Ideal placement for trailer guides?

[jb32566]

I realize this question is subjective and that there is no single right answer, but I am wondering if there is a "sweet spot" where most people put their trailer guides?both with regards to distance from the side of the boat and distance from the rear edge of the trailer.

edited/added:
I will also take advice on trailer pole pads. (brands, etc.)

thanks in advance!

 

[MidnightRider]

I got my guide covers from these guys Boat Trailer Guide Pads|Beyond The Wake and am happy with the quality, seems like they will last. As far as placement, if I remember right I gave about 1-1/2" outside the widest part of the boat on each side. Rearward, I just chose a spot where the mounting made sense on the trailer close to the back.

 

[jb32566]

I almost want to place them at the back just in front of the lights with the outside of the posts aligned with the edge of the trailer fenders. It seems like they'd work best as a backing guide in that location. But further forward they provide better assistance for boat recovery?

 

[MidnightRider]

Here's a pic of mine to give you an idea of the covers and placement.

 

[PJ73]

Here's a pic of mine to give you an idea of the covers and placement.
View attachment 91118

Where'd ya get the cover?

 

[MidnightRider]

Where'd ya get the cover?

Boat Trailer Guide Pads|Beyond The Wake

I'll mention that they took a long time to ship but the product seems to be good quality. I'd use them again.

 

[haknslash]

1 1/2"-2" from the rub rail. Don't pay attention to distance from the trailer. The guides are for guiding the boat not the trailer

 

[W3bexec]

I cannot say enough about the Veve guides. Not sure about the prior years but 2018 Yamaha and up, get the longer bolt kit. The standard 6" will not be long enough

 

[Rushfan67]

I have the CE Smith Lighted Guides and took @haknslash recommendation and mine are about 2 inches out from the rub rail.

 

[Pro Build]

I did not know if I needed guides, but I decided to make a set that I could take on and off in a matter of seconds. They work great and I only put them on to load the boat and then right back off to go home.

 

[Billtex2000]

Is that Starboard?! Nice job!!

 

[drewkaree]

I did not know if I needed guides, but I decided to make a set that I could take on and off in a matter of seconds. They work great and I only put them on to load the boat and then right back off to go home.

That is an awesome idea right there! Easy enough to replace if something happens, and cheap to swap out the pipe if something happens. If anyone wanted to try this and they didn't want all the ugly writing on the pipe, a little bit of acetone will take the writing off in a few seconds. Seems like if you found the right diameter for lights, you could hook up something a bit more permanent too. Kudos!

 

[Pro Build]

I think so, everything from Home Depot.

 

[Pro Build]

That is an awesome idea right there! Easy enough to replace if something happens, and cheap to swap out the pipe if something happens. If anyone wanted to try this and they didn't want all the ugly writing on the pipe, a little bit of acetone will take the writing off in a few seconds. Seems like if you found the right diameter for lights, you could hook up something a bit more permanent too. Kudos!

Never figured how people are using lighted poles as everyone said you should unplug your trailer connection before backing into the water. I think you could add some battery powered lights real easy and never worry.

 

[Cgeetter]

Here's a pic of mine to give you an idea of the covers and placement.
View attachment 91118

What structure do you have in This pic? Looking for something for my new boat. How much was it?

 

[Gym]

Whatever type you buy or their placement on your trailer remember to have your fenders INSIDE the boat while launching or retrieving. Otherwise they will get hung up on your guides.

 

[AZ Native]

Whatever type you buy or their placement on your trailer remember to have your fenders INSIDE the boat while launching or retrieving. Otherwise they will get hung up on your guides.

Ditto, but also make sure your cleats are fully pushed in. The middle ones can also tear up the guide covers. MidNight Rider has the perfect placement in his photo above.

 

[bolivas]

I did not know if I needed guides, but I decided to make a set that I could take on and off in a matter of seconds. They work great and I only put them on to load the boat and then right back off to go home.

That is a great setup! I really like the removable aspect of this. My access backing into the shop is a little tight (6" clearance each side) and adding additional width is a concern. What was your total expense for the material?

Thanks for the post!

 

[Pro Build]

Thanks, and that material is PVC trim boards and PVC pipes(1-1/2" with second 1" inside for more strength) from Home Depot. I didn't keep track, but I'm sure the cost for everything was less than a 100 bucks. The time designing and building was a lot more than the bolt on types, but I enjoy the time and the finished project. If it ever fails, I can easily make a change.

 

[bolivas]

Thanks, and that material is PVC trim boards and PVC pipes(1-1/2" with second 1" inside for more strength) from Home Depot. I didn't keep track, but I'm sure the cost for everything was less than a 100 bucks. The time designing and building was a lot more than the bolt on types, but I enjoy the time and the finished project. If it ever fails, I can easily make a change.

Thanks for the update.