Boat Covers

[Shankopotamus]

I am in the market for a good boat cover, that has to protect my boat while stored outdoors. My #1 priority is water repellency/ waterproofness, but breathable (cost it NOT my concern). I know to avoid cotton duck/ canvas, but I have seen reference to acrylic fabric as being the "best". </p>

Does anyone have any knowledge/ experience with acrylic? Is it that much better than polyester? Any other recommendations are appreciated!emoThanks </p>

 

[brushhog]

AURORACANVAS.COM......I HAVE OWNED A FEW BASS BOATS,BY FAR THE BEST BOAT COVER FOR THE MONEY,MY STRATOS SITS OUTSIDE AND IT A 2003 MODEL THE COVER HAS PERFORMED FLAWLESS, SEVERAL OPTIONS,HOOD COVERS,REINFORCEMENTS ETC..HPOE THIS HELPS. BRUSHHOG

 

[minner]

I have had several boat covers over the years. I have had the universal ones from Sterns etc, and they worked ok for a year maybe two. The cover I have on my boat now is the Cabelas Ratchet Lok. It works really well and itsimilar to thethe OEM Ranger covers in fit. It's nice and snug yet still breathable, 2 years and no problems yet.

 

[way_out_there]

After trying many different store bought covers in the past, with each only lasting no more that 2 years (if that), I've been getting custom made covers for the last 2 boats. They fit like a glove, and hold up well to trailering. My boat sees several thousand road miles a year, and these covers are the only thing that hold up. My current cover, along with my last boats cover were made from Top Gun fabric. This cover looks like new yet, on its second season.
Being that I'm from Wisconsin, I can't recommend a shop in your area. Maybe someone else here can help with that, or check with a reputable dealer. I'm just relating my experiences.

Here's mine:

Good Luck!

 

[Shankopotamus]

That is a sweet cover, but I wanted to avoid the snaps.
After a great deal of research, I ordered a cover from iboats.com. Got a color-coded, trailerable, Performance Aqua Shield, 9.25 oz 100% polyester, 5 yr warranty, shock-cord hem. They gave me a strap/ tie down kit free, $20 off promo, and free shipping!

 

[angst]

When my brother lived up north he said people would put their boats up for the winter with a cover that was like a gigantic shrink wrap.
Does anyone do that service here in Chattanooga?
I think I would pay the extra money to not have to check on it for sagging pockets every other rain storm.

 

[Shankopotamus]

That might work in low humidity areas, but down here I would think you'd have a tremendous mold issue- unless there is a way they dehumidify.</p>

Got my new cover Thursday. I've never seen such water repellency- it sheds water like a duck! If you're looking for a good deal on a custom cover, go to iboats.com (made to order by model).</p>

 

[way_out_there]

I'm from up north, and while I don't shrink wrap my boat, I know people that do.

When they do the shrink wrap, they place desiccant inside the boat to control moisture. Usually, humidity isn't a problem here during the winter, it's only during the fall and early spring when we get a lot of rain.

 

[way_out_there]

Shankopotamus - 10/7/2009 3:13 PM

That is a sweet cover, but I wanted to avoid the snaps.
After a great deal of research, I ordered a cover from iboats.com. Got a color-coded, trailerable, Performance Aqua Shield, 9.25 oz 100% polyester, 5 yr warranty, shock-cord hem. They gave me a strap/ tie down kit free, $20 off promo, and free shipping!

Yeah the snaps can be a pain, but they seem to be the only thing that will hold. Previous covers I had with elastic, shock cords, straps, or a rope in the hem always scuffed my boat, or would come up while traveling and high winds.
This boat already has a rail to put the snaps in under the rub rail, so no holes were required down the sides, just in the transom area. Twice a year I place a drop of lube on each snap to keep them from sticking. It's been working well.

 

[xcellu8]

Shankopotamus - 10/6/2009 6:00 AM



I am in the market for a good boat cover, that has to protect my boat while stored outdoors. My #1 priority is water repellency/ waterproofness, but breathable (cost it NOT my concern). I know to avoid cotton duck/ canvas, but I have seen reference to acrylic fabric as being the "best". </p>

Does anyone have any knowledge/ experience with acrylic? Is it that much better than polyester? Any other recommendations are appreciated!emoThanks </p>

There are many types of breathable fabrics available. The big difference in price between the cheap covers (and tarps) and the good covers is due to the breathable fabrics. Never ever cover a boat with a non-breathable cover. Condensation build-up under the cover can do lots of damage.

I have the max cover from empire its a 3 layer cover made from Tyvek developed by DuPont.

http://boat-cover-review.blogspot.com/

 

[digitalcb]

Even with breathable fabrics mold can be a big problem. Check your rig often, more often if it is kept outside.

Been there. Learned that.