Boat Trailer Guides

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We’ve all been stuck behind THAT boater who can’t seem to get his boat out of the water. The line of cars waiting to use the dock seems to go on forever, and the poor guy keeps struggling. He can’t seem to get his boat onto the trailer just so…and he has to go back and forth, back and forth until he finally gets it right.

Boat trailer guides could save that guy a lot of time and hassle (and make friends for life from among those waiting to use the dock!). Guides or guide ons help you slide that boat in and out of the water quickly and easily. They make putting your boat or watercraft into the water a breeze!

In addition to buying boat trailer guides, look for guide pads too. These pads slip over your boat trailer Post guides and create a nice cushioned bumper. They’re great for protecting the boat’s rub rails, or if the water is real choppy & your trailer is to deep, the fiberglass hull & gelcoat on the side of the boat. They’re easy to add to boat Post guide ons, and we offer them in durable heavy duty Dernier 600 canvas to last a long time.

We have a large selection of boat guide ons and boat trailer guides and accessories to fit many boat & trailer combinations. All of our products are made in the USA according to our specifications, and we take great pride in the sturdy craftsmanship used to manufacture all of our marine and boat parts and accessories.

Ve-Ve Inc. is one of the largest manufactures & suppliers of boat trailer accessories, boat roller ramps, post and floating dock hardware. We offer a wide selection of marine hardware products on our website, from dock & boat accessories to boat ramps for both fresh and saltwater applications. We have over 40 years of experience manufacturing and selling durable American-made marine products. Visit us online to shop for your boat roller ramp and marine accessories.

Choosing Between Boat Roller Ramps and Lifts

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Boat and personal watercraft users often have a hard time deciding between boat roller ramps and lifts. What are the pros and cons of each? How do you choose the right one for your needs?

Boat roller ramps come in a wide range of sizes/ weight capacities. They can be used for both boats and personal watercraft, and special pontoon boat roller ramps make it easy to move pontoon boats too. Lifts are typically affixed to a slip, and require more time to learn to use as well as a greater investment.

The Pros and Cons of Boat Roller Ramps

There are several benefits from choosing boat roller ramps. These include:

  • Less expensive: Boat roller ramps are generally less expensive than lifts. You can purchase one for around $1,000 or so, depending on the size capacity and length of the ramp. Lifts, on the other hand, are at least $500 more, with some costing thousands of dollars. Additional accessories may also be needed for boat lifts. Overall, lifts are pricier than ramps.
  • Easier to use: A novice can usually learn to move a boat in and out of the water smoothly using a boat roller ramp fairly quickly. Lifts may take some practice to get the hang of. Ramps are easier to adjust too fluctuating water levels, which is helpful if you’re trying to move your boat ramp by yourself.
  • Storage: Boat roller ramps perform double duty as both a means to move boats and personal watercraft in and out of the water, and a way to store boats on shore in the off season if desired. Roller ramps offer both a lower priced storage alternative and greater convenience for many boat owners.

Purchasing Boat Roller Ramps

It’s also a little easier to purchase boat roller ramps online. You can certainly find companies that sell lifts online, but most lifts require specialized instructions to install them safely and properly. Ramps, on the other hand, can be shipped, unpacked and used by the average recreational boater without a problem.

If you’re in the market for a boat roller ramp, visit Ve-Ve Inc.’s selection of boat roller ramps. We also offer accessories for boat lifts. Ve-Ve Inc. manufactures & offers the finest quality, Made in the U.S.A., marine accessories for customers nationwide. Most Boat Ramps are UPS shippable, nationwide & into Canada. Call us at 763-427-5330 with questions.

Boat Trailer Accessories: Choosing Guide-Ons

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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.

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.

Pre-Season Tune Up for Boat Trailer Guides

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It’s time for your “pre-season tune up” for your boat trailers guides! Before heading out with your boat for the first time this spring, take a few minutes to do a quick safety check with your boat trailer guides.

  • Check the fastenings and hardware to make sure they didn’t loosen over the winter. Even if you weren’t using them, they can loosen over time.
  • Look for fatigue on your boat trailer guides. Fatigue can occur from rough handling, age, or simple wear and tear.
  • If you’re using the same boat as last year, there’s probably no need to readjust them. If you’ve purchased a new boat, you may need to readjust the guide ons even if using the same trailer.

The Benefits of Using Boat Trailer Guides

Boat trailer guides are especially useful for boaters who take their boat in and out of the water every time they take their watercraft out for a spin. There’s nothing worse than trying to get your boat up and onto your trailer while there’s a line of anxious, annoyed people waiting for their turn. Boat trailer guides make it easier to move your boat quickly out of the water and onto your trailer so that you can get in and out in no time at all. Although they’re not technically necessary, most people do find them to be a time saver.

If you’re using your boat in freshwater, you can use any metal for the guide ons. If you’re using your boat in saltwater, choose a galvanized finish. Galvanized metal withstands exposure to salt water better and holds up to corrosion and rust. Foam or pads can be added to the guide ons to protect your boat’s hull from scrapes, too.

