Should I Use Post-Style Or Bunk-Style Guide Ons For A 24' Fiberglass Offshore Cruiser
Updated 02/23/2026 | Published 02/17/2026
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Question:
Hi, I would like your recommendation for boat trailer guide-ons, posts vs bunks. The boat is a 24 5,000 fiberglass offshore cruiser. 90 of the time I dont power load. Most ramps are fairly deep. The rub rails are high, at the top of the gunwales. I am leaning toward your 75 units with the braced corners, but friends are recommending bunks. Thank you, - Chris
asked by: Chris W
Expert Reply:
Hey Chris, thanks for reaching out, and nice boat! Based on what you are describing, I'd go with the bunk-style guide-ons. Since you usually aren't power loading, the bunks will help catch the hull and keep it centered. Plus, the bunks help spread contact over a wider area which is a little more fiberglass-friendly than a single point of contact, especially if you get a little sideways from wind or current.
The posts act more as a visual reference than an actual guide. That said, if you want the best of both worlds, you can do the bunks for actual centering then add a set of posts for a visual guide so you can see the trailer on those deep ramps.
The largest bunk-style guides we have are the CE Smith # CE27600 which are 60" long. Then for the posts the largest are the 75" # CE27636 you were looking at.
Are you usually fishing in salt water? How's the fishing?
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CE Smith Bunk-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers - 60" Long - 1 Pair
- Boat Trailer Parts
- Guides
- Bunk-Style Guide
- 60 Inch Long
- CE Smith
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Chris W.
2/20/2026
Hi Jesse, The majority of the time the boat is in the Pacific salt, chasing salmon, halibut, Lingcod and other bottomfish. I don't get out as much as I'd like because of the rough conditions. My max. combined wave height is around six feet, and for weeks it has been between 8' and 16', and can get into the 20' range. The boat is also used on inland lakes trolling for Mackinaw, Kokanee, and trout. We camp in it as well. I don't always have fishing partners, so guide ons are a must in the wind or current. If I go with the bunks, I don't see a set listed for tandem axles, would I buy the uprights singly and get the boards and carpet elsewhere? P.S. I just purchased a complete surge 4-wheel disc brake system from you. It is fantastic.