[MontanaProf]

Hi all!

I see in some of the forum members' profile pictures that some of you have trailering guide ons.

I've been considering this for my trailer.

What are the pros / cons of these things?

What are some of the considerations to make when purchasing / making a choice between the various types?

Many thanks!!

[brick]

Do you have a problem trailering? I question if they are required. I put my trailer in so the top of the front fender is at water level. The bunks hold the hull in place every time. Trailer guides might help if you are in very choppy water, or if you put the trailer in deeper.
brick

[mpm330]

Have had trailer guides on past trailers that I had. What I found was that if the ramp is shallow and the back of the trailer is not sitting to deep, trailer guides don't help that much. If the ramp is steep and when the boat is on the trailer the stern is still floating then they do help to keep the boat in position.

[ChefP]

I'd really like to add the taller ones because when we are retrieving the boat, the trailer is impossible to see out of the back window of the Durango. For now, we back the empty trailer in with the hatch open. I'm OK with just the mirrors, but I like to see the trailer, too. If I decide to add them, I'll definitely go with the guide-mounted lights as well, just to help other drivers see me better while trailering.

[gl115]

have them, love them , would not have a trailer with out one, play either in the river or lake erie so it helps guide the boat on.
don't like the side ways bunk board ones as much, they work just as well but in the way when cleaning the boat and you don't get to see the back of the trailer as easy in the water.
bad thing is you have to remember to take off the back fender when retrieving or it will get wedged between the pole and the boat.

[roostonu]

I'd say if you've considered getting them, you would probably benefit from them. If you currently use a ramp that is shallow enough to not need them, it doesn't mean you will never use a ramp that would benefit from them. My brothers old boat trailer didn't have them and you had to pull out real slow so the boat would settle into the center of the trailer. Had to back back down fairly often to get it to move over a little. It was especially difficult if anything was in the boat causing one side to be a little heavier than the other. Our trailer has the square steel tubes with carpeted boards that actually when adjusted correctly force the boat to the center. Especially helpful when loading the boat while there is a cross breeze which is often. I think the long PVC pipe type are more for trailer backing and just so you can see where the back of the trailer is when it's under water.

[gl115]

roostonu, on 30 July 2010 - 04:20 PM, said:

I'd say if you've considered getting them, you would probably benefit from them. If you currently use a ramp that is shallow enough to not need them, it doesn't mean you will never use a ramp that would benefit from them. My brothers old boat trailer didn't have them and you had to pull out real slow so the boat would settle into the center of the trailer. Had to back back down fairly often to get it to move over a little. It was especially difficult if anything was in the boat causing one side to be a little heavier than the other. Our trailer has the square steel tubes with carpeted boards that actually when adjusted correctly force the boat to the center. Especially helpful when loading the boat while there is a cross breeze which is often. I think the long PVC pipe type are more for trailer backing and just so you can see where the back of the trailer is when it's under water.

if you look at the pic above of my trailer, have had the pvc type for years, they center the boat also,plus give good trailer viability, plus not in the way when cleaning the boat.plus ( knock on wood) never had a pipe come out and leave a lag screw dangling to put a nice scratch in the gel coat.
almost forgot to mention that they make a roller version, usually on steel trailers for guide ons that work great also, nice bolt on design and no worry about lag screws sticking out.

[thecardude]

We had them on our last boat trailer... Even when it was smooth, it helped to center the boat... Also, we have never done it but I have seen people remount their lights on the top of the PVC pipes... Keeps them out of the water and may make the bulbs last longer....

[krmartonik]

Our trailer came with them, wasn't sure if I would like them. A little worried about the side lettering on the boat. But as others have said, they are great in deep water ramps for keeping the rear in line. All in all I am glad I have them.