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I am having difficulty deciding where to place my side guides. I have them centered on the wheels but the height is the problem. I have two positions to choose from, one buts me just above the planing fins and the lower setting sets me center to the fins. I'm concerned with the floating on and off. Right now the are centered on the fins and with about 3/4" play on both sides. I don't want the fins catching or tearing off with the loading and unloading process. Last alternative is to flip brackets to top side of trailer frame and that would put me about 5-6 inches above the fins. Any ideas...Dan
1961 Sea Coaster.

Fins??

Dan,

Are you refering to the "Spray Rails" as the Fins??

Phill

Possibly, I'm not sure of the proper nomenclature for these items. It is the rail that runs about two thirds from the transom forward, it is made of wood with a aluminum strip on the side. It is the forth lap down from the trim strip around the boat. I thought these were for helping the boat plan out...Dan

Dan,

Those are Spray Rails. They are there to help keep the spray caused by the boat cutting thru the water from come into the boat or at least to reduce the amount of water, the spray, that would fly up along side of the hull at top speed and possible enter the boat.

Phill

Thanks Phill, I'm getting a crash course in boating terms, I appreciate the help.

Hi Dan,
I put the guides about even with the spray rails on my Sea Lancer and left about an inch and a half to two inches on each side. This leaves enough room to float the boat on even with a current, and keeps it close enough to center to keep the boat straight on the trailer. This also keeps them high enough at a deep landing to be of some use lining up the boat on the trailer. As long as you pull out slow, the boat centers itself automaticly on the trailer.
Bill

Thanks Bill, that is where I have them currently. It seemed like a logical area. It seemed other non-wood boats have them higher but their spray guards are built in.

Next month I'll be launching and recovering my Sea Coaster for the first time and I'm a little nervous because as you can see, my trailer has no vertical guides to center the boat. I plan on adding them but I won't have time before it's first dunking. The trailer has bunks in back so I'll be floating it on and I'm worried about it hitting the fenders.
I was thinking of using a bow line to pull it on with another stern line on the windward side to help keep it centered. If any of you more experienced guys can offer some tips or suggestions, I'd appreciate it..

[img][img]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/ ... ortbow.jpg[/img][/img]

Verne

Hey Vern,
I just dunked mine a week ago without the side guides and I didn't have much of a problem. It was a shallow ramp so I did get my feet wet pushing it off and reloading. Once on the water and clipping along you will soon forget your a little wet. A little grit is good for the soul! Your idea is good too, I had to do it that way first time on the river with a current, I think I had to walk in a little there too. I've seen numerous guys do it. What's tough to swallow is forgetting bilge plug in back or leaving transom straps on and wondering why your boat is not floating. Above all else have some fun with it...Dan
PS Lakes are alot easier than rivers.

I regularly launch and retrieve my 20'er with out any side rails. I edge boat up to center rollers then attach strap and hand winch her up, with good rollers the keel will guide her into place and center. These type of trailers don't lend themselves to drive ons, everytime I have tried I scratch or mar the hull