trailer guides

[tntcoop]

I am making some guides to help me get my pontoon boat on the trailer easier. I am rather new to boating, and need all the help I can get, so I dont upset others at the ramp that may have more experience.

I am wondering how far should the guides be from the edge of the boat when it is on the trailer? I think that to little space would make it more possible to break the guides and to much space wouldn't be much help anyway.
There is a piece of angle on the bottom of the logs that should set between the bunkers. Here is a couple pictures that will hopefully help explain what I am talking about. You may be able to make out the piece on the bottom of the logs that runs the entire length of the logs.
http://coopscorner.com/pontoon/trailer/
I was thinking maybe 2 or 3 inches on each side, but any experience for the forum is very much appreciated.

Thanks for the advice

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: trailer guides

it looks good to me. i know how hard a toon can be to handle, you still my need someone in the bow to help with the initial line up, then have them move to the stearn.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: trailer guides

Looks good, at least it won't cost you much if you break one. Load it up once and see how it works out.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: trailer guides

What diameter and gauge metal is the tubing? How far up into the PVC pipe does the tubing go?

 

[tntcoop]

Re: trailer guides

i know how hard a toon can be to handle,

And i need all the help I can get...hehehe On a windy day sometimes getting it on the trailer can be interesting. I have had this pontoon a few years and done some restoration on it and due to another ol truck restoration, i havn't had a chance to put it in the water like i would like to. I hope to get to the lake more this summer, so i am trying to make it as easy as i can without a lot of expense.
thanks for the reply

 

[tntcoop]

Re: trailer guides

Load it up once and see how it works out.

I hope to get to the lake soon.
have a good week

 

[tntcoop]

Re: trailer guides

What diameter and gauge metal is the tubing? How far up into the PVC pipe does the tubing go?

I am not sure of the gauge, but the tubing is 1-1/2" in dia and the wall is 1/8" thick. It goes 14" into the PVC. It goes far enough up into the PVC, so that the logs would bump the aluminum pipe rather than the PVC. I was thinking about bolting a piece of flat bar from the elbow to the trailer frame to make it more solid. I did put a gussett in the corner, but maybe a flat piece welded on the vertical and horizonal pieces would make it more sturdy. Rollers would be better than what I have, but I am trying to keep the cost down.
Any ideas is appreciated.

 

[180shabah]

Re: trailer guides

Correct me if I am wrong, but it looked like your trailer already had a set of guides mounted between the pontoons. However, they appeared to be too far forward, unless there was a second set to the rear that I couldn't see. Either way, what you have done should prove to be very effective.

I will also add, a change to a four blade prop will make a huge difference in low speed handling. I have driven a couple of them that have been outfitted with a four blade Comprop, they would both turn around in thier own length. My deep V sure won't do that. Your Force 40 should use model M4323, Bass Pro sells it for $75, but I would search on ebay for one.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: trailer guides

Looks good. Those guides should help a lot.