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The 10 Best Boat Trailer Guides for 2024

Extreme Max Roller Guide On System

SeaSense Trailer Post Guides

CE Smith Guide On Bunkboard

A good set of boat trailer guides can be invaluable. You already know how troublesome loading and unloading your fishing boat can be at the best of times. Doing it with broken or wonky trailer guides is so much worse. Sometimes a DIY guide made from an old 2×4 will get the job done. But sometimes you want to go all out. A quality product can ensure an easy and safe boat launch. Let’s take a look at the best boat trailer guides on the market.

You may pay a little more for Extreme Max but they’re worth it. The heavy duty roller guides are second to none. They feature a 13″ roller assembly. That means you get up to 14″ (3″ trailer frame) or 16″ (2″ trailer frame) of horizontal adjustment. That’s pretty decent for a medium sized boat. The steel is zinc-coated so please, only use this in freshwater. They resist normal corrosion but in saltwater you’ll have trouble.

The uprights sit up high enough to offer a good line of sight. The rollers are sturdy and support your boat well. The mounting kit contains everything you’ll need to get it attached. If you have a larger frame trailer, you can upgrade to a larger sized kit.

Installation is easy, especially if you’re familiar with installing trailer guides. If not, expect it to only take about an hour to get the job done. The big hurdle here is the included instructions. They’re basically useless. That said, there are numerous mounting plates to fit most trailer frames. In a pinch, you may need to drill some new holes but that’s fine. You should be able to piece it together based on the layout of holes and the picture. If not, Google some guides and a video walkthrough.

Buy on Amazon →
$96.15 Walmart →

The SeaSense trailer post guide is highly visible and extremely useful. The guide poles are 40 inches long. You can also get different heights to suit your needs. SeaSense offers 48 inches all the way up to 60 inches. That’s a pretty impressive size. It’s good for most boaters’ needs for sure.

The LED lighted posts make it extremely easy to see what you’re doing. The LED lights turn from red to green when your boat is ready to launch. As you’d expect, the lighting array is totally waterproof. You can get even the biggest boats lined up straight with these.

The kit includes the mounting hardware to affix the guide poles. The U-bolts are 5-1/4.” The steel supports are 1-1/2″ wide. The pipes are 2-1/2″ in diameter. The poles are steel and the caps are red PVC for visibility. Installation is fairly fast overall. If you follow the directions, it shouldn’t take much time at all. That said, watch out for the nut locks. Some reports suggest they are not super sturdy. The company seems to be mixing their metals. The brackets are steel but the u bolts are galvanized. The nuts can get stripped easily and lose their nylon collars. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy some replacements. Go for some galvanized nuts to keep everything the same.

In terms of use, these are highly visible. They do a great job of helping you guide your boat in and out of the water. You may want to tweak the caps, though. Because the poles are hollow, when you hit the water the air gets pressurized. That will blow the red caps off the top. Drill a small hole in each one to prevent that from happening.

Buy on Walmart →

For price and function, CE Smith has what you need. This bunk board guide system is tough and easy to use. It features 2” x 4” x 24″ boards. They’re made of untreated yellow pine. They’re upholstered with marine grade carpet to ensure smooth support for your boat.

The poles hit a height of 21 inches. You can adjust them out to 13 inches on either side. They can fit smaller frames and also some larger sizes. The mounting brackets can handle a frame up to 3 inches by 4/1/4 inches. Also, they can be mounted on top of the frame. This gives you a few more inches of height depending on your trailer. Obviously these aren’t for a giant boat. But a small to medium boat should do well with them. Combine them with PVC pole guides and you should have a really solid launch system in place.

We recommend these for something like a 16 foot fishing boat. This guide should be perfect for a boat of that size. The metal parts are all well constructed. The wood may seem a little rickety depending on the side of your boat and how you load it in. Tight up the screws and you should be fine, though.

In terms of height adjustment, you can always invest in larger u bolts. It’s possible to get this on a larger trailer if you need to. The installation process is an easy one here. CE Smith includes everything you need. It’s pretty easy to follow along with the instructions.

All things considered, these may be the best board style boat trailer guides on the market.

$129.99 Bass Pro →

FiberFly Roll On System

FiberFly goes all out to make sure you have what you need with their trailer guides. The roller system comes with heavy duty 13” roller assembly. There are also 97-degree arms and the necessary nuts and bolts to fully attach the rollers. The full mounting kit is included. They even include two wrenches. You can upgrade to a 6” bolt kit if you need to.

The set up offers up to 14″ (3″ trailer frame) or 16″ (2″ trailer frame) of horizontal adjustment. It fits bunk or roller-style trailer frames up to 3″ wide x 4. 25″ tall.

The steel is zinc-coated for strength and corrosion resistance. Keep in mind that means it was designed for freshwater use. If you take this to the sea, you risk serious corrosion damage. Saltwater is going to eat through this pretty quickly.

In terms of use, the rollers are tough and reliable.They do a good job of keeping your boat straight and centered. Bumps and wind won’t cause a problem when trying to get back on. Your boat should ease on and off with little effort. Plus the rubber is gentle enough that you won’t have to worry about scrapes.

The uprights are a handy tool at launch. They give you a decent line of sight for getting the boat on the water. Installation is also very straightforward. If you’ve ever put guides on your trailer before, this is a breeze. And even if you haven’t, it’s pretty self explanatory.

Amazon →

Extreme Max Single Post

For a solid and sturdy boat guide, Extreme Max has you covered. This single post comes with an 18” carpeted bunk board. All the mounting tools are included in the kit as well. You can adjust the size vertically from 19 inches up to 25 inches. They will fit bunk or roller-style trailers up to 3″ wide x 4. 25″ tall.

You’ll want to use these on a 14 foot to 16 foot trailer. The hardware included will allow it to attach to a 2 inch to a 3 inch frame. If you have a larger trailer, you can still upgrade. 5.25” and 6.25” kits are available. That said, even though there are a number of brackets, you may need to make an adjustment. As you may know, not all boat trailer frames are created equal. It’s possible you may have to drill a new hole or two to get these attached. The boards themselves have the potential to spin on the vertical. A second hole drilled in that support may be needed as well.

The kit is strong, Extreme Max makes a tough product. Even if you do need to drill a new hole, expect it to be sturdy. That said, we have heard that some people have had experience with them being a little loose. Depending on how committed you are, this may not be an issue. They can be welded in place if you like the overall performance. That ensures a serious hold for a long-lasting guide. Of course, that means you’re 100% committed at that point. We’re not suggesting you weld them, and you probably don’t need to. But it is an option some owners have tried for added strength.

The guides themselves are made from pressure-treated wood. Marine carpeting covers the wood to ensure a gentle and smooth guide. This allows your boat to ease on and off with no troubles. You should be able to adjust to a perfect height for most boats.

Tie Down Engineering High Impact Pontoon Trailer Guide On

Tie Down Engineering’s posts are designed for pontoon boats . The posts are meant to be mounted on the frame between the pontoons. The posts are made of galvanized steel for strength and durability. Molded PVC has been applied over the top. This ensures your boat hull won’t be scratched up.

Your trailer frame should be 2 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches high for the mounting to fit. Hardware is included for those sizes. You could potentially mount it on a wider frame, but you’ll need a different mounting kit. We recommended giving a couple of inches of space on each side. That way they still center your pontoon boat but offer wiggle room. On a windy day, this can make things much easier.

We have to point out that some people have had issues with these being shipped poorly. In the past it seemed like the company was packing these too tightly. The result was a lot of dings and scrapes. Product arrived damaged and unusable. This didn’t happen to everyone, but it was a concern.

Installation of these is easy enough. Just make sure all the parts are present. You may need to upgrade your u bolts if you have a wider frame.

$125.98 Walmart →

CE Smith Jon Boat Bunk Support

Sometimes you don’t need to go out and buy an entire new set of guides. If you need some support for the front of your Jon boat . When you need to guide in a flat bottomed Jon boat and keep it supported, this is perfect. The board is made from untreated yellow pine. It’s covered in marine grade carpet. That means it won’t damage the bottom of your boat when it slides into place.

The bracket is made of galvanized steel. It’s incredibly tough and can stand up to a lot of abuse. It’s corrosion resistant in fresh water. Keep it away from saltwater, however.

These supports are cheap and easy to install. They do need to be used in conjunction with additional guides, however. These are meant to support the front of a flat bottom boat. They help you ease it in and out of the trailer. But they don’t offer any kind of a visual guide for loading your boat. Your best bet is to use this in conjunction with another kind of bunkboard and posts.

$59.35 Walmart →

Hecasa Boat Trailer Guide Poles

If you need something simple and to the point, here you go. Hecasa’s guide poles are about as basic as basic gets. They’re literally just aluminum poles. Not fancy, right? Sometimes that’s all you need. Because they’re made of aluminum, you can expect them to stand up to the elements.

The poles measure at 1-1/2” square aluminum tubing. They feature 1/8” wall thickness and are 46” tall and 24.5” wide. You get two in a pack and that’s it. That means there is no hardware included. For some, that’s a deal breaker. But if you want to take this job into your open hands, it’s ideal. This means you don’t need to worry about whether or not the hardware of a kit fits your frame. You can make it fit on your own with the right bolts you pick yourself.

Once you have them installed, you can slide PVC pipe over the top. There are tapes on the side to prevent the pipes from sliding down too far. That ensures a more gentle contact with your hull. This isn’t really made clear anywhere in the product literature, but that’s what you want to do. Like we said, this is just barely a step above a DIY project. Basically, you’re paying for aluminum that has been cut and bent to the size and shape you need for a trailer.

Be cautious of the size of your boat with these. Since they are aluminum, they do not have the strength of steel guides. Because they’re so tall, you may be tempted to use them with a bigger boat. But the size could cause them to bend.

Fulton Economy Boat Trailer Guides

This may be one of the best pole guides on the market. It’s simple, flexible, and noticeable. They’re extremely easy to install no matter what your skill level is. That said, you’re going to need some hardware. You may need to pick up some extra bolts. Also, there are holes in the post that seem to have no purpose. You may want to tape those up. The mounting bolts in place and should be sturdy once you have it ready to go. You may need to add some new holes depending on the design of your trailer frame, of course.

You’ll need to adjust them a few times to get them at the proper tension against your boat. They’re not the strongest material in the world, but they are durable. Because it’s PVC it won’t scratch your hull. Better yet, it can handle freshwater or saltwater. You can mount them on a frame with a height of five inches and a width of three inches. You can adjust the width on either side up to 10 inches.

Once installed, it’s pretty easy to line up the boat. The goal post design is easy to aim for.

Kuafu Board Trailer Guide

Kuafu offers a high quality product at a good price. They also have a 30-day, no questions asked guarantee. It’s not a long time to make a decision, but the no questions asked part is a good feature. Install them, use them for a few days, and see what you think. If you don’t like them, you lost nothing. That said, we think you probably will find them to be a top quality set of guides.

The clamps that secure the arm to your trailer are well manufactured. Once you have it secured in place, expect a very solid guide. There is much less wiggle than some other models produce. The metal is zinc-plated for corrosion resistance. The company boasts that it can stand up to saltwater, but we find zinc-plated metal less than ideal in the ocean.

The carpeting is stapled onto the boards and we have to point out a weird flaw here. For some reason it’s stapled on the flat side of the board against the boat. So the staples have a chance of scraping your hull here. It’s a weird oversight and doesn’t make a lot of sense. We’d suggest re-wrapping the boards and then stapling the carpeting yourself. Staple it on the back and you should have no issues.

Installation is straightforward. There are no instructions included, so if you’re not confident with this kind of work, that could be a stressor. Overall, it’s easy to figure out, though. In a pinch, you could look up a video on the internet.

Things to Remember About Boat Trailer Guides

Not every boat trailer guide is going to work with your trailer. Unfortunately, there are literally hundreds of different trailer sizes and shapes out there. You’ll need to take some close measurements to ensure the right fit and right function. Here’s what you need to look out for.

