Trailer guides

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We’ve been trailering with 3 RT’s over the last 14 years but for some reason the 25 we have does not always want to sit level on the trailer when we retrieve it from the water. I sometimes resplash to adjust but often times that doesn’t always work. I’ve been thinking trailer guides that are installed at the rear of the trailer might be beneficial but have no experience. Has anyone had experience with trailer guides and or other suggestions on helping get the boat straight onto the trailer?

Jim F

 

[scross]

Get something like this if you have an aluminum I-beam trailer. They are super easy to install using the I-beam clamps and work great. From CE Smith. Fit E-Z Loader trailers and should be standard equipment.

https://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-P ... 27648.html

I did mine custom ordering the CE Smith I-beam clamp kit from Amazon, buying the PVC 2” Schedule 40 tubing and top caps from Home Depot and using aluminum guides instead of the CE Smith galvanized guides. Total cost about $130.
https://www.amazon.com/HECASA-Square-Th ... PcEALw_wcB

 

[bob daily]

You might want to look at side bunks, a little more heavy duty than regular guides and the cost is more but well worth it. I have them on my trailor and is a must have for launching and retrieving in the river with a strong side current. They will definitely keep your boat where you want it! Bob

 

[nzfisher]

Yes. It is a problem. If the tide or current is not pushing the boat the wind is. I often single hand so I have gone to an electric winch so I can manipulate the boat as it slides up the bunks. Alignment lines on top of the fenders help as well to center the boat on the trailer. Good luck with the problem. Thanks for asking about this as it is interesting to see how others deal with the issue.

Swims with Tuna

 

[S. Todd]

My solution to this problem has been to put the trailer in the water only part way and winch the boat up until it gets difficult, then back the trailer in further and winch some more. It usually takes me a second time to back the trail in further, but the results are the boat is almost always on perfectly straight. It helps if you have the boat balanced so that it sits level when you begin the trailer loading process.
I once had a Sea Ray that always came up off center by about a quarter inch. My solution was to not worry about it because it didn't appear to impact the way it rode down the highway. Once it was home in the garage and then if I had time and was anticipating a long trailering distance the next trip out, I would lift the back end of the boat with engine hosts and center it up. I suspect this had more to do with my OCD tendencies to want it perfectly centered than actual performance as it rode down the highway.
I don't think trailering guides are going to get you perfectly centered unless they are extremely tight and don't have any flex in them. On the other hand, if you are loading in current or strong crosswinds, they should be of significant help in getting things closer to centered.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

My solution to this problem has been to put the trailer in the water only part way and winch the boat up until it gets difficult, then back the trailer in further and winch some more. It usually takes me a second time to back the trail in further, but the results are the boat is almost always on perfectly straight.

That is what I do.

I also spray silicone lubricant on the bunks. That really helps ease the work when winching the boat up to the bow stop. However, those lubricated bunks are a double-edge sword. Make sure the boat is winched tight and safetied before pulling it up the ramp or it may slide off the trailer.

 

[SKI3PO]

Yes. It is a problem. If the tide or current is not pushing the boat the wind is. I often single hand so I have gone to an electric winch so I can manipulate the boat as it slides up the bunks. Alignment lines on top of the fenders help as well to center the boat on the trailer. Good luck with the problem. Thanks for asking about this as it is interesting to see how others deal with the issue.

Swims with Tuna

What electric winch are you using? I'm looking for something for an R31.

 

[tlkenyon]

I put two sets of guides on the trailer. I do a lot of solo boating, and this arrangement takes some (most?) of the stress out of loading. This was the first outing of the year, so please ignore the faded hull color!

IMG_3734[1].JPG

• tlkenyon
• Sep 16, 2024