Assume this is a floating course. Feel your pain as I have had courses on public lakes for 30 years. In terms of best boat guides, the cone type seems to avoid snags better than buoys but are more buoyant which may cause an issue. For me, rather than have the course arms or cable damaged, I affix the buoys with 50 lb. zip ties at the buoy, so they tear off before any further damage. Replacing buoys is far better than having to replace PVC arms and cables. This approach has worked pretty well for me over the years. Yes, you do have the occasional cable issue or broken PVC arm, but that is part of dealing with the uncaring or uninformed public. Good luck and hope that helps.