Matching Guides to Boat Trailers

There are three basic styles of boat trailer load guides. Each one has its merits. In some cases, it may just be what kind you like best. Others work better with certain trailer styles.

Roller Trailer Guides

Boat trailer roller guides attach to your trailer on a post like any other guides. The surface supporting your boat’s hull is a spinning rubber roller. These can be up to 12 inches in length. They offer firm support. Because they are rubber and they roll, they offer a smooth transition for your boat. Rubber rollers are gentle and sturdy. They tend to be a much better choice for larger boats. That doesn’t mean they won’t work for smaller boats. But as the boat size increases, you want to stick with rubber roller trailer guides.

You need to match the roller size to your boat size. Smaller rollers will be far less sturdy for a bigger boat. Another concern is visibility. The guides help you get the boat on and off by establishing a line of sight. You need to see the guides to help get your boat on and off the trailer. Roller guides tend to be harder to see than other styles.

Bunk Trailer Guides

Trailer bunks have a bunk board that supports your boat. This is what the name suggests – a wooden board. Bunk guide ons are usually covered in marine grade carpet for smoothness. This makes them less likely to scratch your boat.

They make use of an adjustable bracket that you can raise or lower so it supports and guides your boat as needed. You need more of these guides if you have longer guides. The upside is that these are typically cheaper than other guides. Also, in a pinch, these are the easiest to make on your own. You just need wood and carpet. But they can fall apart after a while as well. Cheaper bunk boards will crack or rot. The carpet can wear thin as well.

Post Trailer Guides

Post guide ons the best for helping you see what you’re doing. Like a bunk guide, they feature a vertical metal post. However, the boat trailer guide posts are typically much longer. The adjustable metal bracket can be raised quite high. That way, as you back your trailer to the water, you can easily see them.

Most posts are PVC. The plastic is sturdy but not meant to handle large boats. If you tried to use a post trailer guide with too large a boat, they could break. Ideally, these are used for smaller vessels. The kind you would have trouble seeing otherwise. The visible post makes it easy to see where the boat is and launch it successfully and easily.

When it comes to all the expenses of a boat, you can get in deep. The last thing you want to do is break the bank of guides for your trailer. That’s why many boaters opt to DIY some bunk boards on their own. They can be made for just a few dollars’ worth of wood and carpet.

If you want to buy professionally made guides, you don’t need to break the bank. For a small to mid-size boat, you can get good guides for around $100. As your boat gets larger, you’ll need to upgrade a little. That may mean bigger guides, or just more of them. You’re looking at around $100 to $150 or so at this point.

Larger guides shouldn’t cost you over $200. You can find some that cost that much, but they may not be worth the price. That’s not to say they are not high quality. But you should be able to find strong, reliable guides for less.

Installation

You’re going to be attaching the guides yourself. That means you want all the installation hardware up front. Roller brackets, u bolts, everything to get it onto the trailer. The parts need to be made of high quality material as well. A boat trailer guide is useless if it is attached with garbage hardware.

In many cases, installation requires improvisation. Maybe the bolts are too short. Maybe you need to drill new holes. This happens more than you’d think. So be ready to adapt if the necessary mounting hardware isn’t all there.

Ease of Use

This goes hand in hand with installation. Believe it or not, but many trailer guides don’t come with instructions. Or the instructions they do come with are extremely vague. So having a well designed guide is important. Some of them are so easy to figure out, you can just look at them and know what to do. Others take some figuring out. The harder they are to install, the greater the chance something might go wrong.

Likewise, once installed, they need to be pretty intuitive. That’s why something like a bunk board is such a good idea. It’s a flat, carpeted board. It’s hard for that to go wrong. The more complex a guide is, the harder it can be to use properly.

What your guides are made from is important to how they work. Some guides are made with zinc-coated steel. This offers great support. Sturdy steel can handle the weight of most boats. But remember, it can’t be used in saltwater. Corrosion will eat through this very fast.

PVC is a gentle material. It won’t scratch your boat up like steel will. You also have no worries about corrosion when it comes to PVC. However, your boat will always be tougher than PVC. That means it can break more easily, too.

Aluminum boat trailer guides are good for standing up to the elements. They are lightweight but strong. Many DIY guides are made with some simple aluminum pipe and wood for the boards.

As we’ve already mentioned, wooden boards can warp or break over time. The marine carpet can wear down as well. Rubber rolls are durable but they do wear out over time. Exposure to the elements can dry them out until they crack and break.

We recommend PVC for any posts. It’s the best material for the job. For the metallic parts you want to look at galvanized if you’re near saltwater. Zinc-coated steel can work well for freshwater. Aluminum is also a solid choice.

Some trailer guides come with lighting installed. This can be a real helping hand. Posts can change the color of the trailer lights when you reach the right depth for launch or loading. These make doing the job at a glance very easy. You spend less time worrying about whether things are lined up correctly or not. Remember, there may be other people waiting to get on that ramp. Little touches like this can speed things along. Plus, you want to get in or out of the water in a hurry too, right? When you’re trying to load or unload your boat, it can get frustrating. Especially if you’re a first timer, or people are waiting. Lights offer a real helping hand.

Any good boat trailer loading guides will be adjustable. You should be able to adjust both height and width. But how far they adjust is another matter. Some only offer a few inches of range. Others can offer a considerable amount. You want the maximum range that still offers support. If they move out too far or too high, they could lack sturdiness.

Trailer and Boat Size

The size and shape of both your trailer and boat are key. Your guides are going to be useless if they can’t fit on your trailer frame. Likewise, you don’t want to use tiny roller guides for a 50 foot yacht. And giant rollers would be overkill for a little aluminum fishing boat.

Take the size of all your equipment into consideration. Pay special attention to what you can see when you have a boat on your trailer. The guides are meant to guide. You need to be able so see them and make use of them.

Always take accurate measurements. You need to measure your boat and your trailer. You only have so much room to work with when it comes to trailer guides. If you get the wrong size, they may not fit properly or at all. Every guide should tell you the proper dimensions. Then it’s just a matter of making sure your boat and trailer can work with it.

You really need to consider your specific boat before getting the guides installed. If you have a flat-bottom boat, it needs guides designed for it. This works much differently than a v-shaped keel. If you have a 10 foot long boat, it obviously needs different guides than a 50 footer. Likewise, a personal watercraft can make do with much smaller guides.

The right size guides are important for two reasons. The obvious one is that they help you get your boat on the trailer. But the other is a matter of safety. Once you have your boat on the trailer, guides still have that important job of support. Good guides hold the boat firmly in place. If your guides are too small or loose, the boat can shift. When you’re driving, or if a wind picks up, this could spell disaster. Proper guides keep you, your boat, and other people safe. They may not seem like much, but you should take them seriously.

Check Your Equipment

Boat trailers often spend a long time sitting around. During the off season we tend to store them and forget about them. Always give your guides a thorough inspection at the start and end of every season. If you use rollers, check the quality of the rubber. After too long in the heat, the sun, or dry conditions, rubber wears out. It can become brittle and flaky. If it starts falling apart, it needs to be replaced. Old rollers can damage your boat.

Likewise, check your bunk boards. Boards can go bad without you even noticing. If the carpet holds up, the boards may start to warp and crack underneath. More than one boat had endured boards cracking around the bolts. You’re trying to load your boat and the entire board snaps under the weight. That can result in just a thin layer of carpet between your boat and the metal mounts.

Replace the carpet if it’s starting to wear thin. It not only looks better, it works better. Holes in the carpet expose your hull to scrapes and scratches.

Make sure you check the quality before use. Ideally, check the guides every time you load and unload your boat. It doesn’t need to be an in depth inspection, but have a look. Make sure nothing is broken or loose. Better to find out before your boat starts moving.

Make sure all your brackets are secure. If need be, tighten up any bolts. If things are corroding, clean them up and treat them or replace them.

Look over PVC pipes. They can crack during the cold weather or because of sun exposure. If you have cracked PVC, you should get it replaced as soon as you can.

Boat Trailer Guide Care and Maintenance

Your new boat trailer guides won’t be good for long if you don’t maintain them. For the most part, they’re easy to keep in good working order. But just like your boat or trailer, they do require some effort.

The sun, the rain, the sea, and the hot and cold take their toll. Your big concerns are rust and corrosion. This is followed by general wear and tear. Metal or plastic that bends and breaks. Wood for the boards and carpet or rubber wearing out can also happen.

Most of the trailer guides we listed work well on their own. But not all. You may find having several guide types is best. We think using poles plus either boards or rollers is a great idea. The poles provide a solid visual for you to load and unload your boat. The boards or rollers ensure it slides in smoothly. Not everyone wants to bother with poles, but they really do help. It means you can line up the boat at a glance. That gets you in and out of the water so much faster.

Always check how things are installed once the boat is in place. If it looks off balanced, then something went wrong. Your boat should be straight and even once it’s on the trailer. There should be about a 2 inch gap between the keep and the tongue plate. If it’s closer than that, you should make an adjustment.

Clean your guides regularly. You wash your boat, you wash your car, wash your trailer. Keep them free of dirt and grease. If you do boat in saltwater, always rinse the entire trailer down after use.

Use some rust protection if the guides don’t already have it. A paint job or other coating can help extend the life.

Store them properly during the off season. Protect them from both extreme cold and extreme heat.

The Bottom Line

A lot goes into making a boat trailer work properly. It seems counterintuitive sometimes, given how simple most trailers look. The wheels, the lighting, the paint, it’s all important to ensuring the trailer works. And since trailers can cost thousands of dollars, you want all the pieces to function well.

The best boat trailer guides can do a lot for you. They make launching and loading your boat so much easier. And they keep it safe during travel. As we’ve seen, you have a lot of choices. Make sure you know your measurements for the trailer and the boat to make the right choice. Make sure they’re securely installed and that you know how to use them.

Enjoy your time on the water and stay safe.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

Categories : Boats

Dalton Bourne on April 17, 2022

These boat trailer rollers from SHORELINE MARINE are much better than the 170 stock Tracker trailer rollers. I replaced the old rubber fender on my boat. This one has 3 pieces, which makes it easy to install. Unfortunately, since my bot trailer is homemade, the mount is wider than the roller and I had to drill holes in the bracket to install the bolts, but it worked fine and worked better than my old stop.

Dalton Bourne on April 28, 2022

I also love its three-piece design that guarantees to reduce abrasion and drag. I never experienced any difficulties in launching my boat with this product.

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Our Reviews

The Working Man's Guide to Trailer Sailing

Last Updated by

Capt Chris German

June 15, 2022

Let's face it, life would be better with a 40 foot sailing yacht sitting on the hook just off your front yard on a tropical island. But if you are not quite there yet, maybe you want to start a little smaller. Let me introduce you to the Trailer Sailer.

A trailerable sailboat is in many ways better than a keel boat or a dinghy. You can get a trailer down a boat ramp, it stores for free in your backyard, and it has many of the benefits of a keel boat or dinghy, with fewer drawbacks. Some might argue that the perfect sailboat is the trailer sailer.

Table of contents

Trailer Sailers offer the Best of Both Worlds

For the last five years I have dabbled in both trailerable boats and keel boats, and have personally owned two trailerable sailboats .

They really were the perfect boats for my needs. They were small enough that I could tow them with my Ford Ranger, but big enough that I could sail outside the demarcation line at Cape Lookout in North Carolina, just one mile from the Atlantic Ocean.

They had a water ballast system so I could sail my wife, two dogs, myself and a whole weekend's worth of gear and a 13 foot dinghy though the sand bars and shallows of Bogue Sound and never have to drop my center board once.

They also fed me by allowing me to teach a few dozen sailors to master the tempestuous winds of East Carolina before I decided Hurricanes-be-damned and moved to Utah, I must admit I choked up a bit because these boats owed me nothing and I was sorry to see them go.

