The Ultimate Guide Style For Boating Enthusiasts

Boat trailer guides, or guide-ons, are simple tools that help you load or unload your boat easily, safely, and accurately. They are available in many different styles and sizes, and choosing the right one depends on the size and type of your boat. The three basic styles are roller trailer guides, trailer bunks, and post guide-ons. Roller trailer guides are good for larger boats as they offer firm support with rubber rollers that are gentle and sturdy. Trailer bunks are usually covered in marine-grade carpet for smoothness and are cheaper than other guides. Post guide-ons are the best for helping you see what you're doing as they feature a vertical metal post that is typically much longer, making it easy to line up the boat.

Post Guide-Ons: These are tall, visible poles that help guide the boat and are placed at the rear of the trailer

Post guide-ons are an essential tool for any boater, making it easier to guide your boat onto the trailer, even when the trailer is underwater. They are simple yet effective, helping to prevent accidents and damage to your boat, and saving you time and effort.

Post guide-ons are tall, visible poles that are placed at the rear of the trailer. They are usually made from sturdy pre-galvanised steel with non-marring PVC post covers, although some are made from aluminium. The PVC tube sits on a ring base, rather than being jammed into a joint, and the steel tube is around 6 inches shorter.

Post guide-ons are available in various sizes, ranging from 40 to 72 inches in height, and are sold in pairs. They are adjustable to fit different boat sizes and can accommodate trailer frames of varying widths and heights. The height can be adjusted by up to 13 inches on each side, and the overall height is around 21 inches.

When choosing post guide-ons, it is important to select a pair that is compatible with your trailer and boat. For larger and heavier boats, you will need taller and sturdier guides. You should also consider the material used, as this will impact the durability and price. PVC is lightweight and affordable, but may not be strong enough for bigger boats. Steel and aluminium are stronger options, but steel will need to be galvanised to protect against rust and corrosion.

Post guide-ons are a worthwhile investment, offering convenience and improved safety when loading and unloading your boat.

Bunk Guide-Ons: These are carpeted boards that run along the trailer and provide a smooth surface for loading and unloading

Bunk Guide-Ons are an essential accessory for any boat owner, providing a seamless loading and unloading experience. These guide-ons consist of carpeted boards that run along the trailer, ensuring a smooth and scratch-free surface for your boat. Here are some key benefits and features of Bunk Guide-Ons:

Benefits of Bunk Guide-Ons:

• Protection: The carpeted surface of the boards protects your boat's hull from scratches or damage during loading and unloading. This keeps your boat in pristine condition.
• Safer Hauling: Bunk Guide-Ons help centre your boat on the trailer, ensuring the weight remains balanced. This stability is crucial when taking off, stopping, and navigating turns during transport.
• Efficiency: With these guide-ons, you can quickly and effortlessly load your boat. They direct the boat to the centre of the trailer, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
• Adjustability: Bunk Guide-Ons are adjustable to accommodate different boat sizes. You can modify the height and width to ensure a snug fit for your vessel.
• Ease of Installation: These guide-ons typically feature bolt-on installation, eliminating the need for cutting or drilling. This makes the installation process more accessible for beginners.
• Durability: The boards are often made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminium, ensuring they can withstand harsh marine environments.

Features of Bunk Guide-Ons:

• Construction: The boards are usually constructed from wood and wrapped in marine-grade carpeting. This combination provides a soft yet robust surface to guide your boat.
• Adjustability: The height and width adjustments allow the boards to accommodate various boat sizes and trailer frames. This customizability ensures a perfect fit for your vessel.
• Compatibility: Bunk Guide-Ons are compatible with both bunk and roller-style trailers, making them versatile for different trailer types.
• Maintenance: To maintain your Bunk Guide-Ons, inspect and tighten all bolts and nuts before loading and unloading. Regularly check the carpeting for any frays or damage, replacing it as needed.
• Considerations: When choosing Bunk Guide-Ons, consider the size and weight of your boat, as well as the type of trailer you have. Ensure the guide-ons are tall enough to provide adequate guidance during loading and unloading.

Bunk Guide-Ons are an excellent investment for boat owners, offering convenience, safety, and protection during the loading and unloading process. Their adjustability, durability, and ease of installation make them a valuable addition to your boating equipment.

