Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Mike on 06/21/12 - 7:59 PM

I'm looking for advice about trailer guide ons. It seems the basic styles are the tall pvc post, short roller type and the bunk style. What would you recommend for a trailer for a 20 footer?

Posted by Finnegan on 06/21/12 - 8:33 PM

I would recommend the tall PVC tubes style, as long as they have the internal aluminum or galv steel brackets which attach to the trailer frame.

It is also important to install a same diameter PVC tube on the interior legs of the supports across the width of the trailer.
This greatly adds to their strength and stibility, and prevents the tubes from leaning out as the boat hits them. Install vertical tubes tight to the rubrail.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v42...an0041.jpg

Posted by Phil T on 06/22/12 - 5:00 AM

I have used side rollers instead of guide poles on two boats and prefer them. I do not like the guide posts after seeing more than a few get bent.

For the money I went with a galvanized set from Eastern Marine. Link to product They keep the boat centered and can handle heavy shock.

My local ramp is outside the no-wake zone and is exposed .Several non-local ramps I would visit had very strong currents.

Posted by Lionheart on 06/22/12 - 5:02 AM

I have a 1971 21 Whaler. I ended up buying fiberglass whip guides that they use on the ends of snow ploughs. They are bright orange and can bend almost 90 degrees. I bolted them vertically on the step, at the ends of my fenders. They came in a package of 2 for only $20 at Princess Auto in Ontario.

Posted by Dave Wheeler on 06/22/12 - 5:52 AM

I agree with Larry on the post type as being preferable. First, they provide a substantially improved ability to locate the trailer when backing it up empty. This is most helpful when backing down a smaller trail like I have for a Classic 15, with a full size pick up. Secondly, here in Eastern North Carolina we have poor water clarity and some strangely steep ramps. The post style always lets you know where the trailer is under the water. I have seen the unfortunate results of someone driving the boat in on top of a lower side guide. ERGO, your water and ramp conditions may dictate the best choice.

Posted by Derwd24 on 06/22/12 - 7:32 AM

After polling the forum with the same question, ended up going with the galvanized PVC guide posts from Veve Inc ( http://www.veveinc.com/shop/Boat-Trai...cessories/ ) and have been very happy with them. Seem plenty strong and as Dave says, are great to have for steep ramps, which we have in our area too. I don't think I'd be able to see the bunk or roller style guides when the trailer is fully submerged, it's that steep/deep.

Posted by kamie on 06/22/12 - 2:54 PM

I have the one Larry's mentioned, installed the way he indicated. In addition to assisting in centering the boat, you can move your lights off the trailer, onto the guide posts. Gets the lights out of the water and they are easier to see.

Posted by Mike on 06/22/12 - 7:19 PM

I ordered the CE Smith 60" tall guides. I looked at the Veve brand after I ordered and like that they have the metal extending to within 6" of the top.

When bringing the trailer home when I left the boat at Lakeland Fiberglass for the gelcoat I noticed that the tailgate on the new truck is so tall it's hard to judge what is going on without the boat when backing up.

Thanks for all the advice!