Among the various boat trailer accessories, none creates as much heated debate among mariners as guide-ons. Some favor post guide-ons, while others swear by bunk or rollers. Each has its fans, and each, its detractors.
How do you know which boat trailer accessories such as guide-ons to buy? Mostly it is a matter of preference, but you may also want to explore the different types of guide-ons and which one may be easiest to use with your particular watercraft.
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- T-900 Supreme
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- T-945 Post Guide On
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- T-948 4′ Bunk Guide
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- T-956 5-1/2′ Bunk Guide
Boat Trailer Accessories: Guide-On Descriptions
Boat trailer accessories such as guide-ons serve an important purpose. Guide-ons, as the name suggests, help you guide your boat onto the trailer to transport it to and from the boat launch/landing. They help you center your boat so that you can load it quickly and safely.
- Post guide-ons consist of a pair of PVC tubes slid over 90 degree formed steel tubes that affixes to the trailer side frame. There are different types for pontoon trailers and traditional watercraft trailers. Pads can be added to the posts to prevent scratches on your boats gel coat, but typically they rub against the boats rub rail. The best pros of the Post guides are that if long enough they guide the boat even in a deep water loading ramp and are helpful when backing up an empty trailer into the boat landing.
- Roller guide-ons contain an adjustable roller assembly bolted to a vertical tube/bar that is mounted to the trailer. The rollers slide smoothly so that the boat glides onto the trailer. They’re good for areas that see a lot of rough weather, as the guide-ons enable the watercraft to slip easily onto the trailer. A non marring rubber roller keeps them from scratching or marking the boats side gel coat.
- Bunk guide-ons look like the bottom hull bunks on a trailer bed. They consist of carpet padded horizontal bunk boards affixed to two vertical supports that attach to the trailer side frame. The greater surface area holds the boat more securely to the trailer on both sides. They’re the most expensive among the different types of guide-ons, but give a longer than one point guide.
One way you can explore the different types of guide-ons is to ask friends at the marina or even help them load their watercraft and see how it feels to use each style of guide-on. You may find that the little extra spent on Bunk guide-ons is well worth it, that Roller guides feel right to you or the overall benefit of the Post Guides is your best option.
Ve-Ve Inc. manufactures & sells all three types of “Quality, American Made” guide-ons. Visit our website selection of boat trailer accessories to see these and others available nationwide & into Canada or call us at 763-427-5330.
