One of the pleasures of owning a trailerable RIB is the freedom to explore different waters.
Instead of returning to the same marina every weekend, you can choose a new coastline, lake or river, provided suitable launching facilities and regulations allow it.
But trailering introduces an entirely different set of skills from driving a boat.
The combination must be legal and properly matched, the boat needs suitable support and securing, and launching requires preparation and care.
A good trailer arrangement can make boating more flexible. A poorly planned one can turn an enjoyable day into a frustrating exercise before the boat even reaches the water.
Start with the complete weight
The boat’s published weight is only the beginning.
The actual transport weight includes the hull, engine, batteries, remaining fuel, equipment and trailer.
Optional accessories can also add considerably to the total.
The towing vehicle, trailer and coupling must all be suitable for the complete arrangement.
Legal requirements vary by country and may include restrictions on trailer mass, dimensions, braking and driver licensing.
Never assume that a trailer is suitable simply because the boat fits on it.
Supporting the hull correctly
A RIB needs appropriate support during transport.
The trailer may use bunks, rollers or another arrangement designed for the hull.
Support positions should follow the boat and trailer manufacturers’ recommendations.
Incorrect support can concentrate loads in unsuitable areas and potentially damage the hull.
The inflatable collar should not be used as a substitute for proper structural support.
A suitable trailer should also allow the boat to be launched and recovered without unnecessary impact or abrasion.
Securing the boat
The boat must be restrained using appropriate equipment and approved attachment points.
The winch arrangement alone should not be assumed sufficient to secure the boat for road transport.
Suitable straps and other restraints may be required, depending on the trailer and boat.
Loose equipment should be removed or secured, and projecting components should be managed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before departure, check the coupling, safety arrangements, tyres, lights and visible trailer condition.
Driving with a trailer
Towing changes acceleration, braking, turning and reversing.
A longer stopping distance may be required, and the trailer follows a different path through corners.
Speed limits and other requirements may differ from ordinary passenger-car driving.
Owners unfamiliar with towing should practise in a suitable location before travelling to a busy marina.
Reversing is particularly worth practising.
A little experience in an empty parking area can save a great deal of embarrassment at a crowded slipway.
Prepare before approaching the ramp
Launching goes more smoothly when the boat is prepared away from the ramp.
Check the boat’s condition, fuel, batteries, drain arrangements and safety equipment.
Remove road restraints only at the appropriate stage of the launching procedure, keeping the boat securely controlled.
Prepare mooring lines and any other necessary equipment.
Check the ramp’s gradient, surface, water depth, tide where applicable and available space.
Avoid blocking the ramp while carrying out tasks that could have been completed elsewhere.
Launching safely
The correct launching procedure depends on the boat, trailer, vehicle and ramp.
The trailer should be positioned carefully, with the towing vehicle secured appropriately.
Immersion depth must suit the trailer and launching arrangement.
Keep people clear of pinch points, moving cables and the path of the boat.
Never place yourself between the boat and a hard surface where movement could cause injury.
If the ramp is slippery, steep or otherwise unsuitable, use another facility or seek professional assistance.
{Illustration: A simple sequence showing pre-launch preparation, trailer positioning, controlled launching and moving the boat clear of the ramp. Avoid prescribing universal immersion depths.}
Recovering the RIB
Recovery deserves the same attention as launching.
Wind, current and boat traffic may complicate alignment with the trailer.
The boat should be guided onto its supports using the method recommended for the equipment.
Avoid excessive engine power or practices that can damage the ramp, trailer or boat.
Once recovered, secure the boat appropriately before leaving the ramp area.
Complete final road preparations in a safe location away from other users.
Saltwater and trailer maintenance
Saltwater launching can accelerate corrosion and wear.
Trailers should be maintained according to their manufacturers’ recommendations, including attention to brakes, bearings, suspension and electrical connections.
Cleaning procedures vary by trailer design.
Wheel bearings and braking systems deserve particular attention because failure can have serious consequences on the road.
A trailer is not simply a storage accessory. It is a road vehicle component that requires proper care.
The freedom is worth the preparation
Trailering can open up an extraordinary variety of boating destinations.
The key is to make launching and recovery routine rather than improvising every time.
Choose the correct trailer, learn the procedures, maintain the equipment and respect the conditions.
Once the practical side becomes familiar, the reward is obvious: the freedom to take your RIB somewhere entirely new.