Are you looking to add guides to your boat trailer to make loading and unloading your boat easier? Purchasing pre-made guides can be expensive, often exceeding $100. Fortunately, building your own boat trailer guides is a straightforward and cost-effective project. This guide will walk you through various methods and ideas for creating custom boat trailer guides, tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Understanding Boat Trailer Guide Options
Before diving into the DIY process, it’s essential to understand the different types of boat trailer guides available and their pros and cons:
- Bunk-Style Guides: These typically consist of carpeted wooden boards mounted on L-shaped brackets that attach to the trailer frame. They help align the boat as it’s loaded onto the trailer.
- Post-Type Guides: These guides feature vertical posts, often made of PVC or metal, that extend upwards from the trailer frame. They provide visual cues and gentle guidance during loading, especially useful when backing up.
- Roller Guides: Equipped with rollers, these guides facilitate smoother loading and unloading, minimizing friction between the boat hull and the trailer.
The best choice depends on your boat type, trailer design, and personal preference. Some boaters find bunk-style guides effective, while others prefer the visibility and simplicity of post-type guides.
DIY Methods for Building Boat Trailer Guides
Here are several approaches to building your own boat trailer guides, drawing from the experiences shared by boaters:
1. Carpeted Bunk-Style Guides
This method focuses on replicating the commercially available bunk-style guides.
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Materials:
- Treated lumber (e.g., 2×4 or 2×6) cut to the desired length (typically 4-5 feet).
- Marine-grade carpet.
- Galvanized L-shaped brackets. (Mitch13 mentioned having a set of new, galvanized “L” brackets that didn’t fit his trailer and offered them for the cost of shipping).
- Stainless steel or galvanized bolts, nuts, and washers.
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Construction:
- Wrap the lumber with marine-grade carpet, securing it with staples or adhesive.
- Attach the carpeted bunks to the L-shaped brackets using bolts, nuts, and washers.
- Mount the brackets to the trailer frame at the desired locations.
Alt text: Carpeted bunk-style boat trailer guides mounted on a trailer, providing lateral support for a boat.
2. Post-Type Guides Using Metal Tubing and PVC
This method offers a durable and visible solution for guiding your boat.
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Materials:
- Aluminized exhaust pipe or similar metal tubing.
- PVC pipe (slightly larger diameter than the metal tubing).
- U-bolts.
- End caps for the PVC pipe.
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Construction:
- Bend the metal tubing into the desired shape, creating an upward curve.
- Attach the metal tubing to the trailer frame using U-bolts.
- Slide the PVC pipe over the metal tubing.
- Cap the ends of the PVC pipe to prevent water intrusion.
3. Post-Type Guides Using Fence Rail and PVC
This method offers a sturdy and inexpensive alternative.
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Materials:
- Galvanized fence rail (1-1/4″ or 1-1/2″).
- PVC pipe (diameter to fit over the fence rail).
- U-bolts.
- End caps for the PVC pipe.
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Construction:
- Have a local chain-link fence dealer bend the fence rail into a U-shape to your desired dimensions (Skookum Point’s suggestion).
- Clamp the U-shaped rail to the trailer frame with U-bolts.
- Slip the PVC pipe over the vertical sections of the rail.
- Cap the ends of the PVC pipe.
4. PVC Covered Chain Guide
This method works well with drive-on or float-on trailers.
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Materials:
- 8 ft. PVC pipe (1″ diameter)
- Chain (galvanized 1/2″)
- Stainless steel turnbuckles
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Construction:
- Cover chain with PVC pipe.
- Mount from the center mount to the trailer frame on both sides to guide the boat into the center post.
- Use stainless turnbuckles for adjustment.
5. Ladder Stand Off Guides
This method utilizes readily available hardware for a simple solution.
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Materials:
- Ladder stand off (from Home Depot or Lowes).
- U-bolts.
- PVC pipe (optional, to slip over the ends).
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Construction:
- Cut the ladder stand off in half.
- Secure each half to the trailer frame with U-bolts.
- Use as support for bunks, or pieces of PVC slipped over the ends.
Tips for a Successful DIY Project
- Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring proper fit and alignment.
- Use Quality Materials: Opt for durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand the harsh marine environment. Galvanized or stainless steel hardware is recommended to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Prioritize Safety: Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when cutting, drilling, or welding.
- Consider Adjustability: Design your guides with adjustability in mind, allowing you to fine-tune their position to accommodate different boat sizes or loading conditions.
- Protect Your Boat: Use marine-grade carpet or other non-abrasive materials to prevent scratching or damage to your boat’s hull.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best method for building your own boat trailer guides depends on your skill level, available tools, and budget. Start by assessing your needs and preferences, then select the approach that best suits your situation. With careful planning and execution, you can create custom boat trailer guides that make loading and unloading your boat a breeze.
Alternatives to Trailer Guides
It’s worth noting that some boaters prefer alternatives to traditional trailer guides. For instance, Fredslane used plastic poles designed for trucks and snow plows to mark the corners of the trailer for better visibility when backing up. While not guides in the traditional sense, these poles helped keep the boat on track during loading.
The Judge mentioned that while guides can be helpful, they can also make washing and waxing the sides of the boat more difficult.
Frank O questioned whether trailer guides were necessary at all, given that his boat was primarily kept in a slip and only trailered once a year for maintenance via a hoist.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use trailer guides, and which type to use, is a personal one based on individual needs and circumstances.
