side guides on bunk trailer

[jeffbilodeau]

If your boat has a rubber rub rail insert you might want to consider the tall pvc type. I had them on a previous boat and they had several pros.
1. Obviously.... guiding the boat onto the trailer.
2. Backing up an empty trailer was much easier especially at night.
3. White pvc much more visible when lining up the boat for a power load.

[Lunddude]

I put these on my Shorelander trailer in the 5 1/2' size and really like them + the quality of the product is great. I duck hunt on the Snake River here in Idaho where there's always a pretty good current and loading my Alaskan 1800 SC back on the trailer is a piece of cake by myself with these bunk guides.

http://www.veveinc.com/shop/Boat-Tra...unk-Guide-Ons/

[Jeepman]

I had them. I took them off after scoffing the boat sides several times and find I load better without them.

Jeepman

[Radnine]

I have them (only because they came with the trailer when purchased) and have found them to be very handy when loading and to use as a reference point for centering the boat etc.
Mine are the carpetted wood type (like mini bunks) and I have not noticed any scratches.
I guess I can't imagine why one wouldn't have them.
Jim

[Hawker]

You'll be fine without them, just takes a little practice and patience while loading on windy (side wind) days.

[REW]

Flag,
Simply put - use your trailer for a season and see if you have any issues at all with loading or unloading your boat.

If you don't, or have very minimal issues, then save your self the hassle, cost and potential boat damage by leaving the rails off.

If, on the other hand, you are loading in very strong currents or winds and find that you are having lots of issues, then consider possibly installing the rails.

REW

[NAV165]

I find this discussion interesting. I have a roller trailer and love it. All I ever read is how easy it is to load on a bunk trailer, "always loads straight" etc and now a bunch of people say they wouldn't be without the guides because it makes it so easy to load? I'm confused? I really don't have a problem loading on my roller trailer and 90 percent of my fishing is done in a river, with current and wind and no dock. I'm contemplating a new rig and I'm still not sure if I want bunks or rollers. Seems to me if you need load guides the trailer is in the water too deep.

[mrwalleye5]

Go with a hybrid, rollers on the front ,bunks on the back. I have guides but they are only used to see if the boat is within 3" of being dead on the trailer. If it is a few inches to one side I tighten the strap on the high side and the first tiny bump I hit when I leave the launch the boat settles down where "she" is comfortable.

[locomoto]

I've got load guides on my bunk trailer and I can't say that I've ever needed them. I line the bow up with the center of the trailer and idle up the trailer until the boat stops...I peek over the sides to see that I'm centered based on the guides position....trim the motor up a bit and gas it on within a few inches of the bow roller. For the extra money I'm glad I have the load guides just in case.