Dumb question of the day

Alright, it’s time for our daily feature “dumb question of the day”. So here goes (and take it easy on me lol).

We’ve owned a 1992 Sport Nautique for many years. It sits on a stock CC single axle trailer.

The guide poles have always had a home-made cap thing on the top to prevent the guide pole covers from floating up and off (I assume). The pads/covers are VERY loose on the poles.

I’ve ordered replacement pads from Nautique Parts. I’ll have to knock those weird caps off the top to slide the new ones on. The new ones are closed at the top.

So here’s the (dumb) question. Are the pads supposed to just float up when you submerge the trailer for launch/recovery? My boat fits relatively snugly between them. Am I going to be fighting the stupid things every time I launch and recover?

On another post, someone said there is a drain hole in the guide pole somewhere (I haven’t looked at mine—-boat is a couple hours away). My poles curve at the bottom, 90 degrees, and attach to the trailer. I just redid all that hardware and don’t recall seeing any drain holes, nor am I sure what that has to do with the pads floating but what do I know? I fly airplanes. lol

I saw on another post (yes I searched here first) that someone suggested using silicone to hold the pads onto the posts. Not sure I want to do that, as it’d be a real pain if I have to replace them again.

Thoughts? Thanks! Fire away!

Yeah my setup is a large washer with a cap pressed onto the top of the pole

My trailer is a tandem, DHM I believe.   The guide poles plastic tubes and cover float up when I launch and recover the boat at the launch.   I think it is designed that way to help load the boat.  On steep ramps they float up and help you spot the trailer.   I think the design is good and helps.