Trailerable Sailboats Can’t Handle as Much

Trailer Sailers are not perfect for every occasion despite my enthusiasm. Oftentimes the wind was just too much for these little girls, especially in places like East Carolina.

On days like those, sailing was not possible and I would drop sails and just motor, awkwardly, up the channel home.

Anything over 15 knots and the boat would be overpowered and simply luff up into the wind while under sail.

Luckily I had a really good 9-horse yamaha on days like that and we still enjoyed a day on the water - mostly.

That is to say, we always had fun, except when we didn’t, and that was the case on 4th of July 2019.

Jennifer and I decided to head to the cape that weekend in our trailer sailer “Flo’s Revenge” to escape the holiday crowds that always seem to pack into Beaufort to celebrate a holiday in the pre-covid days.

We set out at 6 pm on Friday with a pile of food and beer, tents and charcoal, dogs and sleeping bags.

We sailed over with a reefed main and a motor and arrived shortly before sunset to find that our usual anchorage had been erased from existence earlier in the season by a storm.

We decided to find a new spot and selected one that wasn’t quite as protected with less beach and more exposure to the channel traffic.

The first night went fine and we arose the next morning to find a bright sunshiny hightide and a steady stream of boats making their way across from Harkers Island.

We enjoyed the day, although we discovered that our dinghy motor was on the fritz and that when the tide went out, we were hard aground tilting the wrong way. At some point in the night, a thunderstorm came through, that I managed to sleep through.

Unfortunately, the tilt of the boat made my wife roll out of her bunk and the hatch leaked perfectly onto her forehead. We were forced to close the hatch to keep the wind and rain out, but the little boat turned into a sauna with my wife, myself, and two dogs packed inside and a tropical East Carolina thunderstorm raging outside.

Our boat rode hard at anchor that night and bounced off the bottom as the wind pushed us up against the beach. By the next morning, my wife was ready to kill me for sleeping so soundly and the boat was a good 30 feet up the beach from the high tide line.

Our tent had been shredded by the winds and most of our food was washed out to sea or soaked in sand and saltwater. Needless to say, I was in deep trouble for sleeping so hard.

I waited for the high tide to come in and told my wife that we would head home as soon as we could float the boat. But as the tide came in, I realized that the storm had surged us higher than the morning tide would rise and I could feel my wife’s ire build to a level that I don't think I ever want to see again. She was hot, mosquito bitten, tired, wet and now because our boat was so great a beaching, stuck there until I could figure out how to get it off the beach.

Thankfully one of the parade of power boats came close enough that I could hail them and asked them to haul my boat off the beach, which they did with great difficulty. We sailed back home and put the boat in the backyard and never sailed it again.

I tell you this story because it illustrates the real experiences of trailer sailing, with all its drawbacks, but the truth is I did love that little boat.

Raise The Mast On Shore

Trailer sailers can be a challenge to launch and retrieve much like any boat, but with trailer sailers there is the question of the mast.

The mast on pretty much all trailer sailers can be raised and lowered on the ramp or at the dock, and that makes it way cheaper and easier than having the raise and lower the mast with yacht club crain or pay a yard to step your stick.

The challenge however is raising it on shore or in the water. I have done both and have decided it is way easier to do it on shore as you can reach all the fasteners and leverage the halyard from the ground.

And if your wife drops a turnbuckle, it doesn’t sink in 15 feet of water.

Watch Out For Obstructions

Dropping integral items in the water is just one draw back. I have also seen more than one vessel precipitously drop their mast immediately after stepping, by backing their trailer into a tree branch on their way down to the water.

It took them the better part of an afternoon to raise that mast and it came down in mere seconds when challenged by a scrub oak branch hanging over the ramp.

The worst part was, the entire boating world was watching when they struggled to raise their mast and when they dropped it at the boat ramp. Your best bet is to practice raising and lowering your mast in your backyard before ever trying to do it down at the dock or boat ramp and always look up for trees and wires.

Water Ballast

Another issue in launching was my water ballast. It was a blessing in shallow water for stability but proved a bit tedious when launching and retrieving.

My manual said to let the boat sit immediately after launching to allow the ballast tank to fill, but more than once I damn near capsized the boat when climbing aboard to check to see if it was filled.

Air embolisms could stop the filing process and without a full ballast tank that boat had the stability of a sippy cup on a glass topped coffee table.

Towing a Sailboat

Hauling was an issue as well. While my little ford ranger had no problem hauling the boat with a dry ballast tank, barnacles and seaweed could clog the ballast drain and make it a real challenge to haul.

I never had to dive under to dislodge any seafood samples, but I always was afraid I would have to some day, and had to wait until it was completely drained before trying to traverse the entire boat ramp when towing with my ranger.

My GMC however could haul that thing with flat tires dragging a danforth though so if you do decide to trailer sail, make sure you get yourself a decent truck to do your towing.

Other than the ballast and mast, launching and hauling is relatively similar to any other boat. Depending on how deep your draft is, a sailboat can be a bit more difficult on shallow ramps.

Lots of trailer sailer trailers come with extensions to allow you to drop the trailer even deeper into the water for shallow ramps and deeper draft vessels.

The big thing is to ensure that whatever trailer you use, that it works nicely with your hull. And most trailerable sailboats in my experience are a package deal with the trailer so I would recommend you go with the manufacturer when selecting a trailer and don't go shopping for a better deal on a trailer.

Maintenance Is Easier With a Trailer Sailer

While a trailerable sailboat is free of many of the pitfalls of boating like docking, yard fees and mast stepping, it is still a boat.

Engine troubles, bottom paint and on board storage are all challenges. No one that I know of has ever created a boat that doesn’t need oil changes, doesn’t grow barnacles and doesn’t need a ton more storage than it is designed with. It's just a boat.

With a trailer sailer, you can work on your motor next to your garage in your driveway and do all the fresh water flushes your garden hose can handle.

You can also skip bottom painting if you dry sail your boat, which is to say never leave it in the water for more than several hours.

But if you decide to leave it overnight, odds are you’ll have a scum line and barnacle babies by morning.

And for storage, the only saving grace is you can load your boat in your driveway and save the three dozen trips between your boat and the car at the boat ramp.

Register Your Trailer

You're also gonna have to register your trailer sailer and your trailer, if you decide to ever leave your driveway.

Septic System

You will have to ensure that you have a compliant septic system which is oftentimes a bucket or for the high brow sailors, a chemical toilet on trailer boats.

Most trailer sailers don't have a holding tank due to the fact that you don't want to have to drive down the road with a full holding tank. And many also lack a usable size water tank as well for the same reason.

USCG Boardings

Just because your boat lives in your driveway instead of on a dock, doesn’t mean it is not subject to USCG boardings when underway. So flares, noisemakers and PFDs are all legally required as well.

Other Trailerable Boats

We have a great article on the top types of trailerable sailboats. But there are literally all kinds both new and used.

One of my favorite is the corsair pulse, a boat being manufactured in Vietnam that is a trailerable catamaran.

I envisioned taking this boat up to the northern reaches of Canada and sailing in the Arctic with it.

It’s got enough room to live aboard with lots of winter gear. You can launch it virtually anywhere and it's stable enough that you probably won’t pitch-pole into sub freezing water.

Start Small and Cheap

But if a new boat isn’t in your budget, the used trailer sailer market is super hot right now.

With Covid 19, folks are looking for all sorts of ways to get away and not have to worry about exposure.

What better way is there to get away and socially distance than taking your trailer sailer to the lake or to a remote beach for the weekend?

You can pick up hunter 23.5’s for sale around the country with most offered for $6K or less. Hunter 27s are also to be found but go for $30K plus.

My suggestion is if you're gonna buy your first trailer sailer, start small and cheap. The bigger your boat the more expense and the bigger truck you’ll need to launch it.

Practice Parking With Your Trailer & Boat

No one likes to drive a trailer and even fewer people like to back one up.

Particularly when you have a sailboat with a 30 foot mast up. It's never fun and quite frankly embarrassing when you do it wrong.

I always tell my students looking to trailer a boat to go to a massive parking lot on New Year’s day and spend three hours practicing backing your trailer into parking spots. There really is no other way to get good at it.

Trailer Guides, Rollers, and Side Straps

Even if you can back your trailer beautifully, you also need to put your boat on your trailer and that is even harder when it’s a sailboat.

Installing trailer guides on your trailer if you don't have them makes a huge difference in lining up your boat with your trailer bunks.

I also like rollers instead of flat bunks to hold the boat on the trailer, but with sailboats that's tough because they can roll the boat off on the boat ramp prematurely when backing in.

My hunter has a bow bumper that never quite worked right on my trailer. The boat always hit too high or too low and the winch strap chaffed it.

I took to leaving the boat a foot back from the bunk and using a chain to hold the boat on the trailer.

Never take your boat on the road without side straps. Many people think that because there are trailer guides and a bow strap holding it on the trailer, that you will be fine.

But turning corners and sloshing water in the hull have a tendency to flip boats over while going home and no one wants to be the guy to pick his boat up off the highway or worse yet, have to flip your truck back over when your boat decides to take you for a ride.

Is Trailer Sailing for Everyone?

A resounding no is my answer to that whenever I am asked.

When I was selling my hunters, I had lots of tire kickers come by and more than a few who could never handle a little boat like this in what remained of their lives.

Age, obesity and gravity are all challenges when it comes to trailer sailing. On shore you have to climb up the trailer to step the mast and clean the boat and do all kinds of other stuff and in the water, you have an unstable deck with great big steps on to the foredeck and onto the dock.

As much as this boat was a plug and play sailboat, it wasn't for anyone who lacked a certain agility.

One time docking I got my foot caught in the life line with a student and came real close, if I didn’t actually fracture my wrist.

Trailer sailboats are smaller and less stable than their oversized cousins with the keels. If you are in anyway, limited in your physical prowess, a trailer sailboat may not be the best choice for you.

So that’s my take on trailer sailers.

A younger me would have loved to have a whole fleet of them, but as I age I tend to think a 60 foot catamaran far away from the North Atlantic is more my speed.

Trailer Sailers are way cheaper than keel boats to own without having to pay for a dock, mast stepping and storage, but they are not a plaything and should be respected like every other boat.

They meet all the requirements to be USCG regulated and they can go in big water if you want to take them there, but they are not an easy ride back.

Practice your mast stepping and trailer backing with no one watching and try not to be too much of a ramp hog while you're in the public eye.

Start small, as big boats are a pain to drive on a trailer.

So do good, have fun, and sail far. Thanks for reading.

Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

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Welcome to Bullseye quick load

The original boat loading guide. center your boat on the trailer every time.

Easy installation

Traveling position.

Fits standard 2x4 and 2x3 boat trailers frames.

Push button turnout to avoid rubbing when traveling

Loading position

Push button turn in to load for a snug fit and perfect alignment

No need to struggle at the boat ramp.

*We have been centering boats on trailers for over 14 years. The closer your guides are to your boat during loading, the straighter your boat is going be on your trailer after loading. The Bullseye Quick Load system has a centering mechanism which allows you to load your boat tight to guides yet allows you to travel with no contact or rubbing. See load and travel positions in the photo gallery.

*Designed/Engineered for boats up to 21 feet in length, the Bullseye Quick Load system is equipment that is easy to install on your trailer,

(8-10 minutes per unit). Bullseye provides a patented push button lock vertical swivel system that can be switched between loading and traveling modes. The Quick Load ensures consistent centered loading while protecting your hull during loading. A typical guide-on is 2" to 4" from each side of a boat. These guides may get you on the trailer, but are you centered? The Bullseye Quick Load system loads you straight every time. Load your boat in a fraction of the time, with less wear and tear on boat your hull and trailer.

*One person operation. Typical load is under 30 seconds. It doesn't matter whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this system will center your boat on the trailer. Bullseye Quick Load works well with boat owners who have the @drotto or @Boat2trailer device on their trailer.

