Pontoon Trailer Guides

[coresuper]

I recently bought a 24' Sylvan pontoon. My wife will be the one driving the boat on the trailer. I want to make this as easy as possible for her, so I want to install some guide ons. I have researched different types. Any recommendations? The 4C-Innovations are very nice, but very expensive. Some of the upright guides would end up under water. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Pontoon Trailer Guides

I see the local dock service barges using the full length guides.



They're more user friendly than the post type. Pretty much just drive it up to the stoppers & pull it out.

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Pontoon Trailer Guides

Kind of depends on how much of an angle the dock you use has. Inside guides work really well if they don't get completely submerged, and are not visible at back, when retrieving. Many here seem the like outside mount, because they can help in backing empty trailer, and they will rise out of the water more.

 

[Lake Lizzard]

Re: Pontoon Trailer Guides

I recently bought a 24' Sylvan pontoon. My wife will be the one driving the boat on the trailer. I want to make this as easy as possible for her, so I want to install some guide ons. I have researched different types. Any recommendations? The 4C-Innovations are very nice, but very expensive. Some of the upright guides would end up under water. Any input would be appreciated.

I would spend what money you need to make it easy on your wife. I have seen way to many husbands get frustrated with their wives pulling boats on the trailer at the ramp and start yelling at them. If it were easy for the wives they would get it right the first time - it's hard for some of them! If you want to guarantee your wife won't want to go out on the water with you just make it tough for her to get the boat on the trailer and then get frustrated with her and start yelling. It's your job to make it easy for her to get the boat on the trailer if you can.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Pontoon Trailer Guides

Inside guides are the only way to go.

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: Pontoon Trailer Guides

I tried the outside pole type guides and didn't like them. I have the inside guides located toward the front of the bunks and finally figured out to have the wife back the tlr in so the guides were still above the water. Even w/ a stiff crosswind I come in at an angle to the tlr, hook the guides between the tubes and use the steering and motor to get straight w/ the tlr and then signal her to back up until the deck touches the winch post. Keep the motor idling in forward, hook the winch strap to the boat and have her pull it out of the water. Of course the roles can be reversed.
Mike