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

[Tin Man]

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]

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]

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]

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 .....