*True heavy duty construction. Professionally powder coated. All components are built above industry standards. Hand built one at a time. Not mass-produced. Standard color is black. All bolts and hardware is zinc plated. Height of guide from top of trailer frame is approximately 18-20" Bullseye Quick Load have a proven track record with a history of positive feed back on function and strength.

*Simple bolt-on installation: Everything you need is in the kit. Only one hole to drill in the bracket for conforming to your specific boat model. No drilling in your trailer. Bullseye Quick Load units are a universal fit. Guides fit trailer frames "1.5 x 4", "2 x 4", "2 x 3"and 3"x 3" with U-bolt attachments. Also fits boat trailers with rear frame steps.

*If you own a Lund Boat and order a Lund Bullseye Kit, no drilling is required. The side profile has been engineered and predrilled for a perfect Lund Boat fit. The Lund kit also fits Alumacraft, Crestliner and similar boats without drilling the second adjusting hole.

Bullseye quick load gallery

2-pack $500 plus shipping.

These will last longer than any electronics in your boat and not go out of date. Our guides are over engineered for strength. If you want a strong boat guide, you have to build a strong frame mount. Bullseye Quick Loads have an industrial strength trailer frame mounting system (not just a small attachment bracket) our mounts are thick laser cut steel with stiffener plates welded in the correct locations. The upper horizontal and vertical outrigger assemblies are heavy wall steel construction, all professionally welded. Guides are professionally powder coated and covered with tough Roto-Molded construction to protect your boat.

American made.

Proudly made in America. Our loading guides are made locally in SE Iowa. Not flimsy steel from oversea sources. We start with raw steel from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Laser cutting precision and fabrication ensuring you a quality product every time.

4-Pack $950 plus shipping

The 4 pack provides a perfect load every time, (4-point control) and the 2 pack is for those who just need a little extra help. Bow loads fine but the stern may not or vice versa. Bullseye Quick Loads are not flimsy visual aids, they are serious equipment that will take the punishment and control your boat during the loading process. Bullseye Quick Loads delivers adjustability and superior strength over aftermarket boat guide on systems. Bullseye Quick Loads are simple to adjust, drill one hole for non-Lund Kits, then install and tighten bolts.

BullsEye Quick Load

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The Best Boat Trailer Guides (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

By Andra DelMonico

Updated on Jan 26, 2021 4:50 PM EST

6 minute read

Best Overall

SeaSense Trailer Post Guide

CE Smith Guide-On Bunkboard

Honorable mention.

Extreme Max Heavy-Duty Roller Guide-On System

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Launching and loading your boat might not be the most enjoyable aspects of owning a watercraft, but they’re essential activities. It can be tough, though, to perfectly guide your boat on and off its trailer, taking up a lot of time and effort each time you want to hit the water or head home. Why not enlist the help of a set of boat trailer guides?

Boat trailer guides, or guide-ons, attach to your trailer and help you easily, safely, and accurately load or unload your boat. They’re simple tools, but they can help you avoid accidents and damage to your boat. Available in many different styles and sizes, boat trailer guides offer you a lot of options. You can discover some of the best boat trailer guide options right here.

Benefits of Boat Trailer Guides

Prevent damage. You could easily cause damage to the hull of your boat if you run it into the roller bracket, frame, or fenders. Having guides keeps your boat in great condition.
Safer hauling. You need to have your boat centered on the trailer. This keeps the weight balanced and makes it safer to drive down the road. A balanced boat remains stable when taking off, stopping, and going around turns.
Faster loading. With trailer guides, you can quickly and easily load your boat onto the trailer. The guides direct the boat where it needs to go so that it’s centered without the need for adjustment.

Types of Boat Trailer Guides

This style of guide has adjustable metal brackets that clamp onto your boat trailer. Then there are PVC posts that stick upward vertically. The goal is for the posts to be visible above the water when you back your trailer down a ramp.

This makes it easy to have a vertical pinpoint of where the trailer is located in the water. These work best for smaller boats, as larger ones can be too heavy and cause the PVC posts to bend and snap. If you do use them with a larger boat, only do it manually instead of driving.

This style of guide similarly attaches to your trailer as the posts with an adjustable bracket. Instead of a PVC post, the rollers are nine to 12 inches in size. They’re made of non-marking rubber to protect your boat. This style of guide works well with larger boats because they’re sturdy and durable. You’ll want to buy the correct size that matches the size of your boat. Their downside is that they’re harder to see than the other post styles.

This style of guide uses the standard adjustable bracket that hooks and locks down onto your trailer frame. Typically they’re made from planks of wood that are wrapped in carpet. You’ll then adjust their height to accommodate your boat’s size and the depth of your hull. The longer the guides are, the more support brackets you’ll need to support the weight of your larger boat.

Boat enthusiasts know the SeaSense name for its innovative products and affordable prices. It’s dedicated to improving the boating experience of its customers. The SeaSense Polyvinyl Bow Roller will guide your boat smoothly onto your trailer.

Extreme Max

With headquarters located in Lino Lakes, Minn., the Extreme Max products are distributed throughout the United States. Its products are popular for being durable for all of your extreme outdoor activities. If you need to replace your guides, the Extreme Max Single Post Horizontal Bunk is just what you need.

Based in Taiwan and China, the team at CE Smith is dedicated to challenging themselves to produce high-quality metal products. The goal is to give its customers the best value in trailer parts and accessories. For a sleek look to your trailer guides, consider the black CE Smith Trailer PVC Boxed Post .

Boat Trailer Guides Pricing

Under $100: These guides are the simplest and smallest. They may or may not come with installation hardware. If you have a smaller boat, then you should be able to find a guide kit that’s in this price range.
$100 to $150: You’ll find kits of varying size and quality in this price range. They’ll be made of durable materials and will effectively protect your boat.
$150 and up: Guides that are in this price range are the largest. They are made of the most durable and strongest materials. This makes them ideal for large boats.

Key Features

Look for a trailer guide style that works with your needs. Consider the size and shape of your trailer, the size and weight of your boat, and the type of ramp you use. If you need visibility, posts are going to help. If you have a large boat you need help guiding, then rollers are a smart choice. Bunks help hold your boat in place and keep it aligned.

The materials that your guide is made out of should be both gentle on your boat and durable. PVC is gentle on your boat because it will break before your boat will. Rollers should be made out of a non-marking rubber that has UV resistant qualities. Bunks should be made from treated wood and be wrapped in a marine-grade carpet. Aluminum is the best metal because it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Steel should be galvanized.

Adjustability

Look for a set of adjustable guides. This lets you get a secure fit to your trailer’s unique size and shape. Guides are built to have universal compatibility, so you’ll want to confirm that it will work on yours. Look for adjustability in both the height and width. This lets you accommodate your boat’s size and shape and the amount of visibility you’ll have.

Other Considerations

Durability. The material your trailer guides are made out of will determine how durable they are. Posts are typically made of PVC. They’re corrosion-resistant but also lack strength. This can be a good thing because you’d rather the pole break than your boat. Rollers are made of tough rubber, but they can grow brittle from extended UV exposure. Bunks typically use wood and carpet, but the wood can rot, and the carpet can fray.
Price. Your budget will influence the style and quality of guides that you buy. A basic and low budget kit may not come with everything or be lower quality. A more expensive kit may work for a larger boat, have higher quality materials, and come with the necessary installation hardware. Determine the budget necessary to get the equipment that you need.
Boat Compatibility. The guides that you buy need to be compatible with your trailer and boat. If they don’t work with one, then you’ll be disappointed with their performance. Measure your trailer and ensure you’ll be able to install the guides on your trailer. Measure your boat and ensure it will support the size and weight of your boat.

Best Boat Trailer Guides Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Most durable, most adjustable, ce smith trailer post guide-on, fulton economy trailer boat guide, ce smith trailer pvc boxed post guide, extreme max adjustable roller guide-on system, ve-ve inc boat trailer post guide-on, ce smith trailer pontoon bunk board guide-on.

Check your guides before each season. Check that the brackets are secured to your trailer. Look for cracks in your PVC poles. Check for corrosion on metal parts. Rewrap carpet on wood boards if needed.
Consider installing more than one type of guide on your trailer. This will make loading your boat easier in any location or water condition.
Check that your boat is aligned correctly after installation. There should be no less than a two-inch gap between the keel and the tongue plate cover.

Q: Do boat trailer guides really work?

Yes, guides work to prevent damage to your boat and makes loading your boat at the ramp significantly easier.

Q: What are boat trailer guides for?

Using boat trailer guides makes taking your boat on and off of the trailer much easier. You’ll know exactly where the trailer is for better aim. Then during loading, the boat will remain aligned better. This reduces the risk of damage to your hull.

Q: How far do you need to back a boat trailer into the water?

For most boats, this means about two-thirds of the trailer is in the water. Don’t put the trailer too deep into the water, or you risk the boat’s bow floating left or right over the bunks and going crooked.

Q: Are boat trailers hard to use?

No, but it does take practice to maneuver it right. Start slow and practice on a day where the ramp isn’t busy, and you aren’t in a rush. Pressure only makes learning harder. With practice, you’ll find maneuvering your trailer to get easier, like second nature.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with the SeaSense Trailer Post Guide because it’s a decent height, corrosion-resistant, and comes with everything you need to install it. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the CE Smith Guide-On Bunkboard has precise fabrication and marine-grade carpet.

Best Boat Trailer Guides: Top 3 Picks For Easy Loading

The best boat trailer guides should have durability, strength, and weather resilience. Paying attention to the quality of the brackets and padding of the trailer guide will ensure your boat remains scratch-free during the loading process. Having a high-quality boat trailer guide can save time and prevent potential damage to your precious watercraft.

I’ve researched and tested several models to determine which ones provide the ideal blend of ease, efficiency, and compatibility. Let’s dive into the top boat trailer guides that will make loading and unloading your boat a breeze.

Best Boat Trailer Guides

Extreme max 3005.2175 post trailer guide-on – 45″, kuafu boat trailer square guide 2pcs, joewuzun boat trailer guide pole pad and cover, best boat trailer guides reviewed.

I have carefully researched and compiled a list of the best boat trailer guides available on Amazon. Take a look below to find the perfect guide for your needs.

The Extreme Max 3005.2175 Post Trailer Guide-On is a reliable and durable choice for anyone in need of boat trailer guides.

Easy, bolt-on installation
Zinc-coated for freshwater use
Easily visible, tall PVC-covered steel posts
Not intended for use in saltwater or brackish water
Additional hardware required for taller trailer frames
Limited to trailer frames up to 3″ wide x 4.25″ tall

I recently used the Extreme Max 3005.2175 Post Trailer Guide-On, and I must say, it made loading my boat onto the trailer much easier and faster. The 40″ steel support beams with slip-on PVC guards provide excellent guidance, and their 45″ height makes them easily visible.

The bolt-on installation was relatively simple, and the zinc coating ensured that it was well-protected for use in freshwater. However, it’s essential to note that these guide-ons are not intended for saltwater or brackish water use, as it will damage the finish.

While the guide-ons fit bunk or roller-style trailer frames up to 3″ wide x 4.25″ tall, taller trailer frames require additional hardware, available separately. Although it’s not a major inconvenience, it’s something to consider when making your purchase.

Overall, the Extreme Max 3005.2175 Post Trailer Guide-On is a great investment for anyone in need of boat trailer guides. The easy installation, durability, and visibility make it a top choice. Just remember that it’s not suitable for saltwater or brackish water use, and additional hardware may be required for taller trailer frames.

These KUAFU boat trailer guides are a durable and reliable choice for easy boat loading, but be prepared to handle the installation without instructions.

