for example, a trailer per 1000 kg is registered as 750 kg) to fall into the category of the maximum weight. BIt's a legal procedure, but it limits the payload in the future.
Always weigh a fully equipped boat with an engine and a full tank on the scale before buying a trailer. data-sheet figures is often different from the actual weight.
Season preparation and maintenance
Operating in an aggressive aquatic environment requires regular maintenance. After each departure for salt water, the trailer must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, paying attention to hubs and brakes, if any.
Before the season begins, you need to have a chassis audit, check the tightening of the wheel nuts, the condition of the hub bearings and the presence of lubrication. Bearings are recommended to be changed or slurryed every 10-15 thousand kilometers or every two seasons, depending on the intensity of use. Hub buzzing is the first sign of impending disaster.
Pay special attention to the condition of the electrical wiring. Contacts in connectors often oxidize, which leads to broken dimensions or turn signals. Use special lubrication for electrical contacts, for example, on a silicone basis, to prevent moisture. All connections must be sealed.
☑️ Seasonal preparation of trailers
Safe loading and fixing rules
The process of loading a RIB boat onto a trailer has its nuances: You need to approach the boat on a trailer slowly, controlling the position of the bow; it is important that the keel of the boat lies exactly in the central gutter or on the central row of rollers; skewing can lead to transom damage or uneven tension of the cylinders when fixing.
The straps are used to hold the belts, the belts must be tightened evenly, avoiding the strains that can deform the cylinders, but also leaving no backlashes. The boat must not shift relative to the frame when braking sharply. Be sure to use the safety rope from the winch, even if the boat is fixed with belts.
When transporting over long distances, it is recommended to reduce speed and avoid sharp maneuvers. Inflatable sides create sailing, which affects the stability of the road train in lateral winds. Also, remember to reflect the elements on the boat itself or the trailer if the dimensions are beyond the standard limits.
⚠️ Warning: Before each departure, check the reliability of the winch cable attachment to the bow bolt. A break in the cable on the move can lead to a boat falling on the road and a serious accident.
How to store a trailer in winter?
It is better to store the trailer in a dry room or under a canopy. If this is not possible, cover it with a breathable awning to avoid condensation. The wheels should be tucked in or periodically scrolled to change the point of support and prevent tyre deformation. Brake mechanisms (if any) are better preserved.
The main secret of long-term service trailer for RIB is regular washing with fresh water after each trip and the absence of constant overloads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the engine when transporting a RIB boat?
Removing the engine is recommended if you plan a long trip on rough roads or if the weight of the engine is large for the transom of the boat in the vertical position. However, modern transverses of RIB boats are designed for constant load. If the motor is securely fixed and the boat sits tightly on the pads, removal is not mandatory, but reduces the total weight and load on the transom.
Can I use a trailer for a metal boat for a RIB?
You can use it, but with caution. Metal boats have a hard keel and rely on it, whereas RIB needs support for the entire bottom area and cylinders. Standard bars can damage inflatable boards. You will need to modify the pawn by adding soft inserts or replacing them with a roller system.
What is the life of a galvanized trailer?
With proper operation and regular maintenance (washing, chipping, lubrication), a hot-dip trailer lasts 10-15 years or more. Aluminum analogs can last 20 years or more, since they are not subject to corrosion in the classical sense, but require protection from mechanical damage.
Do I need a brake trailer for a RIB boat?
Brakes on the trailer are mandatory if its total weight exceeds 750 kg. For lighter models, the presence of brakes is not required by law, but their presence significantly increases the safety of braking, especially on wet roads or when descending from a mountain to water. For heavy RIBs with powerful brake motors, this is a necessity.