DIY guide ons

[Red9654]

Anyone tried to make their own trailer guide ons out of 2x4's?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: DIY guide ons

No. I used 2" PVC, an elbow and u-bolts to clamp it to the frame. Sorry no pics.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: DIY guide ons

Let me add a little more. I made two "L" shaped PVC pieces for each side and bolted a 2X4 between them. It works well for me.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: DIY guide ons

I used 1.25" square tubing (2 per side) bent with a torch and me pulling on it... welded it to the frame and bolted 2x6 bunks on.

 

[britisher]

Re: DIY guide ons

Here's a suggestion. Most of the pvc tube guide ones appear to sit over bent square section tubing. These off the shelf kits seem mighty expensive for what they are. Sorting the tubing is the PITA part. BUT, I noticed that the safety brackets for extending ladders (the bit that fits at the very top and keeps the ladder away from the wall), they are bent tubing. I think they are about $20+/-. All you need to do is saw them in half, connect them to the trailed and then sit the pvc tubes on top. Guide on made cheap.

 

[jwalterus]

Re: DIY guide ons

I used 1" square tubing welded to the frame to come out, used 5/8" conduit for uprights welded on, and covered them with cheap 12"x3" foam rollers

 

[airshot]

Re: DIY guide ons

Can be made from many different materials, depends on where it will rub on your hull and what kind of mark it will leave if any.
I believe a good many are a piece of pvc tube slipped over something else like a piece of pipe. That is how mine are made. The pvc does not leave any marks and no rust and look good. Depending on boat size, the pvc itself may be strong enough, but on larger boats something on the inside to strengthen the pvc is necessary.

Airshot

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: DIY guide ons

Why couldn't you use a ladder stabilizer bar cut into two sections. Attach one end to the trailer with U bolts and slip a PVC pipe over the curved end, attaching the bottom of the pipe with a couple of bolts.

 

[britisher]

Re: DIY guide ons

Why couldn't you use a ladder stabilizer bar cut into two sections. Attach one end to the trailer with U bolts and slip a PVC pipe over the curved end, attaching the bottom of the pipe with a couple of bolts.

Yes that's exactly what I said in my post. Those ladder extenders are identical to the $100.00 parts you see advertised.

 

[1stgenbird]

Re: DIY guide ons

Yes that's exactly what I said in my post. Those ladder extenders are identical to the $100.00 parts you see advertised.

Didn't read your post fully but yeah, $25 at HD is a lot better than $100. Improvise!

 

[spdracr39]

Re: DIY guide ons

But the ladder supports are not marine certified !!!

 

[Bronlonius]

Re: DIY guide ons

Was just going to ask something like this, the ladder idea is good. Aren't those aluminum though, or are they steel? I'd be worried about them bending if you're trying to land your boat in some wind.

 

[Grandad]

Re: DIY guide ons

Was just going to ask something like this, the ladder idea is good. Aren't those aluminum though, or are they steel? I'd be worried about them bending if you're trying to land your boat in some wind.

I think the aluminum ladder struts are probably quite sturdy enough for the boat in the OP's profile. Having access to pipe benders, I bent 1 1/2" schedule 40 galvanized pipe to about 80 degrees and added sleeves of yellow plastic underground natural gas pipe (very durable and slippery). I welded angle iron cradles to the schedule 40 that then secure to the frame with square U-bolts. Short guides are adequate for shallow stable ramps, but make 'em long if your ramps are steep or unlevel side to side. I have had mine submerged and actually bent one slightly open while pulling this beast up a natural rock ramp. Guides are well worth having. - Grandad

 

[colbyt]

Re: DIY guide ons

I am currently fabricating some from 3/16 x 1-1/4" angle. L shaped brackets to support a side bunks with a riser for the back most one, haven't quite determined what will protect the boat from the riser. I will share pictures if you like.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: DIY guide ons

For a pontoon boat this is what works

 

[BonairII]

Re: DIY guide ons

Just spend the $50-100 bucks and buy yourself a set of guide on rails.

After all the time/money/gas/headache of doing DIY rails.....simply purchasing a set is much cheaper IMO.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: DIY guide ons

Just spend the $50-100 bucks and buy yourself a set of guide on rails.

After all the time/money/gas/headache of doing DIY rails.....simply purchasing a set is much cheaper IMO.

Yes, but not as much fun as a DIY project. And where is the satisfaction in buying some mass produced, over priced imported piece of material?

 

[jwalterus]

Re: DIY guide ons

Just spend the $50-100 bucks and buy yourself a set of guide on rails.

After all the time/money/gas/headache of doing DIY rails.....simply purchasing a set is much cheaper IMO.

Yes, but not as much fun as a DIY project. And where is the satisfaction in buying some mass produced, over priced imported piece of material?

not to mention, when you do make your own, they become as individual as everything else on your boat

should mention this as well: mine were made from all scrap materials and the rollers were bought on sale, total cost was about $3.00 and an hour of my time

 

[buckhorn7]

Re: DIY guide ons

I used 1" metal electrical conduit. Just bend it to fit and U bolt it to the frame. Use 1 1/4"pvc to cover the uprights. $12

 

[batman99]

Re: DIY guide ons

I made my own guides using the extra steel I had laying around. Added Pool Noodle (from dollar store) and all it good. In all, I paid $2 - in total.