Setting Up Boat Lift Guides

[jh200]

Just bought a new to me boat lift with two sets of guides.

 

Wondering how everyone sets their guides up? Do you give them room on either side of the boat or get the boat on just how you want it and set them so they’re a snug “ish” fit so the boat sits in just the right spot without much messing around?

 

hope I’m making sense, thanks everyone!

[Zippymbr]

Need more info.  Is it a cable lift?  On my 6000 lb cable lift I Placed the first cross member directly in the middle of the engine and the second 8' farther along the length.  I then used 2x12 #1 grade knot free pressure treated bunks spaced so that the boat rested like it would on the trailer making sure the speed wheel would not get damaged.

[Bluefishcay]

On my flo lift I like the back ones to have a little gap, maybe 2” -3”per side and have the fronts tight so they hold the bow in place.  They are vertical, so no change in width as the lift goes up.  For a steel shore station, they should be up tight as they angle out and the boat will settle in as the lift comes up.