Bunk or pole type guide ons?

[10point]

I got a new trailer for my 16 foot fishing boat and need to get some guide ons added to it as sometimes I am in places with current. I was planning on getting the pole type but my Dad is trying to convince me to get the bunk style. Help me decide.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

Either will get the job done, but having had significant experience with both I will say the bunk style guides are really nice. I'm a big fan of products that are idiotproof (or at least idiotresistant), and the bunk guides are as close as it gets. If the additional cost isn't significant I'd go ahead and take pop's advice (plus it'll make him happy junior listened to him for once). However, you'll be happy with either.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

poles reach higher and are easy to see.... bunks are MUCH stronger and work REALLY well

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

i built and installed pole guides on my pontoon tlr because the bunk guides did no good while loading in a crosswind due to being too low for the tubes to contact.
mike

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

I have these http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2727-1.jpg and they are AWESOME!

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

As stated, both do well. I currently have the bunks and it is very easy to get the boat on and off the trailer by myself. I had the pole type and covered them with pvc pipe to allow the boat to "roll" across the pole. The only problem I have with the bunks is the boat is harder, not impossible, to clean behind them... They sit about 4 inches from the hull. Also, you need to watch catching a fender between the bunk and the hull. Becomes a pain if it gets hung up. But you will only do that once... LOL

Also note the back pole has rubber hose on it so the hull does not run against the galvanized steel pole.

BTW, Dad is always right...

 

[pootnic]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

For me it would depend on what type ramps(launches)you use mostly,plus the style boat you have.
I like the pole type guide ons for steeper launches especially with current.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

I'm partial to post guides. I can see the trailer when empty into the ramp.

 

[iSteelHead]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

I believe bunks are much nicer, and they hold the boat in place more securely. Unlike poles, where the boat will try and "go around the pole". Here in Oregon, it can get windy in the Columbia Gorge. That is why I am partial to bunks. They are easier for friends to load the boat too it seems like. I vote Bunks ftw!

 

[reel clownz]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

i had pole style on my 89 islander. Those worked great for that boat. My 16' starcraft pro camp...basic fishing boat has bunk style.. Those work great for in the river. I have the tie down hull sav'r ones for my small boat..Only quom is that the sheet metal screws to hold the bunk on are garbarge.. That needs changed.. they come loose too fast but they are very protective.. good luck

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

On my 24' boat, bunks are the only way to go because a pole would not be nearly strong enough. Probably depends most on the size of the boat. I know I would never have a trailer with out one of the types.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

I had bunks and then went to four guide posts. The bunks were better especially in the wind, the guide posts are helpful when backing but the bow posts have to be carefully located to capture the boat in a breeze. In hindsight, the bunks were better, but it's much easier to wipe down the boat with the posts. And as Bruce said, most of the guide posts won't take much lateral load and will bend, especially the posts that don't use a full height tubular steel support. The best ones I found are from Ve-Ve manufacturing.

 

[Fishindan]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

Might try this. I put 5' side bunks on mine.Still wanted posts to help with initial line up ,but the ones I bought from Bass Pro would not extend out enough to clear gunwale edge.
I bolted 14" piece of inch and half angle to the aft end of bunk and then slid a 24" piece of 2 " PVC over them.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

try not sinking the trailer so deep and let the rollers guide it on. Or have your helper stand by the dock with a stern line and a pole (boat hook, paddle) to keep straight. of course it all depends on your ramp's set-up and if you are typically solo.

 

[iSteelHead]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

We need to start a Vote/Poll. lol

 

[STARCRAFT16SS]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

If you can't decide...could do both....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

Isn't your boat floating way above those bunks when the trailer is backed into the water?

 

[Evinbuck]

Re: Bunk or pole type guide ons?

Starcraft16SS, you have a Spartan tilt trailer exactly like mine. Mine's a 1978! I have both pole guides and side bunks to cover most situations. Sometimes steep ramps which the pole guides sure help in the wind. More shallow ramps the lower side bunk makes it easy to slide right in. Whatever works