C.E. Smith Pontoon Post Guide-On

The C.E. Smith Pontoon Post Guide-On simplifies the critical task of aligning your pontoon boat with the trailer during loading and unloading. Sold as a pair, these guide-ons mount directly onto the rear cross member of your trailer and position themselves between the pontoons, centering your boat and eliminating the guesswork that leads to misalignment, hull contact, and potential damage. Standing 22 inches high, they provide visible reference points that make solo launching significantly safer and more efficient.

Construction uses 1-1/2 inch galvanized steel tubing for the vertical arms, which extend fully into rigid 2 inch PVC tubes at the base. This hybrid design balances strength with the corrosion resistance that pontoon boats demand—galvanized steel resists salt and freshwater oxidation, while PVC won't absorb moisture or degrade in seasonal temperature swings. The guides fit frames measuring up to 3 inches by 4-1/4 inches, accommodating most standard pontoon trailer cross members. Galvanizing on the steel components is essential for trailers that see regular water exposure, as bare steel would rust within a season in wet environments.

Pontoon owners benefit from guide-ons whether launching at a busy ramp or a quiet dock. The pair provides the dual reference points needed to center a wide, flat-bottomed hull that can be difficult to judge by eye alone. Fishermen and weekend boaters appreciate the added control and reduced stress during the loading sequence. At 14.2 pounds total, the system is substantial enough to stay firmly mounted under the pressure of a centering pontoon but light enough to handle during installation. Guide-ons are standard equipment on purpose-built pontoon trailers and represent a worthwhile upgrade for any existing trailer setup.