Roller Guide-Ons: These have rollers that spin, making it easier to load and unload heavier boats

Roller guide-ons are an excellent option for boat owners, offering a simple yet effective solution to loading and unloading. They are particularly useful for heavier boats, utilising rollers that spin to make the process smoother and more manageable.

Loading a boat onto a trailer can be challenging, even for experienced boaters. Factors such as strong winds, choppy water, and steep ramps can make it difficult to align the boat with the trailer. Roller guide-ons provide a visual guide, helping you centre the boat and prevent damage to the hull.

The rollers in this system are typically made of rubber and are non-marking, protecting your boat from scratches and scuffs. They are sturdy and durable, capable of handling larger boats. However, one drawback is that they are less visible than post-type guides, which can be a challenge in certain conditions.

When choosing roller guide-ons, it's important to consider the size and weight of your boat. Ensure that the rollers are large enough and made of durable materials to accommodate the weight of your boat. Additionally, look for adjustable designs that allow you to customise the fit for your boat.

Roller guide-ons are a worthwhile investment for boat owners, making the loading and unloading process safer and more efficient. They are especially beneficial for heavier boats, providing a stable and secure platform. By using roller guide-ons, you can spend less time and effort on trailer alignment and more time enjoying your boat on the water.

Guide-On Accessories: Add-ons such as lights and carpeting to protect the boat and trailer

Guide-On Accessories: Lights and Carpeting to Protect Your Boat and Trailer

Boat trailer guides, or guide-ons, are simple tools that help you load or unload your boat easily, safely, and accurately. They can also prevent accidents and damage to your boat. There are various types of boat trailer guides, and they come with different features and add-ons. Here are some accessories and add-ons to consider for your guide-ons:

• Lights: Boat trailer guides with lights can be helpful when backing up, especially in low-visibility conditions. The lights act as markers, making it easier to spot the guides in poorly lit areas or murky waters.
• Carpeting: Bunk carpeting is an important accessory for your trailer guides. It provides friction to hold the boat in place during loading and unloading. It also allows for enough slip to make unloading the boat into the water effortless. Additionally, carpeting offers decorative appeal, allowing you to colour-coordinate your boat and trailer. Look for carpeting made from heavy-duty material that is UV-resistant and won't retain water.
• Adjustability: It is important to choose guide-ons that offer adjustability in terms of height and width. This will allow you to customise the fit to conform to different boat sizes. The more snug the fit, the easier it is to keep the boat centred on the trailer.
• Durable Materials: The materials used for your trailer guides will impact their durability. PVC is commonly used for posts due to its lightweight and affordable nature, but it may not be strong enough for larger boats. Steel and aluminium are stronger options but are more prone to corrosion and rust. Consider materials with protective coatings, such as zinc or galvanised finishes, to enhance durability.
• Ease of Installation: Opt for guide-ons that are user-friendly and easy to install. Look for options that come with comprehensive installation manuals and all the necessary mounting hardware included.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the guide-ons you choose are compatible with the size and type of your boat and trailer. Larger and heavier boats will require taller and sturdier guides, while smaller boats can use more compact options.

Trailer Guide Types: Different styles include post, bunk, and roller guides, each with advantages for specific trailer and boat types

Trailer guides are an essential accessory for boat owners, making it easier to load and unload a boat from a trailer. They are especially useful when facing strong winds or water currents, and they help to prevent damage to the boat's hull. There are several types of trailer guides available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Post Guides

Post guides feature adjustable metal brackets that clamp onto the trailer frame, with PVC posts that stick up vertically. They are typically tall enough to be visible when the trailer is backed into the water, providing a visual guide to help centre the boat. Post guides are durable but tend to work better with smaller boats, as the weight of larger boats can cause the PVC posts to bend and snap.

Roller Guides

Roller guides are similar to post guides but feature 9- to 12-inch rollers made of non-marking rubber to protect the boat's surface. They are sturdier and more durable, making them a better option for larger boats. Roller guides come in different heights to accommodate different boat sizes and offer some height and roller angle adjustments. However, they are usually shorter than post guides and may be more difficult to see when backing an empty trailer.

Bunk Guides

Bunk guides have adjustable brackets that connect to the trailer frame, with wooden planks covered in carpet to protect the boat's hull. They are sturdy and can be made even more durable for larger boats by adding an additional bracket. The carpeted surface helps to keep the boat in place and prevents scratches. Over time, the carpet or wood may need to be replaced due to wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions