Towing a RIB

Spinnaker

I an thinking of buying a RIB that I would have to tow around on long trips by car. I havent towed much by car before.

I have a 1.8L Audi A4. What is the maxiumum RIB length or weight that would be practical for this and wouldn't wreck my car

Thanks

Fulmar

Towing weight limits are specified in the Audi Manual. Then it depends on the engine/rib combination. On a practical level it depends on how fast you want to tow, the slips you will be operating off and road conditions. Suggest max should about 5.4 metres with a 50 HP. But remember the heavier you tow the slower the trip. A better option might be about 4.7 Metres and a 40 hp.
See the Howth Yacht Club website http://www.hyc.ie/dinghies/default.asp[/url] and the article on rib trailering.

Spinnaker

Thanks. Very useful reference.

Powerboat.ie

Hi,

You should be able to tow up to a Max 6.5 metre RIB with that car. Very important to stay with a two wheel trailer though as it will follow your car around the bend.

4 wheel trailers used for 6.5 metres up should really only be towed by a heavier 4 wheel drive or large van as the trailer tends to want to keep going in a straight line around bends.

Diesel engines will give you more pulling power as well. Be careful on weed covered slipways with just a car. There are alternative launch techniques for such situations. Give us a call off line at any time for free advice.

Kind regards,

Stuart

Fulmar

Agree with almost all you say Stuart but he says he wants to tow long distances and so would, I imagine, be operating off unknown slips and travelling rough roads. So I would have thought towing something in the 6 metre range + a decent engine and maybe a backup engine would be very heavy on both fuel consumption and clutches. In addition stopping distances will be much greater. So I would still think that about 5 metres should be tops for what he initially wants. I know you guys tow larger but you are not exactly novices. Say Hi to Phil for me!
I would also unreservedly recommend doing a powerboat course with someone like yourselves as it would save a lot of grief and costs in the longer term.

JohnCleary

The towing aspect depends on the bearings on the trailer TBH.
I once pulled my 5.5m Lencraft with a 75HP with my Dad's 1l Micra :eek: .... UP A HILL :eek: :eek:

But when it comes to launching you need to make sure the car can withstand the gravitational pull. a 1.8 A4 will pull a single-axle with upto a 6.5m boat on her no problems... Just make sure any slips you use have plenty of grip.

When I am launching from slippery slips (excuse the pun!) I use a large rope