Trailer Guides

[vetleap]

I'm considering a different boat and the trailer has guides on it. Can they do more harm than good by scuffing up the boat when you brush up against them? I've never taken a close look at any so I'm kind of clueless...

Thanks

[REW]

Vetleap,
Well designed trailer guides should not damage your boat and can be a lifesaver if you need to launch and load your boat in heavy wind or current.

They really help to keep the boat centered for those less than optimal ramp - wind, weather, and water current conditions.

Good luck

[Bobby Winds]

If they are carpeted guides, then just back your trailer deep into the lake to get those carpeted guides wet and then pull up to the proper depth (usually when the fenders are 4-6" above the water line). A dry carpet can and will leave scuff marks on a new boat finish.

[Redy2fish]

Originally Posted by vetleap

I'm considering a different boat and the trailer has guides on it. Can they do more harm than good by scuffing up the boat when you brush up against them? I've never taken a close look at any so I'm kind of clueless...

Thanks

Defiantly worth looking into, i picked up a new boat last year and learned about this the hard way

I ended taking my off for the season, you did not mention what boat your looking at so choosing the right side bunk/post will make a difference

Im going to try this vertical post made by shorelander, seen them on a boat and there heavy duty so they wont bend if you bump them to hard and it will only contact my rum rail

Good luck

[fishin10]

I installed these on my trailer. Makes it very easy to load the boat, centers it 100% of the time on my roller trailer. These are the heavy duty guides from BassPro 42". Make sure you allow a inch or two between guide and side of boat, they will vibrate in the wind going down the road.

[vetleap]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking at the boat on Wednesday. It's an aluminum 1875 with carpeted guides. I would imagine if installed correctly they should help, after all, that's what they are made for. I just have a bad vision of what could possibly happen. Again, knowing nothing about these, are there rules as to where on the boat they should make contact?

[Bobby Winds]

Make sure once the boat is loaded and BEFORE strapping it down that there is close to equal distance from the carpeted pads to the boat. You do NOT want them rubbing while traveling down the road or you will get scuff marks and could even wear right through the paint because they do vibrate as you will see in your truck mirrors.

A shoulder or two on the starboard or port side of the vessel near the transom will be that big boar over a inch or so to Get 'R Done.