trailer guide ons???

jayz-23 · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 29

hey guys, i see that most wakeboard boats have the post type guide-ons mounted on their trailers. do they really help? i have a 20.5ft bayliner boat and sometimes have a bitch of a time getting to go on strait. will this help. also sometimes when i put the boat on the trailer one of my bunks jam. the one will be angled to match the hull the other will be totally flat and wedge against the hull. i thought they were supposed to be solid not swivel

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

some people swear by them, they do help w/ alignment but I only think there useful if its dark and I've been drinking.

89 skier · Addict Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 729 City: Dallas

I think they are definitely helpful when you're a little off line and especially in windy situations when the wind could blow you off your trailer and cause damage to your prop.
And I don't think your bunks should swivel. That would be a new one for me, if they were supposed to.

blur · Criminal Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 97 City: Littleton

They do help, especially as 89 skier said (when windy). with the Vdrives and direct drives it's not as easy to straighten out quick (unless it's to the right).

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

jayz-23, your bunks are supposed to be solid. When you get the correctly alligned to the hull of the boat tighten them down so they stay put.

The way most people will describe it is trailer guides are necessary for inboards and are nice for i/os. Because you can pull your outdrive up so it doesn't hit the trailer it's not really a necessity.

Although the trailer on my inboard doesn't have guides and I've never had a problem. I am just very cautious while trailering.

They are only about $100 to ad and they will help out a lot.

Leggester · Posted: Apr 05, 2005 1:55 pm Post subject:

With a 20' I/O, your problem is most likely getting your trailer too deep.

If you have a bunk style trailer, it's too deep. You should be able to drive or winch it the last two feet or sol. That'll align it on the bunks.

coreym · Outlaw Joined: 22 Aug 2003 Posts: 190 City: Eagan, MN

If you are gonna get them, definately invest in the foam covers for them as well. Hard black plastic guide ons leave marks if touched by the gel coat of a boat.

jayz-23 · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 29

ya i didnt think the bunks were supposed to move. i did look at the hardware connecting the bunks to the trailer when the boat was off. i tried to tighten them but i couldnt turn the nut, siezed solid also they had lots of washers in between them almost as if they tried to made it this way. So my best bet is to mark the angle of the bunks when boat is on. then when boat is in water cut off old hardware and put on new stuff and alighn correctly. does that sound like a good plan.

Centrider · Outlaw Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 232

They can also help while backing the trailer.

03parksridr · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 256 City: Edmond

True, they let you see the trailer over the tailgate, and when it goes underwater. we float our boat onto the trailer everytime. I have a red hull, so scratches from powerloading would show. Sad

Powaman · Outlaw Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 170 City: escanaba

Ya after launching a boat with them and now my boat trailer not having them I'm gonna be welding some on soon. There very nice as it helps the boat align it's self like the folks above have said and help because our launch is very steep and to see the trailer and which way its going without the boat on it you have to litterally stand up in your vehicles seat to see it.

NC05LSV · Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 40 City: FAYETTEVILLE

I have to say that I switched from an I/O without bumpers and the Inboard is a little more difficult to get on the trailer straight (reverse torque). The guides make it so much easier for me to load up my boat.........I think they are a must especially for an inboard.

JTLBP · Newbie Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 8 City: Waconia

Does any one know where you can get guides after market because my trailer does not have any, or do you have to make them your self

jayz-23 · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 29

a guy at the local boat shop said the trailer bunks are self aligning, also i drive my boat as far on the trailer as i can before i have to winch it and it is a bitch to winch it up all the way and if it is not tight the bow of the boat will bounce up and down easily going down the road. as i can not budge the boat on the bunks if im out of the water no matter how hard i crank.

xstarider · Newbie Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 13

Jayz--- www.screaminsacs.com they make them. Great customer service also.

D-GOOSE · Addict Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 750 City: Antelope

Bruky · Guest

Why would you need guides with an I/O? You have no underwater gear...fins, rudder, prop...to damage.

jayz-23 · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 29

just though it might be easier getting the boat on the trailer strait

Chad H · Posted: Apr 10, 2005 2:11 pm Post subject:

I use my numbchucks as guides when i am not using my sweet numchuck skills Laughing

NC05LSV · Newbie Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 40 City: FAYETTEVILLE

it is easier with any type of boat to line it up and load it. when you have shallow ramps and have to back way into the water, it can be very difficult (even with an I/O) to line it up. The guides are essential

Bruky · Guest

I/O's are typically deep V's. They should fall into position.

Once again, no underwater gear, no problem.