Anyone use trailer guide poles?

[Dr Honda]

Hi Guys,


Just as the title says.... does anyone have them on their trailer? I guess this is really more pointed to the boat guys... but I want to know how well they work.


In all the years I've owned boats, and skis... I'v never even gave them a second thought. Also... sometimes, I will see them on a tiny little "John boat" trailer, and think... "Why the heck do you need them, for that little boat??"


So... here's the deal... on my Islandia, I have come to have 2 problems


1) When in muddy water... it's not easy to see the end of the trailer, when trying to put the boat back on. (it's a very long trailer, and on a steep ramp, the trailer can be in 4' of water)

And

2) When the water is choppy, or there is a current from being in a river... I can engage the nose... but then the rear of the boat will start to drift.


With #2... it's never an issue with a ski... or some of the smaller boat's I've owned. If they are off center... just give them a nudge... and they drop on straight. BUT... the Islandia can be 4000 Lbs with fuel, water, and gear... so there's no pushing it. There's been a few times where it was off center, and I would have to half submerge it... and be standing belly deep in the water to try to float/push it on center. That's not an issue when I've been in the water playing... but I don't want to get soaked if I'm wearing regular shorts, and was just out for a ride.



Any input will be helpful.


FYI... I ordered a set last night... but it will be a week or so before I get them, and have a chance to install.

 

[Coastiejoe]

You nailed the only two reason you would ever need them.

I have been on the water my entire life and have never used them.

Largest boat I trailered was a 27ft Sea Ray with twin 292's.

The key is to have the trailer as shallow as you can and use the boat power. But as you mentioned, visibility or a current can be an issue.

For me, I have zero interest in them no matter what the marine craft. I have launched and retrieved boats and jet skis probably near 5000 times.

Get comfortable with how it handles and you can get on any trailer.

Do they work, yes. There just not for me. I have seen people rely on them so much so that they have bent the mounting hardware and or broke the pole.

If you are off-center then the trailer is too deep allowing the boat to be floating above the trailer. Make it shallow and power up the bunks. You will look like a champ and spend less than 3 minutes at the ramp.

 

[dbracela]

Our's came with a set already installed when we bought the boat. They need to be adjusted as they don't get the boat on perfect, but for the most part, I like having them. The launches we use most often have a "no powered loading" policy, and the ramps are quite steep, so as soon as the trailer is in the water it is already too deep and the rear of the boat would float away in the wind without the guides.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Our's came with a set already installed when we bought the boat. They need to be adjusted as they don't get the boat on perfect, but for the most part, I like having them. The launches we use most often have a "no powered loading" policy, and the ramps are quite steep, so as soon as the trailer is in the water it is already too deep and the rear of the boat would float away in the wind without the guides.

Those are good reasons for them, can't argue that..

 

[dbracela]

They have their cons too, they occasionally get in the way, and when I'm launching from a beach or in shallow water I can't say that I really use them. I've yet to master the "power loading." Maybe I'll try again next time no one is watching.

 

[Dr Honda]

You nailed the only two reason you would ever need them.

I have been on the water my entire life and have never used them.

.............

For me, I have zero interest in them no matter what the marine craft. I have launched and retrieved boats and jet skis probably near 5000 times.

Get comfortable with how it handles and you can get on any trailer.

Do they work, yes. There just not for me. I have seen people rely on them so much so that they have bent the mounting hardware and or broke the pole.

If you are off-center then the trailer is too deep allowing the boat to be floating above the trailer. Make it shallow and power up the bunks. You will look like a champ and spend less than 3 minutes at the ramp.

You are absolutely right. 90% of the time... they are not needed, and may actually get in the way. And... just like you... the number of times I've put a boat on a trailer can no longer be counted. (going back over a +25 year period)

Not to mention... I have loaded the islandia at least 30 times already. so far... there has only been 2 times I wish I had a guide of some kind.

1) On vacation last year... the ramp at our Condo SUCKED !!!! it was off canter, and full of pot holes. So the trailer was sideways, crooked, and the water was EXTRA choppy. In this case... I ran the trailer VERY shallow, and pushed the nose on, and winched up about half way. Then... I backed the trailer in a little deeper... and winched more.... and then... did it one last time to get it all the way on.

It was a total pain in the butt... but, I was loading myself, in less than perfect conditions. PLUS, running extra shallow made sure I wasn't going to crush the boat into the fenders, or bow roller. (or worse)

2) The small local lake can get muddy after a rain. And while it's a nice ramp... it's just hard to see the trailer.


