new member, trailer question

[kloot]

Hey Everyone, just bought my first jet boat, would of never thought since i was dead set on an outboard, pretty concerned from others remarks here about quality of build though. With a one year old, my priority is more family oriented than fishing our of NC. My plan is to mostly use the boat inshore or near shore on nice days (spanish makeral), and take it out on lake as well for tubing.

Question: Anyone have a recommendation on trailer guide pools? I will be alone on launch and recovery.

First drive: engine was a bit louder than expected, but ran well. Steering will take some getting use to at slow speeds. the price point of this boat with the t-top and the openness of the back of the boat are very desirable.

attached is a pic of our first outing on lake jordan.

 

[bronze_10]

Welcome aboard @kloot ... update your profile with your area... there are many of us here in nc... and if u were at Jordan lake that's right in our neck of the woods... can't help u on the poles... I replaced my trailer and it came with some. Welcome !

 

[Andy S]

Welcome and congratulations on the boat.

I have always added these CE Smith lighted posts to my trailers, http://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-Parts/CE-Smith/CE27760.html just not sure if you need 60" or the 40" version for your boat trailer setup.

 

[veedubtek]

Ditto on the CE smith lighted poles, that's what I also use. And, welcome fellow North Carolinian!

 

[kloot]

If your using the boat in freshwater/lake mostly I would not be concerned with the build quality. I am the one who has posted negatives comments in regards to the build quality and I still stand by them, The boat is not meant nor is it built to holdup in saltwater/ocean conditions. It just wasn't made to with stand the harsh elements & constant beating of waves during offshore fishing. I had an inclination of this when I purchased the boat but I have still been surprised at a few things that have broken/needed replacement within the 1st year of ownership.

It is what it is...I'm sure most will not have the issues or results that I do. Enjoy the new boat!

I do plan to take it out near shore fishing, no more than a couple of miles off the beach on really nice days to try to get on some spanish or kings, but overall i got the boat to so inshore sandbar stuff with the family and try my luck on some reds, flounder, and trout.

would love to take it to the tampa or keys to do some snook fishing as well. the cost point of this boat along with the family amenities like the t-top and many other options made me bite, im just a soldier that can afford to much, especially when i have to trailer 2 hours from ft bragg to hit the cost.

thanks for the insights that you have experienced!

 

[Bill Smith]

Question: Anyone have a recommendation on trailer guide pools? I will be alone on launch and recovery.[/QUOTE]

I thought about poles before I started launching and recovering but after a couple months I don't think they are needed. You can easily see the bunks in the water both night and day. If the boat were longer and had higher gunnels I could see the benefit. I find it drives right on with no issues.

 

[itsdgm]

Welcome aboard @kloot and congrats on the new boat.

 

[Billy Marlin]

My backup mirrors are not the best so for my wife I have thought about getting the backup poles. I am used to backing trailers so for me its a non-issue and found loading/unloading the boat is really easy. Check out www.jetboatpilot.com they have a really good you tube video on launching the boat. They also sale the thrust vector which helps with idle speeds. There is another company "Cobra" I believe that has a model as well that will stay in place all the time. When it comes to inshore and price point for a center console boat this boat is tough to beat. This boat was a big change for me coming from a Triton Bass Boat but my wife seems to really like it and it handles rougher water. Now that I am not fishing tournaments like I used to and making more trips down to Florida this boat is fitting that role pretty well.

 

[Thomas Godden]

I installed VE-VE guides, Beyond the Wake – Boat Trailer Guide Pads and CE Smith LED lights

 

[JDinfla]

This boat is easy to get back on the trailer. It's also easy to center the boat if it's off to one side a little on the trailer while the trailer is still in the water. I am still going to get the poles just so it's easier to see where the trailer is at when I'm backing to the boat ramp to retrieve the boat.

 

[Billy Marlin]

The poles definitely would help when backing down a ramp that has a steep drop off as well.

 

[Shannon]

Welcome and congrats!

 

[njmr2fan]

Welcome @kloot and congratulations on the new boat. I bought the VeVe guides 48". its just enough to see the empty trailer as I back down the ramp.