Choosing Boat Trailer Bunks versus Guide-Ons for Trailering in Rough Waters

Updated 06/13/2016 | Published 06/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers - 60" Tall - White - 1 Pair

(2611)

$157.18

CE Smith Bunkboard Guide-On Kit - 75 Degree

(760)

$206.22

Question:

Hello I live in Alaska and the water can be pretty rough coming in. I am wondering which is structurally stronger, the PVC or 16-Gauge, pre-galvanized steel posts with PVC slide over. My boat is a Zodiac 20 foot Pro Man RIB and it can get tossed around pretty good by the wave coming into a trailer from the ocean onto the trailer. Just one more question, how do a sets of these in the bow and in the stern compare to having bunk style glide on? Which would work in rougher waves coming in from the ocean to the beach. Thank you again for your time and expert advice. I bought one of your tow hitch kits for my 95 Ford Explorer and it fit like a glove. I am impressed and I will be buying one of these set ups from you soon. Thanks again.

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Considering the rough water where you boat, I suggest you consider carpeted bunks or roller bunks. Bunks will do a better job than guide-ons at actually controlling the boat's motion while you're getting it up on the trailer. Guide-ons are really intended to provide a visual cue, but not really for actually controlling the boat's movement as it is trailered. As soon as the hull makes contact with the bunks it will begin to stabilize the craft's movement.

I have linked our main pages for both carpeted bunks and roller-style bunks. We even offer a Bunkboard Guide-On Kit # CE27600K75 (75-degree angle) that includes everything but the 2 x 4 lumber, which you will supply.This kit lets you choose your bunk length, up to 12-feet.

Between guide-ons that use PVC tubing over steel and those that use only the galvanized steel, those with PVC will be stronger.

expert reply by: Adam R