Jet ski trailer for RIB?

[HeadedToTexas]

I see a lot of small trailers advertised as jet ski or small boat trailers. Our 10 foot Highfield CL310 is smaller and lighter than most of the jet skis in our marina. Are those small trailers fine for both?

 

[Comodave]

Probably, and if the bunks don’t fit just right then replace them.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Roger that. Most designs seem pretty simple.

 

[Comodave]

Yes, for an RHI you would likely need only 2 bunks since the weight is so low.

 

[Mragan]

I did exactly that. The bunks have to be raised pretty high. Jet skis are narrower, and the hull sits between the fenders. Most RIBs are much wider and the tubes sit over the top of the fenders. I ran out of adjustment for the bunk height needed and had to make some modifications. Pretty straight forward.

 

[psneeld]

With several different size/designs, one thing to consider is what spring package is on it if you can.

I bought one for my square stern canoe and while easily modified, it had a heavier spring package on it than some lighter rated trailers I have seen. At $300, in good shape and more importantly a transferable set of paperwork it was a great deal. (always check state registration requirements as many small trailers don't have the paperwork it takes to easily register them).

But as I noted, the heavier spring set made the light canoe and gear ride harsh on bad roads. Figured I could replace the spring set for cheap if experience showed it beating up the boat too much.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Excellent points. Thanks, guys.

 

[jleonard]

I had a small Harbor Freight trailer that worked well for my Achilles 10.4 RIB.
Te only problem was that I could not see the trailer when in the truck. I solved that by installing 2 fiberglass poles that are for snowplows on the rear corners.. Then I could always tell where the trailer was.

 

[psneeld]

I had a small Harbor Freight trailer that worked well for my Achilles 10.4 RIB.
Te only problem was that I could not see the trailer when in the truck. I solved that by installing 2 fiberglass poles that are for snowplows on the rear corners.. Then I could always tell where the trailer was.

You always steal my ideas before I even have them!

 

[HeadedToTexas]

The problem I see with virtually all jet ski trailers is that most are too narrow and few have enough adjustability in their bunks to accommodate even a 10 foot RIB. Interesting idea, but I think the right answer (for me) is an actual boat trailer.

 

[jleonard]

you always steal my ideas before i even have them! :d

lol

 

[SAABseanSCANIA]

This is what I have for my dinghy; matter of fact just used it yesterday to haul out for the season. Adjusted the bunks to the rigid hull and it's perfect. There is nothing design or fabrication specific that makes it a "PWC trailer".

 

[koliver]

I see a lot of small trailers advertised as jet ski or small boat trailers. Our 10 foot Highfield CL310 is smaller and lighter than most of the jet skis in our marina. Are those small trailers fine for both?

When I was looking for a trailer for my Caribe 12' RIB the only one I could find that would work is described on the invoice as a "Jet Ski" trailer. It works.