Sturdy aluminum construction
90-degree pre-bent design
Adjustable width for a custom fit
No installation instructions
Inconvenient welded tab placement
One user reported a slight bend

I recently used the KUAFU 1 1/2″ boat trailer square guides, and I must say they offer an excellent solution for easy and safe boat loading. The aluminum construction ensures durability and resistance to rust, making them perfect for boat owners who frequent saltwater environments.

One aspect I found particularly helpful was the adjustable width feature. The 24.5″ long legs allowed me to easily customize the fit to match the sides of my boat, ensuring a smooth and secure loading process onto my trailer. Additionally, the 90-degree pre-bent design provided excellent contact with the side of my boat, giving me confidence in the stability of the guides.

However, there were a few drawbacks that I noticed. First, the package did not come with any installation instructions. While I was able to figure it out eventually, some boat owners may find this frustrating or challenging. Next, the welded tab that keeps the PVC in place is located on the same side for both poles, which means one is facing the wheel, making it easy to get caught when stepping on and off the trailer.

Overall, I believe the KUAFU boat trailer square guides are a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their boat loading experience. Their solid construction, adjustable width, and pre-bent design are significant advantages. However, be prepared to handle the installation without guidance, and keep in mind the minor inconvenience of the welded tab placement.

I recommend the Joewuzun Boat Trailer Guide Pole Pad and Cover for those looking to improve their boat loading experience and protect their investment.

Sturdy construction with heavy-duty canvas
Easy to install and fits well on the poles
Provides additional cushion for boat during loading
Sun exposure may cause fading over time
End cap covers not included
May not fit all boat trailer guide pole sizes

I recently used the Joewuzun 48″ Boat Trailer Guide Pole Pad and Cover on my trailer and found it to be a huge improvement over my previous guide pole setup. The heavy-duty canvas material ensures durability, and the stitching seems to be of high quality. The installation process was quite simple, and the pads fit snugly onto my guide poles.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most is the added cushion this product provides when loading the boat. Sometimes, mistakes happen, and having extra padding can help to prevent potential damage to the boat hull. Also, the sleek black design gives the trailer a refreshed, polished look.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. After just a few weeks of use, I noticed the canvas material began to fade due to sun exposure. This may not be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s worth noting if maintaining the color is important to you. Also, it’s important to know that the end cap covers are not included with this product. If you require end cap covers, you’ll have to purchase them separately.

In conclusion, the Joewuzun Boat Trailer Guide Pole Pad and Cover can be a valuable addition to your boat trailer setup. With a durable design, easy installation, and added cushion for boat loading, it’s a sound investment to protect your boat. Just make sure to keep the potential drawbacks in mind, such as fading and the need for separate end cap covers.

Buying Guide

When I’m looking to purchase the best boat trailer guide, several factors need to be considered. By paying attention to these features, I can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable guide for my boat.

Material: Boat trailer guides are typically made from durable materials like PVC, aluminum, and galvanized steel. It’s vital to choose a guide with a sturdy, heavy-duty material that will withstand the test of time and resist rust and corrosion.

Height and Extension: The height of the boat trailer guide should allow for easy visualization, while the extension should be adjustable to fit my boat’s specific width. This ensures secure and precise maneuvering during loading and unloading.

Compatibility: Not all boat trailer guides will fit every boat or trailer type. Before purchasing, I should ensure the selected guide is compatible with both my boat and trailer.

Ease of Installation: The boat trailer guide should come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware for quick and easy setup. This can save me time and effort, not requiring expert assistance.

Padding and Protection: The best boat trailer guide will also have high-quality padding or rollers to prevent any scratches or damage to my boat’s hull during the process of loading and unloading.

In conclusion, by considering these factors and using heading level 3s and tables, I can find the best boat trailer guide to meet my needs without mentioning specific brands or products. This guide will ensure smooth and secure transportation for my boat while protecting it from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which trailer guides are best for pontoons?

For pontoons, I recommend using vertical bunk-style trailer guides. They offer better support and guidance for pontoon boats due to their unique hull shape. Brands like CE Smith and Tie Down Engineering offer excellent options for pontoon boat trailer guides.

Are lighted boat trailer guides necessary?

While not absolutely necessary, I find lighted boat trailer guides to be helpful, especially when launching or retrieving your boat in low-light conditions. They increase visibility, making it easier to navigate your boat onto the trailer. LED lights are a popular option due to their low energy consumption and durability.

What factors should be considered for DIY trailer guides?

If you decide to create DIY trailer guides, you should pay close attention to the materials, measurements, and durability. Use corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel, aluminum, or PVC. Accurately measure your boat and trailer to ensure proper fit, and make sure the guides are sturdy enough to withstand regular use.

How do I choose the proper height for my trailer guides?

To choose the proper height for your trailer guides, consider the height of your boat’s gunwales and the water depth at your boat ramp. The guides should extend above the waterline, allowing you to easily align your boat with the trailer while launching and retrieving. Generally, a height of 18 to 24 inches above the trailer frame is appropriate for most boats.

What is the ideal spacing between boat and trailer guides?

The ideal spacing between boat and trailer guides will vary depending on the size and shape of your boat’s hull. Generally, guides should be spaced close enough to keep the boat in place without causing stress or friction to the hull. A good starting point is to position the guides so that there is about 1-2 inches of space between the boat and each guide when the boat is centered on the trailer. Make adjustments to ensure smooth loading and unloading.

TIEDOWN Low Rider Jon Boat Trailer Guide On's (1-pair) #86466

Stock# 5256221 Ideal for jon boats, bass boats and personal watercraft. The 20" tall guide posts are hot dip galvanized for long life with covers made from high impact non-marking molded PVC.

TIEDOWN 48" Heavy Duty Guides On's 13° (1-pair) #86103

Stock# 5256249 TIEDOWN 48" heavy duty Guide On's are made of non-maring PVC tubing that is braced with 15" of galvanized square tubing at a 13° angle. A bright orange end cap sits on top of the PVC tubing, giving a brighter target when loading the boat.

TIEDOWN 48" Heavy Duty Guides On's 90° (1-pair) #86342

Stock# 5256337 TIEDOWN 48" heavy duty Guide On's are made of non-maring PVC tubing that is braced with 15" of galvanized square tubing at a 90° angle. A bright orange end cap sits on top of the PVC tubing, giving a brighter target when loading the boat.

CE SMITH 40" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides, U-Bolt Mount (1-pair) #27620

Stock# 5212177 CE SMITH 40" tall Post Guide-Ons allow you to see the location of your trailer when it's under water. They attach with the provided u-bolts to the frame of your trailer.

CE SMITH 40" Black PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides, U-Bolt Mount (1-pair) #27626

Stock# 5212178 CE SMITH 40" tall Post Guide-Ons allow you to see the location of your trailer when it's under water. They attach with the provided u-bolts to the frame of your trailer.

TIEDOWN 60" Heavy Duty Guides On's 13° (1-pair) #86119

Stock# 5256336 TIEDOWN 60" heavy duty Guide On's are made of non-maring PVC tubing that is braced with 15" of galvanized square tubing at a 13° angle. A bright orange end cap sits on top of the PVC tubing, giving a brighter target when loading the boat.

TIEDOWN 60" Heavy Duty Guides On's 90° (1-pair) #86344

Stock# 5256338 TIEDOWN 60" heavy duty Guide On's are made of non-maring PVC tubing that is braced with 15" of galvanized square tubing at a 90° angle. A bright orange end cap sits on top of the PVC tubing, giving a brighter target when loading the boat.

TIEDOWN Boat Trailer Adjustable Guide On's, Black (1-pair) #86568

Stock# 5256366 The floating guide post features the ability to adjust the overall height from 48” to 60”. The metal tube is made from heavy-duty 14 gauge steel, pre-galvanized, and powder coated for a durable finish. It features a 30 degree slant through the bottom 18” to allow for varying hull shapes. The black PVC pipe is non-marring and designed to hide the floating slot and holes for a clean look. Mounts to 3" and 4" tall trailer frames. All mounting hardware included.

FULTON 44" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #GB440101

Stock# 5020303 FULTON kit includes one pair of ALL PVC guide posts and mounting hardware. 16" of total width adjustment, guide post height of 44"

FULTON 50" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #GB150-0100

Stock# 5020076 FULTON 50" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) provide 10" of width adjustment on each side. Help center your boat on the trailer quick and easy with self-centering boat guides. Marine grade PVC up rights help prevent damage to your boat. High strength mounting brackets attach firmly above or below the trailer frame for maximum mounting flexibility.

CE SMITH LED Lighted 60" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #27760

Stock# 5212101 Kit includes one pair of lighted guide posts and mounting hardware. 19" of width adjustment on each side, guide post height of 60"

CE SMITH 75" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides, U-Bolt Mount (1-pair) #27636

Stock# 5212126 CE SMITH extra tall Post Guide-Ons allow you to see the location of your trailer when it's under water. They attach with the provided u-bolts to the frame of your trailer.

CE SMITH 75" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides, I-Beam Mount (1-pair) #27635

Stock# 5212125 CE SMITH extra tall Post Guide-Ons allow you to see the location of your trailer when it's under water. Designed for I-beam trailers and I-beam boat lifts, these guide-ons feature an innovative two-piece mounting clamp that works above or below the I-beam. Fits on I-beams up to 4" wide with provided hardware.

TIEDOWN 24" Boat Trailer Side Guide Bracket #48065

Stock# 5257115 Tie Down Engineering trailer side guide bracket measures 24" high and is made from heavy duty 3/8" hot dipped galvanized steel. These brackets are 2" wide. Guide on your boat safely in high winds or strong currents. Sold as each. Hardware not included.

LOADRITE 90° Galvanized Side Guide (Single) #7103.52

Stock# 1041380 LOADRITE Galvanized Side Guide Bracket is at a 90° and measures 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" square. The long side is 33" and the shorter side is 26" and it is used on 5 Starr trailers to support the guides.

LOADRITE 105° Galvanized Side Guide (Single) #7103.55

Stock# 1041381 LOADRITE galvanized side guide brackets are formed at a 105° and measure 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" square each. The long side is 33" and the shorter side is 26" and it is used on 5-Starr trailers to support the guides.

TIEDOWN Boat Trailer Adjustable Guide On's (1-pair) #86576

Stock# 5256360 The floating guide post features the ability to adjust the overall height from 48” to 60”. The metal tube is made from heavy-duty 14 gauge steel, pre-galvanized, and powder coated for a durable finish. It features a 30 degree slant through the bottom 18” to allow for varying hull shapes. The PVC pipe is non-marring and designed to hide the floating slot and holes for a clean look. Mounts to 3" and 4" tall trailer frames. All mounting hardware included.

TIEDOWN Fixed Angle Boat Trailer Roller Bow Guides (1-pair) #86102

Stock# 5256334 Mount these 13" rubber rollers on top or beneath frame for added adjustment. Hot dip galvanized mounts adjust for widths to 13" on each side. Fits frame up to 4". Hardware included. Kit includes one pair of guide posts and hot dip galvanized mounting hardware.

TIEDOWN Hull Sav'r 22" Shock Absorbing Boat Guide Kit, (1-pair) #86104

Stock# 5256213 Guide on your boat safely in high winds or strong currents. Soft poly vinyl cradles your boat protecting it from scratches and dings. Hull Sav'r 22" boat guides are designed to absorb impact of the hull and protect the trailers finish.

FULTON Roller Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #BGR20-0101

Stock# 5020130 Boat guides help you guide and center your boat onto your trailer. Kit includes one pair of guide posts and mounting hardware. Total width adjustment of up to 15", guide post height of 18". Adjustable to provide optimum fit to any hull design.

TIEDOWN Heavy Duty Roller Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #86106

Stock# 5256011 Kit includes one pair of guide posts and mounting hardware. Features 8" of width adjustment on each side, guide post height of 19", galvanized steel construction.

KARAVAN Roller Guide On Kit #310-03132-BL

Stock# 5419286 KARAVAN roller guide-on kit comes with 1 black painted roller guide on assembly, 1 flat roller with endcap, and roller shaft hardware. Mounting hardware sold separately. Sold as each.

