Which Boat Guide-Ons Handle Side Pressure Better in Crosswinds?
Updated 10/20/2026 | Published 10/18/2026
Question:
I am interested in the CE Smith 75inch guide posts with i beam bracket for Ranger bay boat. Are the vertical riser brackets or the 90 degree bent tubing the strongest option for the vertical arms... concerned with side force stress when loading in wind, etc... Thanks for your response
asked by: Bill B
Expert Reply:
Hey Bill, thanks for reaching out, and that's a good question. For your Ranger bay boat, I recommend the CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons # CE27636 over the # CE27635 you were looking at. The big advantage is the U-bolt mounting system, which gives you a more secure connection to the trailer frame than the clamp-style brackets. That's especially important when you're dealing with crosswinds or currents pushing the boat against the guide posts while loading.
Both styles are designed to help guide your boat onto the trailer, but I prefer the # CE27636 for a larger bay boat where the posts may see more side pressure. The 90-degree bent steel supports also give you a solid mounting arrangement, and the 75" tall posts provide plenty of visibility when backing an empty trailer into the water. Just keep in mind that guide-ons are meant to help position the boat, not absorb the full force of a heavy boat coming in sideways.
Do you normally launch your Ranger in areas with strong crosswinds or currents, or are you mainly looking for extra guidance when loading?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers - 75" Tall - I-Beam Clamps - 1 Pair
- Boat Trailer Parts
- Guides
- Post-Style Guide
- 75 Inch Tall
- Galvanized Steel
- PVC
- CE Smith
more information >
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Barry
10/20/2026
I bought these for my 23 ft key west. With an aluminum trailer. They clamp on nice. And hold the boat on straight. Even in the wind. I had a bent set on before these. But ran into problems with the u bolt design for mounting them. They would always come loose or twist. Letting the upright move out of position.