Helena Frye
Loading a boat onto a trailer can be a challenging task, even for an experienced boater. Thankfully, there are boat trailer guides, or guide-ons, that can make the process much easier and safer. These guides help to prevent accidents and minimise wear by keeping the boat centred on the trailer. They come in a variety of styles, including roller, bunk, and post guides, and can be made from materials such as PVC, aluminium, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. When choosing a boat trailer guide, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat, as well as the ramp you will be using. Additionally, look for guides that are adjustable, durable, and easy to install. Some recommended brands include CE Smith, Extreme Max, Fulton, and VE-VE Inc.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Roller, Bunk, Post |
| Height | Bunk style: 18-24 inches. Post style: 36-60 inches. |
| Material | PVC, aluminium, steel, rubber, wood, marine-grade carpet |
| Use | Roller guides are good for larger boats. Bunk guides are good for smaller boats. Post guides are good for smaller boats and in windy conditions. |
| Installation | Some guides require drilling holes in the trailer frame. Roller-style guides may require different hardware or brackets. |
| Adjustability | Most guides are adjustable to fit your specific boat and trailer. |
| Maintenance | Regularly inspect for damage and wear. |
What You'll Learn
Roller-style guide-ons
When choosing roller-style guide-ons, it is important to consider the size of the rollers relative to your boat. Smaller rollers may be less sturdy for bigger boats. Another factor to keep in mind is visibility, as the guides help you get the boat on and off the trailer. Roller-style guide-ons tend to be less visible than other styles, so you may want to opt for ones with lighting installed.
Some popular options for roller-style guide-ons include the Extreme Max Roller Guide On System, which offers up to 16 inches of horizontal adjustment and is suitable for medium-sized boats. The CE Smith Guide-On Roller is another good choice, with nine-inch rollers and adjustable sides of up to 13 inches. For those on a budget, the HECASA Boat Trailer Guide is a simple yet sturdy option made of aluminium.
Exploring Sweden and Denmark by Boat: How Far?
You may want to see also
Bunk-style guide-ons
When choosing bunk-style guide-ons, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat and trailer. They should be tall enough to be visible when the trailer is in the water and compatible with your trailer frame. It is also crucial to ensure that the guide-ons are made of sturdy and corrosion-resistant materials, especially if they will be used in saltwater.
Some popular options for bunk-style guide-ons include the CE Smith Guide-On Bunkboard, which features adjustable poles and carpeted boards, and the Extreme Max Bunk Trailer Guide-On, which offers a pair of carpeted bunks with adjustable width and height. These guide-ons have received positive reviews for their ease of installation, sturdiness, and value for money.
Overall, bunk-style guide-ons are an essential tool for boat owners, making the loading and unloading process safer and more efficient. They provide clear guidance and help to keep the boat centred on the trailer, even in challenging conditions such as strong winds or currents.
Replacing Windows on Your Crestliner: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Post-style guide-ons
When choosing post-style guide-ons, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat, as well as the size and shape of your trailer. Ensure that the guide-ons are tall enough to be visible when the trailer is in the water and that they are compatible with your trailer's frame.
Some recommended products include:
- C.E. Smith Trailer Post Guide: Made of pre-galvanized 16-gauge steel, this guide is incredibly strong and has a white pipe that is easy to see even when in the water. It is adjustable and comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. However, the zinc coating is thin and may not provide sufficient protection against rust and corrosion.
- SeaSense Trailer Post Guides: These guides have LED lights that turn from red to green when your boat is ready to launch, making it extremely easy to see what you're doing. They are highly visible and come in different heights, ranging from 40 to 60 inches. The kit includes mounting hardware, but watch out for the nut locks, as they may need to be replaced with galvanized nuts.
- Smith 60'' Post Trailer Guide-Ons: This product has received positive reviews for its performance and ease of use.
- Tie Down High-Impact Pontoon Trailer Guide-Ons: These guide-ons are designed specifically for pontoon boats and are made of galvanized steel for strength and durability. They have moulded PVC to prevent scratches on your boat hull.