All of our boat guide ons are made in the U.S.A. We’ve found that the American made products last longer and provide better value over time for our customers.

Ve-Ve Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of boat trailer accessories, boat roller ramps, post and floating dock hardware. We offer a wide selection of products on our website and offer boat accessories and ramps for both fresh and saltwater applications. Visit our website for the complete selection of these and other accessories for your boat, watercraft and trailers.

The Benefits of Using a Transom Saver

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Do you need a transom saver on your boat? We recommend that boat owners towing boats with outboard motors add a transom saver whenever possible.

The transom saver prevents vibration damage to the boat’s transom during normal towing. As you tow a boat trailer over normal roads, there’s a moderate amount of vibration from the outboard against the transom. If you travel over rough terrain, however, such as gravel roads leading to ponds, lakes or other recreational areas, your boat’s outboard may vibrate more than usual. These jounces and shakes can damage the transom over time.

A transom saver acts as a buffer for these shocks. It transfers the shock from the transom to the springs of the trailer, so that your trailer absorbs the bounces, not the rigid transom.

Transom savers work best when they fit your boat and outboard well. Ve-Ve Inc. offers four frame mounts, two straight and two formed, as well as four roller mounts, also two straight and two formed, for short and long transoms. If you’re not sure which one to buy, you can use the contact us form on our website to drop us a quick question. We’re happy to help you find the right transom saver for your boat.

Did we mention that all of our transom savers are made right here in the U.S.A.? We pride ourselves on supporting American businesses and stock the best “Made in the USA” products we can find for our customers.

Although some boat makers say that transom savers aren’t necessary, why take the risk of damaging your boat when a well-designed transom saver may prevent damage? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and with Ve-Ve Inc. eight different models of boat transom savers, you’re sure to find the best one within your budget that fits your boat.

Ve-Ve Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of boat trailer accessories, boat roller ramps, post and floating dock hardware. We offer a wide selection of products on our website and offer boat accessories and ramps for both fresh and saltwater applications.

Do You Need New Boat Roller Ramps?

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Most of the time, boat roller ramps last for many years and do not need to be adjusted or replaced. But there are certain times when you do need new ramps. How can you tell you need new boat roller ramps?

Consider New Boat Roller Ramps under These Circumstances

Consider purchasing new boat roller ramps under the following circumstances:

  1. You’ve bought a larger boat: If you’ve moved on to a bigger boat, make sure that your current roller ramps fit the new size. Larger hulls may mean you need to adjust your current ramps or purchase new ones.
  2. You’ve changed the type of watercraft you own: There are different boat roller ramps for pontoon boats, personal watercraft, and other boats. Don’t try to cut corners and make do with one ramp that doesn’t fit your boat. It may damage your watercraft or you may get hurt in the process of moving your boat.
  3. If the ramps look rusty: Some people who are using boat roller ramps to store boats as well as move them in and out of the water may find that rust has attacked the metal frame. If that’s the case, and there’s considerable damage to the roller ramps, it may be time to purchase new ones.

Boat Roller Ramps Made in the USA

Ve-Ve Inc. stocks several sizes and types of boat roller ramps, all made in the U.S.A. We pride ourselves on supporting American-made products and American ingenuity, and as a result we go the extra mile to find and stock only American-made products. Our boat roller ramps offer durable construction with lightweight materials for added portability.

If you need to order a new boat roller ramp, visit Ve-Ve Inc.. Ve-Ve Inc. is one of the largest online suppliers of boat trailer accessories, boat roller ramps and floating dock hardware. We have over 40 years of experience manufacturing and selling durable American-made marine products. Visit us online to shop for your boat roller ramp and more.

Specialized Construction Makes Ve-Ve’s Boat Trailer Guide Ons Especially Durable

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What makes Ve-Ve Inc.’s boat trailer guide ons especially durable is the unique construction methods we use when our products are manufactured. For instance, all other post guide ons manufactures cut corners by only running there steel tube half way up the PVC tube. We don’t cut corners; our steel tube goes all the way to within 6” of the top of the PVC tube for added durability. Also our Post Guides as well as our 5-1/2’ & 7-1/2’ bunk guides, have a brace bar welded on it were the tube is formed for added strength.

Why bother finding such strong boat trailer guide ons? Trailer guide ons can take a lot of abuse over the years, especially in rough weather with high winds and strong currents. As you maneuver your boat on and off the trailer, mistakes happen, and your boat trailer guide ons take the brunt of those mistakes, to do their job, guide the boat on and off the trailer.

Speaking of mistakes, one of the most common mistakes we see with boat trailer guide ons is using the wrong metal finish type for your needs. If you’re using your boat in salt water, make sure to buy only steel guide ons with a galvanized finish. These withstand salt water better and won’t pit from exposure to the salt. Even though they’re slightly more expensive, they’re the best ones on the market, and they can be used in fresh water as well.

When it comes to quality, we don’t believe in skimping on quality on any aspect of our Boat Trailer Accessories. Ve-Ve Inc. manufactures there guide ons in the U.S.A. so they can proudly say “Made in the U.S.A.” and we insist on maintaining top quality for our customers. The result is a long-lasting product that can take years of use without showing a hint of fatigue.

