I purchased the Cabela's 5' load guides to install on the trailer of the new (to me) boat I purchased. The instructions said they work best when installed as close to the boat as possible which I've done, there's a marginal gap of space. When chatting with the local Cabela's employee he said I should leave about 2 finger widths between them and the boat so I don't wedge the boat in when trying to load it. Just wondering , what's the correct spacing I should have? Part of my concern with adding space is the bottom bunks are installed to have the bottom 2 riveted out edges of the boat alright on the outsides of the boards with very little room to spare. I don't want to add space on the side load guides and pull the boat out sitting on the bottom rivets. I hope this makes sense, appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Put it where you think it will work best.  Your loading ability will determine how much room you need.

It's my first boat ever so I have no loading ability lol. I'd appreciate any further insight. 

Two fingers sounds about right. 

31 minutes ago, Conclusion said:

It's my first boat ever so I have no loading ability lol. I'd appreciate any further insight. 

The best advice I can give you is when you get set up, take someone with you and go to an isolated place and practice loading and unloading until you know what to expect.  It also sounds like you need to have an experienced operator along to help you get used to the boat.

 

Most every boat has a sweet spot where it loads best.  Pay attention and learn your trailer depth that maximizes loading.  My wife just added, “That’s a big deal right there”.  When she goes with me she launches and loads the boat while I do the truck and trailer.

42 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

Most every boat has a sweet spot where it loads best.

And ramp angle changes this.  I like to note how deep the trailer is when the boat just starts to float.  Back in a little shallower when you go to retrieve.

As others have said,  the right depth is key.   It will come with experience.  We’ve all been there.  

Thanks for the responses. My plan is definitely to try and find a quiet ramp and take my time. I will have someone with me as well. I'll back the load guides off a bit to give a little play. I've used boats before but from rental cottages, so the loading/unloading is new to me.

Lots of useful info in this thread.

Best 'tip' I can offer is to do Everything Slow and don't let anyone put you in a rush.

I launch & recover my rig solo most of the time.

In both deals, trailer depth is key and 

to shallow is almost always better than too deep.

My sweet spot is to have the boat trailer fenders right at or just below

the surface of the water.  Boat slides on & off much easier then. 

Here's what it looks like going on the trailer.

 https://youtu.be/1Y6eZUyhUUo?t=196

Good Luck and I hope this helps.

You'll get it. 

A-Jay

 

 

I agree at least 1 1/2” to 2” clearance between the trailer guides, too tight you bounce off one.

Another helpful aid is the extra wide front roller kit to center the bow in the wind.

Most trailers the right depth to back down is when the trailer finders are about 1” above the water.

Aligning your boat far enough out away from the trailer to make slight sight adjustment loading. Take your time!

Mistakes newbies make are;

Forgeting the drain plug.

Forgetting the tie downs

Forgetting the transom saver.

forgetting to raise the OB to prevent prop damage.

Dock tie down ropes.

Bow longer tie down rope.

Tom

PS, the rivets are a non issue.