MODIFIED TRAILER

[pelican*]

i finished modifying a used boat trailer for my achilles inflatable 10ft. used trailer size 15ft long 48 inches wide channel to channel. very rusty but still usable, i cut off all un usable brackets i did not need. Wire brushed all the trailer primed and painted trailer with oil base paint. I had two support bunk frames made by a local iron fence co. VERY REASONABLE both the same size i cut the from frame for keel clearance the rear frame i added a transom support, my achilles has a v shaped transom. Think i have enough bolts on the transom support? When perfection is unattainable, Good is good enough!. sib fun.

 

[Sea Rider]

Congrats, nice looking trailer. Plan towing the Sib with attached motor on transom or not ? So have added a transversal shaped rear frame seen on pic 5 to support the lower transom and motor, if so, nice. I usually end my back trailers to where both side cones begins, no need for the trailer to be that large as the cones sits suspended and adds 0 extra support to the inflatable tubes.

Happy Boating​

 

[pelican*]

Thank you Sea Rider i learned a lot from your trailer builds. i plan on leaving motor attached to transom when trailing with 5hp, to start for fun. live in so.ca. and need to get trailer registered. after my first inflatable boat trailer launch i will decide if i need a tongue extension.

 

[Sea Rider]

You're welcome Pelikan,

If plan submerging the trailer in water to launch the combo specially in salt water grease well the internal wheel's bearings with adequate Marine Grease to last long. Have fun!!

Happy Boating​

 

[pelican*]

Loaded the achilles on the modified trailer, using a come along. Doing things alone. I was given a used good condition piece of house rug so decided to make a interior rug for the aluminum floor of the achilles. feet will love me.

 

[Sea Rider]

When boating darn long riding on tubes by back ended being highly resentful, sitting inside deck next to transom tillering on top an air cushion made my day. Forgot to ask : when your Sib rests with both tubes on top bunks is it posible to leave the keel fully inflated or ends on top of the lateral frame seen at the beginning of both bunks ? Post 4 pic 2

Happy Boating​

 

[pelican*]

Picture 7 shows the front cut out section, bunks are about 71/2 inches above the cross bar and the keel fully inflated is about 6 inches which clears, i keep the achilles fully inflated on the trailer. Have not yet taken the sib out, because my trailer inspection is not till may 18 with the highway patrol,then receive a trailer plate for a legal trailer. Next is to try a aquamarine seat bracket, for more comfortable seating with a back support.

 

[pelican*]

This is the seat frame, well made stainless steel. i added a 1/4 piece of plywood on the frame to attach fittings for hold downs, the seat has a 7 inch pedestal no swivel, no turning room. fuel tank will ride at bow when sibing alone. Have fun only.

 

[Sea Rider]

Although the idea about installing a nice confy seat with back rest is awesome there are some probable issues to consider : (1) The seat looks very wide and surely occupies 3/4 of the available lower deck space in between both tubes (2) when the motor is finally mounted on top transom should achieve a reduced tiller turn when steering towards starboards side compared to tiller steering towards port side as the tiller will be knocking against you or side of the left back rest. A posted pic doesn't say much but that's the visual impression I have...

Happy Boating​

 

[pelican*]

Yes you are right, The new seat was the smallest i could find 16 inches wide, I moved the seat frame forward to clear the tiller turning I will have to reach over the seat back to control the iron horse.

 

[Sea Rider]

Yes you are right, The new seat was the smallest i could find 16 inches wide, I moved the seat frame forward to clear the tiller turning I will have to reach over the seat back to control the iron horse.

If plan boating for long far distances that's a very uncomfy driving position that will stress your hand and arm. If you remove the back seat will achieve a spot on tiller steering clearance...

Happy Boating​