Guide posts

[Kalian]

Hey folks,I've been looking for some guide ons for my 1990 escort trailer. (bunks, not rollers) Where can I buy them at? I don't want to order anything off the net unless I have to. I have a galvanised trailer and the boat is wider than than the trailer by a good foot or two. I don't have any welding equipment. Should I be looking at a bolt-on kit? (I've been told it's not good to weld to galvanized) If it's a windy day my boat always ends up on the trailer crooked, And I have to loosen up the winch and back it down in to where it floats off the bunks, then bring it back in and check it. I'm hoping the guides would solve that problem.

[Reel Poor]

You could make these from some galvanize stock, some brackets and hardware, 2x4's, and carpet. Looks like they would be fairly easy to build.

[woodduck17]

I use these http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=29388

[Pony]

Cant make them out too well Kalian, but the trailer is galvanized and the boat overhangs it by a bit. They are incredible easy to attach, and are sturdy.....plus it gets the lights into a very visible location. I dont have any close up pics, but I have the trailer out with the boat off as I was replacing the bearings so I can take some tomorow and post them if you like.

[Kalian]

If you could that would be great Pony! Thanks R.P, wow, those are steep! I was thinking maybe 40 or 50 bucks. For $115 I think I'll try and make them. Hopefuly I can come up with something that doesn't require welding and doesn't look too "neckish". I didn't get a chance to look at your link yet Woodduck17, I'll check it out tomorow.

[tashasdaddy]

you can make them out of 1 1/2" galvanised pulmbing pipe. you start and the trailer with a "floor flange" its a round bolt on piece with threaded hole in center, extend out the distance you need to clear boat, with a piece of 1/1/2 pipe threaded on both ends, add a 90 degree fitting, tighten every thing, making sure the 90 is pointing up, then install into the 90 and piece of 1 1/2 pipe threaded both ends the length you need to clear the side of the boat, now slip a piece of pwc pipe over the 1 1/2 up right and place a galv. cap on top. you can get all the parts you need at the big blue or orange home improvement stores.

[Pony]

tashasdaddy- thats incredible similar to how mine are done....only used 1" pipe though. I'll still take some pics Kalian when I get home from work this afternoon.

[tashasdaddy]

Pony, i used 1 1/2 on mine as it's a 18' i/o with lots of side board. a lot more bulk weight and wind resistance to control, than your alumacraft. by the nice rig, i have a 1960 LONESTAR w/ '55 15hp rude set up very similar. suggest you side mount your spare, i lost on to rust like yours. mount to side of bow stop.

[Pony]

[Pony]

Originally posted by tashasdaddy: Pony, i used 1 1/2 on mine as it's a 18' i/o with lots of side board. a lot more bulk weight and wind resistance to control, than your alumacraft. by the nice rig, i have a 1960 LONESTAR w/ '55 15hp rude set up very similar. suggest you side mount your spare, i lost on to rust like yours. mount to side of bow stop.

I have a side mount kit somewhere in the garage from a different trailer.....maybe I throw it on there.......never really gave a thought to rust. Thanks.Yeah I can see where the thicker pipe would make a difference on your rig........either way, sure beats the pvc alternative. IMHO.

[tashasdaddy]

That's exactly what i was talking about, but i use pvc over the pipe so it would turn, instead of the rubber you have. ain't no fun the change the tire and have the spare fall apart.

[Kalian]

Thanks guys, that looks incredibly easy now that I see exactly what you're talking about. Even I can get that right!

[Pony]

Hey Kalian......Just make sure those threads are TIGHT! Over time with the amount of bouncing a trailer does, a thread that isnt tight enough will loosen and either break the threads or come apart. I actually tipped the trailer on the side and used the boat guide itself as a lever to get it tighter than any wrench possibly could. I also used a little lock-tite.

[tashasdaddy]

i did'nt do it but you could drill a hole in the joints, tap the hole and use a set screw in each joint. i did this with pvc that i made rod holder out of. i can reconfigure any time i want to.

[Kalian]

Good points. It would suck to have those guide posts twist while I'm driving!