Considering a set of Load Guide Posts - Any Rec's?

Tin Man · Oct 29, 2024

My tracker came with short (2') side load guides. They are about 2' above trailer frame. Unfortunately, many owner's of the newer PG V16SC models have experienced issues with side guide boards hitting the edge of hull mounted through hulls (cracking them) when loading boat onto trailer. The through hulls and side boards meet when boat is being retrieved at launch ramp. I believe the real issue lies in the t-hull. It is mounted approx. 1/4"-3/8" away from hull. It has a gasket seal that is either foam or rubber. This slight offset is what catches the edge of guide board when you are loading (see pics).

So, rather than wait til it happens to me....I am considering load guides that use PVC pipes that slide over square tubing uprights. I would remove the original side guides. Many brands of these post guides appear to be similar but it's the "hat" bracket that is used to clamp square tubing to frame that has me concerned. It looks like very thin gauge metal. Some guide posts use gussets on tubing for added strength, but most do not.

Here are a couple that I have found:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Extreme...-Stainless-Steel-Hardware-3005-5542/325143154

https://www.vevor.com/boat-trailer-...e-on-with-2pcs-pvc-tube-covers-p_010672885465

Anybody use post guides and can comment on their quality, effectiveness, etc? Brand?

Thanks!

airshot · Oct 29, 2024

To each his own, but after 60 years of boating, I find posts to be fairly useless. I have long side guides ( about 5' long) with a pole on each side in the rear. The only reason for the pole is a deep water launch or retrieve. On windy days or in strong current, the poles have proven worthless when used without side guides. I just bolted my pvc pipe to the upright for the side guide with SS carriage bolts. Height of the side guide can make a big difference along with the angle of the ramp you use. Most I have seen are height adjustable. My side guides are set about 3/4" away from the hull on each side. I normally power load and have not had my boat off center since getting my trailer setup properly. Many that load in no current or a protected ramp with little wind just use guide poles and have good success with them. I have noticed trailers with just poles do have more difficulty getting their boat centered. Good luck with whatever you decide......

Tin Man · Oct 29, 2024

My current guide boards are low when using most my local ramps. My local ramps are steep and the area is windy when I return at the end of fishing. With the steep angle and wind....guide boards do little to no good. The hitting of the through hull is also a concern.

airshot · Oct 29, 2024

Side guides are a big plus in high winds and currents if set the the proper height and are long enough. My Sylvan also has thru hull fittings but a taper at the beginning of the guide and the carpet covering it makes those thru hull fittings glide over with no issues...I have owned prior trailers with guide posts only, never again as it is way to easy to get off center with just guide posts. Might also make a difference how the rest of your trailer is set up !! With my setup, the boat cannot get off center even if you tried .....

LDUBS · Oct 30, 2024

I used CE Smith guide posts for a long time with no issues. Might check that brand out on eTrailer.

If you are otherwise happy with the existing side bunks, you could cut a bevel at each end to eliminate the chance of catching anything.

InSaneFisherMan · Oct 30, 2024

If I didn't have the guide post, I would be on a lot of boat launch videos, I can't see my trailer when backing up.

Not perfect, but they do help in strong winds.

Still Afloat · Oct 30, 2024

It sounds like the guide rails just need some improvement. Beveling ends as others mentioned or changing the angle.

Here’s the guide rail on mine.

Tin Man · Oct 30, 2024

I am going to revisit the guide bunk application. I did have them on my last boat (Alumacraft) and they worked great. I'll have to check a few things the next time I'm at the ramp and loading the boat... my hull height relative to guide bunks and guide bunks height relative to through hulls. I believe if guide bunks were higher (than existing height), they would clear through hulls.

Since I usually launch and retrieve (solo) my boat adjacent to dock (1-2 docks are adjacent to ramps) and unload/load pulling on dock lines, my current set up appears adequate. However, when I launch at an unfamiliar ramp with no docks adjacent to ramp, I'll need to power launch/load and that's when the hitting of through hulls may become an issue.

AlanT · Oct 30, 2024

I have both the vertical pvc poles (installed many years ago) and side guide rails (installed a couple of years ago). The vertical poles did no good on steep ramps with high current or winds - the boat would pivot around the poles. I haven't had a problem since installing the side guide rails. I would look for a solution for the through-hull fitting, such as beveled edge, front height adjustment, or something else. BTW, I left the vertical poles on because I have my trailer lights connected to them and didn't want to change it.

LDUBS · Oct 30, 2024

Still Afloat said:
It sounds like the guide rails just need some improvement. Beveling ends as others mentioned or changing the angle.

Here’s the guide rail on mine.

View attachment 123403

Those chine guides are awesome.

Tin Man · Oct 31, 2024

I'm thinking the guide posts provide: A visual guide when loading boat as well as trailer depth. They can even be marked to indicate, not only rear of trailer depth, but bunk depth, once various measurements have been taken.

As boat is retrieved/loaded and enters the guides, they prevent stern of boat from blowing off trailer. Trailer depth when retrieving, should be that bunks catch the V of my hull at bow, thus preventing bow from blowing off trailer. At least that is how I place my trailer and load. It's the stern that wants to blow off trailer, not bow, when windy. If I had side guides that were 24" tall from trailer frame (deep V hull), this may be prevented. My current 13" guides are 18" tall and do nothing to prevent stern from blowing off trailer.

I'm going to give the posts a try and see how they perform. If I'm not satisfied with the results, I'll add side guides that are 24" tall from frame. In my research, I found only one outfit that has guide bunks with a height range that is 19"-25". All other side guides that I have found are 21" max height; most are 16"-18".

Considering a set of Load Guide Posts - Any Rec's?

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