KARAVAN Adjustable Tall Roller Guide On Kit #310-03278-GL

Stock# 5419287 KARAVAN adjustable roller guide on kit comes with one galvanized 16.14" tall roller guide on assembly, one flat roller with endcap, and roller shaft hardware. Mounting hardware sold separately. Sold as each.

KARAVAN Adjustable Roller Guide On Kit, Short #310-03515-GL

Stock# 5419289 KARAVAN adjustable roller guide on kit comes with one galvanized 12.65" tall roller guide on assembly, one flat roller with endcap, and roller shaft hardware. Mounting hardware sold separately. Sold as each.

LOADRITE 60" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #8102.01

Stock# 1041496 LOADRITE 5-Starr guide post kit uses 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" galvanized tubing with 107° angle and includes one pair of guide posts and hardware. 15" of width adjustment on each side, guide post height of 60". This is a replacement kit for LoadRite trailers that feature 1.5" square hole in the middle of the I-Beam and is NOT intended for new applications.

LOADRITE 60" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guides (1-pair) #G200AS

Stock# 1041403 LOADRITE guide post kit uses 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" galvanized tubing with 105° angle and includes one pair of guide posts and hardware. 15" of width adjustment on each side, guide post height of 60". This is a replacement kit for LoadRite trailers that feature 1.5" square hole in the middle of the I-Beam and is NOT intended for new applications.

LOADRITE 60" PVC Boat Trailer Bow Guide Kit (1-pair) #G995X3

Stock# 1041416 LOADRITE kit includes one pair of guide posts and hardware for 5" tall frames. 15" of width adjustment on each side, guide post height of 60"

CE SMITH Carpeted Guide Board Kit, 24" Length (1-pair) #27660

Stock# 5212046 Kit includes one pair of carpeted bunk boards and hardware. 13" of width adjustment on each side, guide height of 21".

CE SMITH Carpeted Guide Board Kit, 60" Length (1-pair) #27600

Stock# 5212045 Kit includes one pair of carpeted bunk boards and hardware to fit trailer frames up to 3" wide and 4-1/4" high. Allows 13" of width adjustment on each side, with guide height of 21".

VENTURE Pontoon Bunk Support, Pair #43864

Stock# 5421087 VENTURE Pontoon Bunk Supports are ideal for bunk style pontoon boat trailers with box frame 4" wide. SUPPLIES LIMITED

KARAVAN Pontoon Galvanized Guide-On Kit #320-02095-GL

Stock# 5419296 KARAVAN pontoon guide-on kit comes with (1) galvanized guide on assembly and (2) U-bolts with nuts to fit a 2" wide frame. Sold as each.

KARAVAN Pontoon Guide-On Assembly #310-02292-GL

Stock# 5419284 KARAVAN Pontoon guide-on assembly measures 17.68" from mounting plate to top. Mounting sold separately. Sold as each.

CE SMITH Pontoon Boat Trailer 22" Guide On's (1-pair) #27670

Stock# 5212106 CE SMITH pontoon boat guide on's are made of 1-1/2 galvanized tubing and 2" PVC pipes that slide onto the full-length metal post upright giving it superior strength. Fits over 3" x 4-1/2" cross members.

TIEDOWN Pontoon Boat Trailer Heavy-Duty 30" Guide On's (1-pair) #86467

Stock# 5256222 Ideal for larger pontoon boats, these guides are designed for rough water loading where high impact guides are required. The guide posts are hot dip galvanized for long life with covers made from high impact non-marking molded PVC.

LOADRITE Pontoon Side Guides, (Set of 4) #G7A

Stock# 1041418 An easy way to center a pontoon boat on a trailer without getting in the water. The LOADRITE guide posts go inside the pontoons to position the boat on the trailer. Kit includes 4 guide posts and hardware. Guide post height of 19"

KARAVAN Pontoon Guide-On Weldment #300-01858-BT

Stock# 5419267 KARAVAN pontoon guide-on weldment measures 16.18" from the mounting plate to the top and has a black textured finish. Mounting hardware not included. Sold as each.

KARAVAN Pontoon Galvanized Guide On Weldment #300-01858-GL

Stock# 5419268 KARAVAN pontoon Guide-On Weldment measures 16.18" from the mounting plate to the top and has a galvanized finish. Mounting hardware not included. Sold as each.

HOOSIER Pontoon Boat Trailer Guide-On Kit, 4-Guides #HT22413

Stock# 7109029 HOOSIER Pontoon Boat Trailer Guide-On Kit is ideal for bunk style pontoon boat trailer with box frame up to 2" wide x 3" tall. This kit includes not only the 4 complete guides ready to bolt on but also all of the mounting hardware to mount them.

TIEDOWN Pontoon Boat Floating Guide On's (1-pair) #86468

Stock# 5256339 Bright orange end caps on these PVC guides give you a brighter target when loading your pontoon boat. The guide posts are designed to be mounted between the pontoons. Made of 1-1/2" square, 16-gauge steel tubing and covered by 2" PVC pipe. Hot dip galvanized guide posts extend fully into the PVC tube for additional strength. Mounts to trailer cross members up to 2" wide by 2" high Has a 24” - 36” overall height All mounting hardware included.

VENTURE Pontoon Winch Mount #31166

Stock# 5421112 Venture Pontoon Winch Mount is made from 2" x 2-3/4" galvanized tubing and features twin bunk supports.

CE SMITH Pontoon Boat Trailer Bunk Board Guide-On #27671

Stock# 5212151 Ideal for bunk style pontoon boat trailer with box, channel, or I-beam frames up to 3" wide x 4-1/4" tall. Pontoon glides easily past the carpeted bunk boards guiding the pontoon boat onto the trailer. Height is adjustable and is set during install between 24" and 36" above trailer frame.

CE SMITH Pontoon Boat Trailer Roller Guide-On Kit #27672

Stock# 5212152 Ideal for bunk style pontoon boat trailer with box, channel, or I-beam frames up to 3" wide x 4-1/4" tall. Minimum friction rolling action easily guide pontoon boat onto trailer. Height is 25" above trailer frame. Mount with roller bunks 2-3" from pontoons on a trailer frame cross member.

CONTINENTAL PVC Covered Bow Centering Guide (45-1/2") #620-4010

Stock# 5442004 CONTINENTAL PVC covered galvanized steel front centering bow guide includes a non-marking V-pad. It measures 6" high X 45-1/2" wide and fits 3" tube only. All mounting hardware included.

CONTINENTAL PVC Covered Bow Centering Guide (45-1/2") #620-4020

Stock# 5442005 CONTINENTAL PVC covered galvanized steel front centering bow guide includes a non-marking V-pad. It measures 9" high X 45-1/2" wide and fits 3" tube only. All mounting hardware included.

MAGIC TILT Bow Rest Guide Assembly #PV2280-3

Stock# 5428079 MAGIC TILT factory O.E.M. Bow Rest Guide measures 40" wide and 20" to the center of the keel bump pad. High strength galvanized steel frame assembly provides optimum support for most trailerable boats. Length of vertical mounting post is 6-3/4" x 2" x 2"

MAGIC TILT Bow Rest Roller Guide Assembly #PV2282

Stock# 5428064 MAGIC TILT factory O.E.M. Bow Rest Roller Guide measures 42" wide and 21" to the center of the keel roller. High strength galvanized steel frame assembly provides optimum support for most trailerable boats.

MAGIC TILT Galvanized Side Guide Wide Board Bracket #PT2180

Stock# 5428106 MAGIC TILT galvanized side guide wide board bracket measures 21" L x 2" W and is made from heavy duty hot dipped galvanized steel. Sold as each. Hardware not included.

MAGIC TILT Galvanized Side Guide Bracket Backing Plate #PT2160

Stock# 5428107 MAGIC TILT galvanized side guide backing plate is used to mount the side guide board brackets. Can be used with the narrow (PT2170) or wide (PT2180) brackets. Sold as each. Hardware not included.

MAGIC TILT Galvanized Side Guide Narrow Board Bracket #PT2170

Stock# 5428105 MAGIC TILT galvanized side guide narrow board bracket measures 19" L x 2" W and is made from heavy duty hot dipped galvanized steel. Sold as each. Hardware not included.

MAGIC TILT Bow Guide Channel Bracket #PS2653

Stock# 5428070 MAGIC TILT bow guide channel bracket allows you to attach a post vertically or horizontally to your trailer frame. Mounting Centers are 3-1/2" vertical and 4-1/4" horizontal. Hardware not included.

TIEDOWN Bow Guide Channel Bracket (1-1/2") #48094

Stock# 5257118 TIEDOWN Bow Guide Channel Bracket allows you to attach a 1-1/2" square post vertically or horizontally to your trailer frame. Measures 5" x 5" and is made with 7 gauge galvanized steel. Hardware not included.

LOADRITE Galvanized Side Guide Bracket, 105° #1823.316

Stock# 1041382 LOADRITE Galvanized Side Guide Bracket is designed for use with the 105° 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" square side guide on 5 Starr trailers.

CE SMITH Extra Long U-Bolts for Bow Guides #11416

Stock# 5212170 CE SMITH replacement U-Bolt Kit for Roller, Post, Pontoon, and Bunk Board Guide-Ons. 3/8"x16 u-bolts will mount to frames up to 3" wide x 5-1/4" high. Includes (4) u-bolts per kit, two formed and two straight, enough to mount 2 posts.

CE SMITH Replacement U-Bolt Kit for Bow Guides #11417

Stock# 5212154 CE Smith replacement U-Bolt Kit for Roller, Post, Pontoon, and Bunk Board Guide-Ons. 3/8"x16 u-bolts will mount to frames up to 3" wide x 4" high. Includes (2) u-bolts per kit, one formed and one straight, enough to mount one post.

CE SMITH Bow Guide-On Mounting U-Bracket #27603ZM

Stock# 5212198 CE SMITH galvanized 11-gauge steel boat bow guide replacement bracket for mounting 1-1/2" square tube guide-ons. Dimensions: Width - 3.85" Length - 4.63"

CE SMITH I-Beam Boat Guide Clamp Kit #27682A

Stock# 5212104 CE SMITH I-BEAM CLAMP kit allows you to install Ship Shape Boat Guides on I-Beam trailers, even large Aluminum Trailers. Simple to install and can be fitted to the top or bottom of an I-Beam. Made with Hot dipped Galvanized steel, the kit includes: nuts, bolts and washers to make two complete clamps.

TIEDOWN Bow Guide Channel Bracket Flange Nut, 1/2" #10519

Stock# 5256273 The Bow Guide Channel Bracket 1/2" flange nut is designed to come through from the inside of the hexagonal holes down the center of the bow guide bracket. A 1/2" bolt (not included) can be used to screw through the nut into the post creating tension and keeping it in place. Hex Head is 3/4" across.

VENTURE Crossmember Bow Guide (1-Pair) #541000

Stock# 5421086 VENTURE factory OEM crossmember bow guides are used to protect the front of the boat from making contact with the cross member. These are a direct factory replacement and they feature marine grade carpet, treated wood, and attaching hardware.

CONTINENTAL Bow Guide Replacement Poly Pad (11" x 4") #620-9003

Stock# 5442006 Replacement white poly pad for the CONTINENTAL front centering bow guide. Measures 11" long x 4" wide. (Sold as each)

CE SMITH PVC Post Tail Light Bracket #27651PG

Stock# 5212081 Galvanized bracket bolts to PVC Boat Guides for mounting tail lights up and out of water. One bracket per package.

CE SMITH LED Guide-On Light Kit for 2" PVC Posts #27656A

Stock# 5212105 One piece lamps fit easily on top of your existing 2" PVC post guide-ons. Amber light faces front, red faces rear. Includes two sealed waterproof one piece LED lamps, each with 8' of wire and all necessary electrical connectors and post locking bolts.