Now... as below... we have some crazy steep ramps (as in, 4wd low to get out) and the tail end is WAY to low, and the tires are hardly wet. (not all, but some)

Our's came with a set already installed when we bought the boat. They need to be adjusted as they don't get the boat on perfect, but for the most part, I like having them. The launches we use most often have a "no powered loading" policy, and the ramps are quite steep, so as soon as the trailer is in the water it is already too deep and the rear of the boat would float away in the wind without the guides.

In Pittsburgh... it's a standing rule that you don't "Power on" a boat. If, a range sees you doing it... it can get you a ticket. AND... I'm sure that's more $$$ than the guides were.



As you guys can see from my posts... even though I've already ordered them... I still have mixed feelings. I guess the thing that pushed me over the edge to actually buy them is that... around "The point" of the pitt rivers... there is a lot to see... and I really want to go out for some night rides. AND... I think the only way I'm going to get it back on the trailer, (at night) is to have those poles sticking up out of the water. I may even add lights to the tops.



Anyway... if you guys have anymore input... post up. But, once I get the guides... I will post up with the install, and my findings. AND... if I don't like them... they were only $55 shipped. So, I won't be heart broken if they don't work out. (LOL)

 

[Dr Honda]

Who wouldn't want to be out on the water, when this is the view??? But I need to get back on the trailer safe.

 

[LouDoo]

Well I got a set when I bought my 96GSX, I thought they was fur cookin hot dogs. That's what I used them fur, sure made them hot dogs taste funny.

Lou

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Tony, From where did you buy them?

 

[Dr Honda]

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Overton's the other night.

I also ordered a depth gauge/Finsh finder/GPS unit, and a gallon of water proofing spray for my covers.


The poles were $59. But I had a 10% code, and it was free shipping. (so that made them $55) I would post the code, but it was a one time use type.

 

[biffdotorg]

VeVe Guides are one of the strongest options on the market. They are anodized and have matching pads and covers. The CE Smiths seem to be popular for less money, although the strength is reflected in the price.

This is also just speaking for boats. They are hardly necessary for PWC. We launch our boat in current, and that is where they are used most. That and cross-waves as most lake landings are out in the open.

I have a link for my install, as I painted my VeVe guides all black to match the trailer and boat, just look at the pic in my signiture file. Buzz me with questions, as I saved my marriage with them. They are more of a safety net for her than anything. It is great to look while on the trailer and know right away that the boat is on straight or crooked before pulling out.

 

[Dr Honda]

Please post the link. I'd like to read it over.

 

[biffdotorg]

Please post the link. I'd like to read it over.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?40295-VeVe-Guides-for-Your-Trailer

 

[Dr Honda]

Thanks...


The ones I bought, are similar. There is a bracket, and a steel section, with a 2" PVC over tube. The difference is... they were half price... and the steel only goes up about 25".

If I like them, and they seem weak... I will upgrade. Actually... I'll just weld a steel extension on.

I bought the 49" version. My rub rail is only around 22"~25" from the trailer. I guess I should have gotten to longer ones. (oh well)

 

[docster]

If you are off-center then the trailer is it shallow and power up the bunks. You will look like a champ and spend less than 3 minutes at the ramp.

Power loading is super illegal, if you're caught doing it ticket, some places here even ban you from ramp. Not to mention it erodes the bottom of ramp making it worse for everyone. Do not power load!

All you have to do keep trailer shallow, get front on slowly, and use the winch to crank it up the remainder before you haul it out. As long as winch is working and rated for the boat, that's why it's there.

Remember, a rule of thumb for trailer is that the top of the fenders should be at the waterline or a couple inches below at max. And if you have carpet bunks, just dunk the trailer first to get them wet, pull it back out to where it should be, and the boat will slide up easier on the winch.

That will make you look like a pro. Powerloading just makes you look like someone who has no clue what they are doing...


I do not mean any offense by this post, just trying to help.

 

[Dugout]

Used guides on my last boat trailer. They were like the ones you're buying from Overton's. Worked great. The wife could put the boat on the trailer with ease. I would hook the boat to the trailer and haul everything up the ramp.

 

[biffdotorg]

Power loading is super illegal, if you're caught doing it ticket, some places here even ban you from ramp. Not to mention it erodes the bottom of ramp making it worse for everyone. Do not power load!

All you have to do keep trailer shallow, get front on slowly, and use the winch to crank it up the remainder before you haul it out. As long as winch is working and rated for the boat, that's why it's there.

Remember, a rule of thumb for trailer is that the top of the fenders should be at the waterline or a couple inches below at max. And if you have carpet bunks, just dunk the trailer first to get them wet, pull it back out to where it should be, and the boat will slide up easier on the winch.

