I've never towed anything before in my life but now need to tow a 7m RIB, and launch it off a slipway.

I think on my licence, as it is pre 1997 there should be no issues there.

What I would like to do is to get some professional instruction though. Anyone done this and can offer any thoughts on finding a suitable instructor.?


I expect some of you will tell me its p**s easy but I don't want to take that chance with a very expensive boat, which doesn't technically belong to me !



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I know what you mean, my mate always does all the driving with our boat and reverses it really well. With a R.I.B. you don't really have to worry about the weight when you are towing but you do have to worry about the embarrassment at cocking up the launch on a public slipway on a busy bank hol

I've never really come across trailering schools but an hour or two practice reversing should do you.

 

I passed my test in 2001 and didn't get the towing entitlement on my license automatically. I got a job where I needed to tow 3 tonne trailers, so went on a 1 day course with Trailer Training UK near Southampton. Then went for my test and passed. I would definitely recommend them, quite reasonably priced too from memory.

There is more to towing than dragging a trailer behind you, especially a 7m one, so definitely think you are wise to try and get a few hours tuition beforehand!

 

There's a place in Rickmansworth which I walk past on occasion: Sirens Driving Academy http://www.drivingschoolswatford.com/sirens/

 

There's an HGV training company in Botley that will probably be able to sort you out.

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Andy, are you going over to the dark side ! , next you will be telling us you have joined the Caravan Club
I think The IAM do some thing as I recall , give Minvo a nudge

 

Thanks all, will get in touch with them to see what they offer.

Still on the side of light and righteousness chippo, the S will still be in the stable. Its just not the ideal platform for towing the dive boat !!

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The light does shine on the righteous ! I can't help it
Towed a few trailers over the years , it can be a bit of a black art , but I always found the slowly slowly approach worked best when manovering. And think about what's going to happen rather than sorting it out once it has happened. As you say though you don't want to practice with 20 smart arse spectators watching and chipping in with useful tips , and none of them will likely have ever reversed let alone driven forward with a trailer.

 

Supermarket car park late at night for a quiet practise, couple of cones too if you can nick/find them.

 

My stepdad saw a "23ft RIB" (his words) that had fallen off a trailer near Butser Hill on the A3 on Saturday, RIB in the road, car further along the carriageway with trailer still attached.

I sincerely hope it wasn't you that had this bad luck, feel sorry for whoever it was - so learn from this and make sure it's strapped down when you do borrow it !