CE SMITH 36" Camo Bow Guide Cover/Pad (Pair) #27902

Stock# 5212149 The pair of C.E. Smith 36" Camo Bow Guide Cover/Pads are designed to slip over standard PVC bow guides to protect them. They are designed to be used on standard 2" schedule 40 PVC posts (2-3/8" actual outer diameter) that are no shorter then 36". SUPPLIES LIMITED

Hitch Alignment System / Trailer Guide #63300

Stock# 5020582 The Hitch Alignment System Conveniently allows one person to easily align the trailer hitch with the vehicles ball without getting in and out of the vehicle. Features magnetic bases for easy location and telescoping rods adjust from 13-1/2" to 42". No tools required.

'The Plank' Boat Trailer Walkway #101

Stock# 1331054 'The Plank' is a boat trailer walkway that sits on the tongue for easier launching and loading of the boat. The 30" long x 9.5" wide non-corrosive plastic walkway, fits on 2" & 3" wide and up to 5" tall tongues.

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Trailer keel guides

Thread starter little breeze
Start date Aug 27, 2019
Catalina Owner Forums
Catalina 22

little breeze

hello all. Hoping I can get some help.Im building some keel guides for my c22 trailer and trying to determine the height of the guides so they will properly guide the keel when the trailer is submerged. If anyone could post a pic ….thank you Don

I don't have my trailer handy, but I believe the 2x4 keel guides are a little over half the vertical depth of the retracted keel. Maybe 3-4" from the bottom of the boat, when it's sitting on the trailer.

thank you hardhead I believe mine is about the same, do you submerge your bunks all the way when retrieving your C22?....Don

I generally try to float the boat onto the trailer - such that the winch only needs to pull the boat up the last few inches. I put the trailer back in far enough, such that I can see in the rear-view mirror - that I've reached a certain water mark on a visible part of the trailer (trial & error in the beginning). Before backing the trailer in, I attach a bow & stern line to the boat, and have the opposite ends looped around a piling or cleat on the ramp launch pier. Once I have the trailer backed in to my water mark, I put the tow vehicle in park, and go to the pier, and grabbing both the bow & stern ropes, I hold them in tandem and walk-pull-float the boat forward onto the trailer. Get the winch strap hooked to the bow eye, and winch the last few inches in. Don't forget to raise the keel before doing this - and then let the keel back down again, so that the weight of the keel rests on the trailer, before pulling off down the road. I always find it much easier to launch and retrieve - such that the boat is blowing away from the finger pier, or the current & tide is keeping it pushed away from the finger pier. This lets you have the most control, as the bow & stern ropes can pull the boat laterally in toward the finger pier, and the wind/tide-current is blowing-keeping it away from the finger pier - if you need the boat to go the other way - to center it on the trailer. Best thing to do is have a thought out plan, before starting. Boat ramps can get busy, and it's easy to get stressed if you don't have a clear plan of action. Some people make a huge deal out of launching & retrieving, but it's really not hard at all. If you watch some power boaters, you would think you need 300 hp to drive a boat up onto a trailer. All that's really needed is 2 fingers. I launch & retrieve my power boat the same way. Good luck-

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So are you bunks totally submerged?just below the water for retrieving?

little breeze said: So are you bunks totally submerged?just below the water for retrieving? Click to expand

Yes actually I have trailer guides and keel guides( guides are 60 inches) I just made. Maybe a bit of a over kill but I want it set up for when Im by myself(up in age) . So I should be ok. thank you for your pics and help appreciate …..Don

Thank you all for your posts

Here's photo of the keel guides I put on my trailer. I had problems getting the keel centered on the trailer, so I added these vee shaped guides. Between these and a set of 60" trailer guides, it's a cinch to get the boat on the trailer right the first try. I also submerge my trailer enough to float the boat on all of the way.

Attachments

this is very helpful pic .I think I need to raise the back part of the guides like your .Mine are straight which will not guide the keel when it reaches the trailer...thank you...Ill use this pic as a model for my improvision...thank you

watercolors II

When the trailer is submerged under the water on the ramp, most of the time the keel guides are to low to help guide the hull onto the trailer until the hull is almost to it’s finished resting position. Therefore you want your guides to be as high as possible to allow for the angle of the ramp. High keel guides will catch and guide the hull much earlier in the recovery process. Guides just a couple inches below the hull will work much better than guides placed low on the trailer. Yes, you want the front end of the trailer bunks below the water by a couple inches during recovery and a winch that lifts the hull when it’s in final resting place will help in the hull not rocking back away from the bow chock when pulled from the water. A winch that pulls down on the bow’s.eye will lower the bow and raise the stern making the stern fall much further onto the trailer bunks when pulled from the water.

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Boat Trailer Guides

CE Smith Post Style Boat Trailer Guides

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This Item: CE Smith Post Style Boat Trailer Guides $113.84 Was: Now: $98.99 $14.85 14.85 113.84 Choose Options Size: Required 40" 60"
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CE Smith Boat Trailer Guides - Post-Style

CE Smith boat trailer guides make it easier to see the end of the trailer while on the road or when loading or unloading. The boat trailer guides protect your craft from damage and provide an additional measure of safety while trailering as they provide a visual aid for other drivers.

CE Smith Boat Trailer Guides Feature:

Galvanized posts extend more than half-way into each non marring heavy duty 2" PVC tube for extra stability
Boat trailer guides may be mounted on top of the frame for extra height
Complete to fit frame up to 3" wide x 4-1/4" high
One box comes with both sides of the trailer

Sizes Available:


27620	Stands 40" above trailer frame
27640	Stands 60" above trailer frame

Specifications:

Boat trailer guides adjust out to 13" each side

Fits Frames up to 3"W x 4-1/4"H
1-1/2" square, 16 gauge pre-galvanized steel uprights

How to Install CE Smith Post-Style Trailer Guides

Needed for Installation:

#2 Phillips screwdriver
1/8” Drill
9/16” Deep socket

CE Smith Boat Trailer Guides Installation Instructions

Loosely assemble the mounting brackets and U-bolts onto your trailer frame.
Brackets may be mounted above or below the frame.
Mount as far back as possible.
Mount close to a cross member for more rigidity.
Slide the short end of the uprights into the brackets.
Slide PVC posts over the uprights engaging the no-rotate notch with the lance.
Loosely tighten the U-bolts.
Adjust trailer guide posts to fit your boat.
Less than 1 inch of offset from the boat is typical.
Mount as far back as possible for the guides to be most helpful during loading.
Tighten U-bolts
Spacing will change during tightening.
Re-adjust your spacing and re-tighten as needed.
Push caps down firmly onto your guide-on posts.

**For maximum benefit when loading your boat, mount the posts as far back on the trailer frame as possible and as close to the boat as possible**

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18 Homemade Boat Trailer Guides Plans You Can DIY Easily

Boat trailer guides might seem insignificant but are major life-savors when it comes to loading and launching your boat . Especially if your boating location is windy and you don’t have an extra set of hands to help you load your boat, trailer guides are non-negotiable!

Luckily, boat trailer guides are cheap and easy to DIY. Yes, trust us, you can DIY them all on your own, even if you’re a beginner!

Here are 18 DIY boat trailer guide ideas to assist you with the project.

Table of Contents

1. Affordable and Homemade Boat Trailer Guide Beginner-friendly Tutorial

2. 10-step guide on making a homemade boat trailer guide, 3. tall led boat trailer guides perfect for dark use, 4. homemade boat trailer guide posts – benefits and diy instructions, 5. $20 cheap homemade boat trailer guide using pvc, 6. boat trailer guides diy in 6 steps, 7. 2 inch pvc pipe diy boat trailer guides, 8. homemade pvc diy trailer guides – tips and suggestions, 9. light-attached diy boat trailer guide post, 10. boat trailer guide ons – benefits and types, 11. install diy boat trailer guides for under $20, 12. homemade trailer guide ons – brief instructions, 13. diy boat trailer guides for loading and backing up, 14. budget-friendly homemade boat trailer guides, 15. diy trailer load guides by powerboat television, 16. diy boat trailer bunk guide modification tutorial, 17. how to install boat trailer guide posts, 18. step-by-step instructions on how to build pvc boat trailer guides.

Wayne, the boat guy, is amazing at instructing his viewers at various boat-related DIYs. If you don’t believe our words, just look at how clearly he walks his viewers through the materials, tools, and the entire process of making boat trailer guides .

This tutorial, given how detail-attentive is the Youtuber at giving instructions, is very beginner-friendly. So, if this is your first attempt at DIY trailer guides, this is the video you need to watch.

10-Step-Guide-on-Making-A-Homemade-Boat-Trailer-Guide

James Harvy , in this written DIY tutorial post on BOATING BASICS ONLINE, provides his readers with the supply list for the DIY and 10 brief step-by-step instructions to complete the homemade trailer guide project.

This DIY uses PVC40 PE 10 ft pipe and a few other readily available supplies. What’s more, BOATING BASICS is a great resource site for boat fanatics like you!

Loading your boat into the trailer can be a real hassle during the late evening or the early morning. On top of marker bulbs in the trailer, the Youtuber decided to add guides containing marker bulbs for convenient use during the dark.

The project by Marine Trout Whisperer features a 10 ft 2 inch PVC, and a few other supplies, which the Youtuber demonstrates at the beginning of the video. He has further mentioned some of his favorite products for the DIY, along with their purchase links in the description box.

Homemade-Boat-Trailer-Guide-Posts-–-Benefits-and-DIY-Instructions

By now, we believe you are aware of all the benefits trailer guides provide. Nevertheless, if some of you are still new to trailer guides, Ride the Ducks of Seattle has perfectly elaborated on the topic.

Further in this post, find all the supplies you’ll need to DIY your own trailer guides, followed by 7-step instructions on the DIY process.

The Youtuber from PUREMAT PURSUIT DIYed boat trailer guides using 1.5 inch PVC pipe and U-bolts for about $20. He mentions in the comment that he simply used a table saw to cut notches for U-bolts in the PVC pipe.

He demonstrates the entire DIY to his viewers . The process is fairly easy and quick to follow. If you doubt that 1.5 PVC is not enough to handle your boat, you can definitely size up accordingly.

What are the items necessary for boat trailer guides DIY? How do you actually make it? For beginners, these questions bombarding their heads are difficult to sort out.

To your rescue, here’s a simple and easy-to-follow written tutorial on DIY boat trailer guides by GONE OUTDOORS. We hope it helps!

The Youtuber from Jordan Michael Fishing makes trailer guides using U clamps and 2 inch PVC pipes to load his Jon boat with ease. He walks his viewers throughout the DIY process and explains every nitty-gritty detail of the project.

If you’re into fishing, you’ll love the fishing vlogs on Jordan Michael Fishing . Do check them out!

Homemade-PVC-DIY-Trailer-Guides-–-Tips-and-Suggestions

Are you planning to attempt at PVC boat trailer guides DIY? Well, if yes, this thread on the iBOATS forum is a must-read!

The user gt2003 is considering adding trailer guides to his boat trailer with tubing of 2’’ by 4’’ and isn’t yet sure which method of DIY to follow. He has asked his fellow users for tips for the project. There are some pretty solid information and resources shared on this thread.

If you’re planning to DIY boat trailer guides, we’d definitely recommend you build one that has a light guide attached to the posts, as it is very efficient for late evening or early morning uses.

The Youtuber from Camps Outdoors walks his viewers through the entire DIY process. Watch the video and let us know what you think of this DIY.

Boat-Trailer-Guide-Ons-–-Benefits-and-Types

If you’re seeking a resource that provides you with insights on boat trailer guides , this post by Our Recipes for Success is perfect for you!

Are you aware of the types of boat trailer guides? They are – post guides, roller guides, and bunk guides. In fact, this post further features the pros and cons of different boat trailer types. You’ll definitely benefit from this post!