That will make you look like a pro. Powerloading just makes you look like someone who has no clue what they are doing...


I do not mean any offense by this post, just trying to help.

I agree with you on the erosion point, and powerloading should be limited and done correctly. It should not be done when the concrete was designed for 16' boats as the 20'+ boats will actually back their trailer or lower unit into the sand/rock pile made by the shorty powerloaders!

The legality of power loading is different from state to state, so stating that it is illegal is actually false, but true for your region. The Yamaha Jet boat manuals actually instruct their owners to powerload within 2ft of the winch post, and then winch it the rest of the way. They didn't intentionally tell people to break the law, they just know that there are more states where it is legal than illegal.

All that being said, there is a huge difference in weight between the small sportsters/speedsters and the 20ft + Challengers and Islandias. I don't care how wet your bunks are, or how your winch is sized, in minimal water, you will have a tough time moving that boat with the winch. I have figured out what depth it takes after the pre-dunk of the bunks to allow me to winch that last 2ft. And you are dead on saying the fenders should be just peaking out of the water. Each trailer boat combination is different, and the angle of the landing variable is huge.

So I will dispense with the blanket statements on recovering your boat and leave it at: Follow your local laws and practice in varying conditions. Protect the environment when possible, and for those on the 1/8th mile long reservior concrete landings, don't dink around and feel free to power load. You aren't hurting anything on those ramps.

Good luck!

 

[suke]

I wish power loading was illegal here! Our lake was super high to the point it was JUST below the dock. There was a fishing tournament full of asshats that thought they were the best thing going. Every last one of them power loaded like a jack wagon. Completely soaking me while holding on to my XP waiting my turn to get my ski out of the water and trying to keep my expensive graphics from banging against the dock. Dbags!

Never do it, never have done it when driving the boat or any ski.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I will agree that power loading can be an issue, but only if the driver is a jerk.

I am not talking about running your engine up to 8000 to get on the trailer.

You can use the engine and not be an "asshat" as noted above.

Boats with props are MUCH different than jet skis and jet boats.

To insinuate that I don't know what I am doing at a dock because I don't pull my winch strap out 12 foot is ridiculous.

The only time I EVER do so is when I am checking the condition of the strap at the beginning of the season.

 

[suke]

I will agree that power loading can be an issue, but only if the driver is a jerk.

I am not talking about running your engine up to 8000 to get on the trailer.

This is what they were doing.

To insinuate that I don't know what I am doing at a dock because I don't pull my winch strap out 12 foot is ridiculous.

Can't say I was inferring anyone was. Guilty conscience?

 

[Murph_13]

suke,

Sorry to hear about your time at the launch, but I must say I like your dialect..."asshat", "jack wagon" and "Dbag" are a few of my favorites!

I guess I'm glad that power loading is illegal here...I've only seen a few people do it and I'll never forget the guys a few years back with a new boat that power loaded...they went from "cool" to "tool" in nothing flat as they proceeded to drag the lower unit accross the concrete ramp on their way out...doh! The ramp can be a good source of entertainment from time-to-time...I'm sure we all have launch/ramp stories.

Now that this thread has gone from using trailer guide polls to power loading...I think we should get back on topic.

Doc,

Anxious to hear how the guide poles work out for you. I considered some when I first got my Utopia, seemed easy to have it off a bit to one side. When I was considering them, I thought I had seen some that had rollers the length of the poles and thought that might be the way to go...can't seem to find any now?

 

[Coastiejoe]

This is what they were doing.


Can't say I was inferring anyone was. Guilty conscience?

I used your word to remain polite LOL.

I didn't feel your comment was directed at me. Another's were in my opinion.

No guilty conceits here. I am perfectly fine with my boating and trailering abilities. Zero issues,,,

 

[suke]

I used your word to remain polite LOL.

I didn't feel your comment was directed at me. Another's were in my opinion.

No guilty conceits here. I am perfectly fine with my boating and trailering abilities. Zero issues,,,

Ahhhhh, gotcha. Sadly in my area people have more money then sense.

 

[Dugout]

suke,
Anxious to hear how the guide poles work out for you. I considered some when I first got my Utopia, seemed easy to have it off a bit to one side. When I was considering them, I thought I had seen some that had rollers the length of the poles and thought that might be the way to go...can't seem to find any now?

Do a search for trailer guides or boat guides, you will probably get tons of hits.

 

[Dr Honda]

Hey Biff:


What is the gap between the poles, and the rub rail, that you are using??