Best Onion Choices for Frito Boats
You may want to see also
Boat trailer guides with lights
SeaSense Trailer Post Guides
The SeaSense trailer post guide features LED lights that turn from red to green when your boat is ready to launch. The lighting array is waterproof. The guide poles are 40 inches long, but SeaSense also offers 48-inch and 60-inch options. The kit includes mounting hardware, and installation is fairly fast. However, watch out for the nut locks as they can get stripped easily.
Guide-ON Post with LED Light
This boat trailer guide pole features a durable design and includes a LED light. It is easy to install and can be purchased online.
Partsam 2pcs Boat Trailer Guide on Post Pipe Light Set
This set of two boat trailer guide pole lights is DOT approved and IP67 waterproof. It includes a 12V LED PVC pipe light for guide-ons, turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights.
Boat Trailer Guide Lights, IP67 Waterproof Boat Trailer Guide Pole Light, 12V LED PVC Pipe Lights for Guide ons Post Sealed Submersible Turn Signal Brake Marker Reverse (2PCS)
This set of two boat trailer guide pole lights is also IP67 waterproof and features bright, long-lasting SMD-type LED tail lights. It includes a 12V LED PVC pipe light for guide-ons, turn signals, brake lights, and marker reverse lights.
Attwood 14066-7 Trailer Guide Lights
These trailer guide lights from Attwood have a length of 27 inches and a diameter of 1/4 inch. They are available for purchase on Amazon.
VEVOR Boat Trailer Guide, 46” with LED Light Trailer Guide Poles, 2PCS Rustproof Steel Trailer Guide ons, Trailer Guides with PVC Pipes, for Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer
This set of two trailer guide poles from VEVOR features a rustproof steel construction and PVC pipes. It includes LED lights and mounting hardware. It is suitable for ski boats, fishing boats, and sailboats.
Exploring Hawaii: San Diego's Distant Tropical Paradise
You may want to see also
Boat trailer guide pads
The primary purpose of boat trailer guide pads is twofold: to safeguard the boat from potential scratches or damage during the loading and unloading process, and to protect the trailer guides themselves from wear and tear. The pads act as a buffer between the boat hull and the trailer guides, ensuring a smooth and gentle loading experience.
When selecting boat trailer guide pads, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat, as well as the specific requirements of your trailer system. Pads are available in various lengths, such as 36 inches, 42 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, and even 72 inches. It is crucial to choose pads that are compatible with the dimensions of your trailer guides and the size of your boat.
Some boat trailer guide pads are designed with additional features, such as reflective strips or UV fade-proof technology, to enhance their functionality and durability. Reflective strips improve visibility, making it easier to load and unload the boat in low-light conditions. UV fade-proof technology, on the other hand, ensures that the pads remain resilient and maintain their appearance even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
It is worth noting that boat trailer guide pads are typically sold in pairs, as most trailer systems require two guide poles or posts. Proper maintenance of these pads is essential to extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Regular cleaning and inspection can help identify any wear or damage, allowing for prompt replacement or repair.
In summary, boat trailer guide pads are a vital component of the trailer guide system, providing protection for both the boat and the trailer guides themselves. By selecting the appropriate size and type of pads, boat owners can ensure a seamless and safe loading and unloading experience, while also prolonging the lifespan of their equipment.
Exploring Sanibel Island: A Boat Trip from Port Charlotte
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Boat trailer guides are simple tools that can help you avoid accidents and damage to your boat. They prevent damage to the hull of your boat, make hauling safer by keeping the boat centred and balanced, and make loading faster by directing the boat to the centre of the trailer.
There are three types of boat trailer guides: post guides, roller guides, and bunk guides. Post guides are best for smaller boats as they provide a vertical pinpoint of the trailer's location in the water. Roller guides are sturdier and more durable, making them suitable for larger boats, but they are harder to see. Bunk guides are typically made from planks of wood wrapped in carpet and adjusted to accommodate the size and depth of the boat's hull.
Consider the size and shape of your trailer and boat, the type of ramp you use, the materials the guides are made of, and whether the guides are adjustable.