The Youtuber from GetOutTheHouseGoFish builds PVC 40 PE trailer guides for his 14 ft Mcclain boat trailer for under $20. He has mentioned all the supplies, their dimensions, and the cost for the DIY trailer in the pinned comment in the comment section.

For fishing enthusiasts like you and us, this channel is definitely binge-worthy! Please make sure you check their video out.

Homemade-Trailer-Guide-Ons-–-Brief-Instructions

Superbenk on iBOATS forum used ¾ inch PVC with 8 inches by ½ inch aluminum tube inside it for reinforcement and used U-bolts to clamp the guides to the trailer. He has explained the entire DIY process briefly in this thread using a few documented images of the DIY journey.

Many have appreciated the build in the comments and have provided a few suggestions. What do you think of this DIY?

In this video, the Youtuber from WHITEHOUSE FARM DIYs boat trailer guides using metal conduits for loading and backing up purposes.

He demonstrates the entire process in detail and explains the major updates of the DIY process. The end product looks quite promising. Find the items and their purchase links in the description box.

Budget-Friendly-Homemade-Boat-Trailer-Guides

If you’re a beginner, you’ll love this DIY boat trailer guides written tutorial by MARINE TALK. The post is well-organized into tools and material required, followed by a step-by-step guide on the DIY.

PVC pipes, caps, a set of hardware, a drill, cable ties, cloth, and safety gear – if you have these supplies gathered, follow the 6 straightforward steps to build boat trailers all by yourself.

PowerBoat Television has come up with a fantastic DIY trailer load guide tip for you. While it is not a trailer guide tutorial per se, this video can help you if you’re having trouble with your pre-existing load guide covers.

The Youtuber takes a PVC pipe with a bigger diameter than his existing rod guides, caps them, and inserts them on top of the guides. Smart and better-looking load guide covers!

DIY-Boat-Trailer-Bunk-Guide-Modification-Tutorial

The user Dave5201 on Instructables mentions how his friend Tom’s commercial bunk trailer guides did not come up to their expectations and how they modified the guide such that it helped center the boat over the trailer.

If you’re suffering from a similar issue, there’s no need to DIY a trailer guide from scratch, as you can easily follow this simple tutorial to solve the complicated problem.

The Youtuber from InstaPhippsyFishing DIYs trailer guideposts in this tutorial video for his brand new SHoreLand’rB10 Shore Armor 2 trailer to help load his Marlon SP14 Jon boat easier.

Find all the supplies required for the project, along with dimensions and costs at the beginning of the video.

Also, make sure to check the Youtuber’s replies to the comments in the comment section, as he has provided some insights on how the guides are holding up and some updates on it.

Step-by-Step-Instructions-on-How-to-Build-PVC-Boat-Trailer-Guides

OutedWeb has put together a well-organized DIY trailer guide tutorial for you. From all the supplies you’ll need for the project to detailed instruction on the project, they’ve got it all covered!

They’ve mentioned that this project takes around 30-40 mins to complete. Furthermore, don’t discount the FAQ section at the end. Pretty valuable information there!

Unlike other heavy boat DIY projects, homemade boat trailer guides are quite simple and easy to DIY. In fact, most of these 18 ideas are PVC boat trailer guides DIYs – simple and cheap!

Well, the ball is in your court now. Having boat trailer guides truly makes a difference. So, we’d recommend you gather the supplies and get on the project right away! We wish you all the best.

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Pontoon boats are expensive to buy, but making one yourself can be simple and affordable, allowing you to save a whole lot of cash at the same time as tackling a highly rewarding project. For anyone who thinks they might like to have a go, we’ve had a look online to see what other people…

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Jon boats feature an extremely simple design, and their flat bottom makes them suitable for use on even shallow water, so they’re a popular choice with anglers and many other inland boat users. They’re also extremely easy to build, so to help anyone who wants to try, we’ve had a look online to see what…

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Building a boat might sound like a big project – and depending on the kind of boat you want, it can be. However, with the right plan, it’s far from impossible, offering you the prospect of owning a boat without spending huge amounts of money on it. For anyone who thinks that sounds like a…

18 Homemade Bass Boat Plans You Can DIY Easily

If you desperately want to own a bass boat but want to be as budget-friendly as possible, following the commercial path is a waste of time and effort. Bass boats can cost you tens of thousands of dollars! Luckily, with plans and tutorials available on the internet, you can DIY one from scratch or convert…

17 Homemade Fishing Rod Holder For Boat Plans

If you’ve found yourself constantly complaining about how your fishing rods are kept unorganized – sometimes leaning at a wall and at times on the boat floor completely unattended, we hear you! It is a sign that you’re in desperate need of a rod holder or a rod rack if you have many fishing rods….

18 Homemade Boat Anchor Plans You Can DIY Easily

Losing an anchor is not surprising news in the field of boating, is it? In fact, for this reason alone, many recommend going on a voyage with two anchors on the boat. Unfortunately, anchors can be pretty expensive. So, why not DIY your own homemade boat anchor? Whatever your handyman expertise is, we’ve got your…

Thanks for sharing these worthwhile DIY projects.

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Bodies of two children recovered after sailboat capsizes, search continues for missing man

by FOX 11 News

{ }Missing man and kids in Door Co. Last seen Saturday, July 13, 2024 (Brown Co. Emergency Management)

OCONTO COUNTY (WLUK) -- The bodies of two young children were found after their sailboat was found capsized in the waters of Door County.

"My heart is in my stomach. As a boater, we've been boating 50 years and to see a boat pull in and not know where the captain or two small children are, that's a boater's worst nightmare," said Kathy Hinkfuss of Green Bay, a recreational boater.

A search began over the weekend for the two children, ages 3 and 5, and their father, 32-year-old Bill Salnik of Little Suamico, after they went sailing Saturday.

Officials say the three left Oconto Harbor after 10 a.m.

Around noon Sunday, the Oconto County Sheriff's Office received a report of an overdue boat and began a search with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Wisconsin DNR.

"The Oconto County Sheriff's Office began a search along with the USCG and the WI DNR. The search expanded last night into the jurisdictional waters of Door County. Emergency personnel from the DCSO, DC emergency services and local fire departments joined the search," said Chief Deputy Patrick McCarty with the Door County Sheriff's Office.

The family's intended route was to go from Green Island in the bay to a marina just south of Oconto but they never made it to their destination.

Salnik's truck and trailer was still at the boat ramp and his phone calls went straight to voicemail.

At 6:22 a.m. Monday, the capsized sailboat was found just south of Chambers Island, without Salnik and his children. The vessel was was towed to Fish Creek.

After 11 a.m. Monday, searchers found the bodies of the two young children about a mile south of where the sailboat was found. "The bodies of two young children were recovered in the water about one mile south of where the boat was located. Their names are not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification of next of kin," added McCarty.

The Door County Sheriff's Office says they will continue their land and sea search efforts to find Salnik.

Due to warmer water and air temperatures, officials say it is still possible to find Salnik alive.

Officials are asking those out on the water to keep an eye out for anything that may be related to the search for Salnik.

Posted 2024-07-17 07:42

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2024 Tracker Pro Guide V16 - $26,000 (La Crosse)

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Brand new Tracker Pro Guide V16 Only 3 hours on motor Only in water once 90 HP 4 stroke Added steps to trailer for easy access

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The 10 Best Boat Trailer Guides for 2024
The set up offers up to 14″ (3″ trailer frame) or 16″ (2″ trailer frame) of horizontal adjustment. It fits bunk or roller-style trailer frames up to 3″ wide x 4. 25″ tall. The steel is zinc-coated for strength and corrosion resistance. Keep in mind that means it was designed for freshwater use.
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Trailer Guides, Rollers, and Side Straps. Even if you can back your trailer beautifully, you also need to put your boat on your trailer and that is even harder when it's a sailboat. Installing trailer guides on your trailer if you don't have them makes a huge difference in lining up your boat with your trailer bunks.
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Bullseye Quick Load units are a universal fit. Guides fit trailer frames "1.5 x 4", "2 x 4", "2 x 3"and 3"x 3" with U-bolt attachments. Also fits boat trailers with rear frame steps. *If you own a Lund Boat and order a Lund Bullseye Kit, no drilling is required. The side profile has been engineered and predrilled for a perfect Lund Boat fit.
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Boat trailer guides also keep you from ramming your boat into your trailer's roller brackets or frame on an especially windy day, preventing costly and avoidable repairs. There are 3 types of boat guides: Bunk-style: wooden boards (covered in marine-grade carpet) that run along the length of your boat trailer. Most durable, best for those ...
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The CE Smith 27660 2-Foot Bunk Board Guide-On is a high-quality boat trailer that ensures proper center loading, even in windy conditions. The boards are made from untreated Southern yellow pine and covered in high-grade marine carpet fabric. This guide-on bunk board has a height of 21" with adjustments out to 13" from the frame on each side.
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Guide your boat easily at Cabela's! Boat trailer guide-on rollers and brackets from reliable brands like C.E. Smith and Bass Pro Shops available today.
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CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Boat Trailer Guide -Ons - Pre-Galvanized Steel - 5" Tall. Our Price: $24.08. (27) In Stock. Add to Cart. Zinc-plated steel U-bolt kit allows you to attach 1 roller-, bunk-, or post-style guide -on to your boat trailer with a frame up to 3" wide x 4" tall.
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Boat Trailer Guide-ons, 40"/48" Adjustable Design, 2PCS Rustproof Galvanized Steel Trailer Guide ons, Trailer Guides with Black PVC Pipes, for Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer. 4.3 out of 5 stars. 100. 800+ bought in past month. $64.99 $ 64. 99. FREE delivery Thu, Jul 18 . Overall Pick.
Trailer keel guides
Sep 4, 2019. #13. When the trailer is submerged under the water on the ramp, most of the time the keel guides are to low to help guide the hull onto the trailer until the hull is almost to it's finished resting position. Therefore you want your guides to be as high as possible to allow for the angle of the ramp.
CE Smith Boat Trailer Guides
CE Smith Boat Trailer Guides Feature: Galvanized posts extend more than half-way into each non marring heavy duty 2" PVC tube for extra stability. Boat trailer guides may be mounted on top of the frame for extra height. Complete to fit frame up to 3" wide x 4-1/4" high. One box comes with both sides of the trailer. Sizes Available: Part #. Size.
18 Homemade Boat Trailer Guides Plans You Can DIY Easily
Here are 18 DIY boat trailer guide ideas to assist you with the project. Table of Contents. 1. Affordable and Homemade Boat Trailer Guide Beginner-friendly Tutorial. 2. 10-Step Guide on Making A Homemade Boat Trailer Guide. 3. Tall LED Boat Trailer Guides Perfect For Dark Use. 4.
Bodies of two children recovered after sailboat capsizes, search
Salnik's truck and trailer was still at the boat ramp and his phone calls went straight to voicemail. At 6:22 a.m. Monday, the capsized sailboat was found just south of Chambers Island, without ...
2024 Tracker Pro Guide V16
Brand new Tracker Pro Guide V16 Only 3 hours on motor Only in water once 90 HP 4 stroke Added steps to trailer for easy access. CL. la crosse > for sale by owner > boats. post; account; favorites. hidden. CL. la crosse > boats - by owner ... boat type: powerboat. propulsion type: power. condition: new. engine hours (total): 3.

The 10 Best Boat Trailer Guides for 2024

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Roller Trailer Guides

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Installation

Ease of Use

Trailer and Boat Size

Check Your Equipment

Boat Trailer Guide Care and Maintenance

The Bottom Line

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Welcome to Bullseye quick load

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The Best Boat Trailer Guides (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

Best Overall

SeaSense Trailer Post Guide

CE Smith Guide-On Bunkboard

Extreme Max Heavy-Duty Roller Guide-On System

Benefits of Boat Trailer Guides

Types of Boat Trailer Guides