Ve-Ve Inc. is one of the largest manufactures & suppliers of boat trailer accessories, boat roller ramps, post and floating dock hardware. We offer a wide selection of marine hardware products on our website, from dock & boat accessories to boat ramps for both fresh and saltwater applications. Visit our website for the complete selection of these and other accessories for your boat, watercraft and trailers.

Stationary Dock Hardware for Building or Refurbishing Projects

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Stationary Dock Hardware for Building or Refurbishing Projects

Stationery dock hardware is used to build a new dock from scratch or to repair an existing dock.  Our stationary dock hardware is made specifically for fresh water use ONLY, because of the painted finish.  Galvanized floating dock hardware marked for saltwater can be used in fresh water, but not the other way around. Salt water tends to be harder on painted metal parts than fresh, and can corrode certain kinds of metal more quickly than freshwater.

In general, floating docks are used in areas prone to hurricanes and storms, and in tidal areas. The reason is simple once you think about it; they float and move up or down with the water, which makes them less prone to damage. In hurricane areas, that means that a floating dock, which moves with the water, is less prone to damage than a stationary dock that must bear the brunt of the force of wind and water.

Benefits of a Stationery Dock

Stationery docks are what many non-mariners think of when they hear the word “dock.”  The solid, firm structure feels better underfoot, and doesn’t give the uneasy sense that you’re going to tip into the water when you move in and out of your watercraft the way a floating dock can feel.  Stationary docks can also hold more people than floating docks; many floating docks made with PVC barrels collapse under the weight of too many users, crushing the barrels and ruining their flotation ability.  Consider a stationery dock if your dock will see heavy foot traffic during peak boating season.

Stationery docks can cost a little bit more money to make than floating docks, but the benefit of a sturdy dock that feels safe for all ages, makes it well worth it. Also the investment in building costs of a dock may be offset by the increased value that the dock adds to your property. For example, a property/lot that has water frontage (with or without a house) has more real estate value because of the water accessibility the dock provides.

Building a stationery dock isn’t hard. Stationery dock hardware is readily available, and the wood you need to build your dock is available from major home supply stores. Home Depot offers a free project instruction sheet to help you anchor either a stationery or floating dock. The stationery dock hardware needed to complete your project is listed on the sheet, and you can purchase it easily online from Ve-Ve Inc.

So if you’re ready to build your stationary dock, visit Ve-Ve Inc. For a complete list of stationery dock hardware for 3 different dock pipe sizes, 1-1/4” (1-5/8” O.D.) , 1-1/2” (1-7/8” O.D.) & 2” (2-3/8” O.D.) ., visit our website. NOTE: Remember pipe is called out by its inside dimension, not the outside dimension a person usually measures. We manufacture and sell only the finest American-made products and ship nationwide and into Canada.

Buying Floating Dock Hardware

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What components of floating dock hardware will you need to build your own dock? The answer depends on the size and shape of the dock itself, but a few key pieces of floating dock hardware are essential for all projects. These pieces may include:

  • Equipment, such as a saw to cut lumber, a drill with different sized drill bits, carriage bolts, nuts, washers along with screws and/or nails
  • Section Connection, “Section Hinging Brackets” to affix the dock sections together
  • Dock Anchoring, “Floating Straight Brackets” with rings or pipes. ( Or “Chain Retainers” for dead man weights.
  • Bracket Support, “Backing plates” ( Optional, but do give added bracket support! )
  • Other optional types of Brackets for different dock layouts and support.

Before starting your floating dock project, read through your plans carefully. If you need a free plan, there are many sources online such as the plans at Remove and Replace and Instructables. Each plan provides guidance to build different sized docks, and you may need more floating dock hardware depending on the size or layout of the dock itself.

Some plans call for using barrels or drums as flotation devices, while others suggest foam filled plastic floats. Barrels work fine for small, private floating docks, but if too many people are on the dock at once, they can sink and the pressure can push in the barrels. Foam filled plastic floats tend to work better for most floating dock projects because you can choose size of floats based on the weight you want to support and the opening on the underside of dock frame you are mounting it to.

For those folks trying to choose between a stationery or floating dock, consider first where you live. The U.S. Coast Guard suggests floating docks for both freshwater and saltwater needs in hurricane-prone and tidal water areas.  A floating dock will ride up and down with the water in the event a hurricane threatens or tide going in or out. Stationery docks may be more stable or look prettier, but they do tend to splinter apart when under hurricane-force water and winds and will stay at a set height when water level fluctuates.

Ve-Ve Inc. manufactures and carries a large selection of galvanized, Made in the U.S.A. Floating Dock Hardware for residential use (Not recommended for large commercial docks ).  Visit our website and browse our selection. Compare it to your plan, and purchase directly from our online store. If you have any questions about your purchase, we also have an online form where you can submit your questions for a prompt answer. Visit Ve-Ve Inc. today. Hardware is shipped nationwide and into Canada.