Who makes covers that are any good?

[ratdude747]

Ever since I acquired my 1976 Starcraft Montego (16'), one sore spot has been storage covers.

I've been through two seal skin covers (the standard blue material they offer) that were excellent new but in a matter of months/over a winter developed pinholes and stopped repelling water to the point of seeping water. At first I thought it was ice/pooling damage due to cover stand issues, but the pinholes seem to be everywhere. Another complaint is that it's tricky getting something to fit right... my bow is somewhat stubby and wide (due to the tri-v hybrid hull)... as a result, both the 18' cover I started with (due to being given incorrect specs before I obtained the boat) and the 16' cover I have now barely cover the rub rail at the edge of the bow curve (and the cover is strung all the way over my winch post to make the geometry kinda work).

Is there a better cover maker (or perhaps, something better from seal skin) to be had?

A carport/pole barn is currently not in the cards (the latter is how the previous owner stored it)... here in southern Indiana we do get some snow but it's nothing terrible most winters. I'd prefer not to shrink wrap it to keep things accessible for off-season repairs and the like (and not to mention, that doesn't help during the season).

 

[arks]

Have a custom cover made for it. Worth EVERY penny!
My Sunbrella covers are used year-round and are now 20 years old.
I clean them every other year, then re-apply 2 coats of waterproofing.

 

[Scott Danforth]

With any cover, you have to re-water proof the material every 6-12 months depending on weather conditions. Even the Sunbrella material

 

[ratdude747]

With any cover, you have to re-water proof the material every 6-12 months depending on weather conditions. Even the Sunbrella material

News to me. Would explain a lot. What does one use for this?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I use starbrite waterproofing lately. Amazon delivers it. Walmartian world and worstmarine carries it.

 

[cyclops222]

My brand new 2002 Chaparral 19' bowrider with Sunbrella. Was stored 6 months a year indoors. N Y state sun all summer. I had to reseal the fabric after 10 years.
Adjusting the bow pole was required after first summer. Never again. I also have a 2004 Sunbrella porch table cover. Still great. Other boaters have great life and no leaks with Sunbrella.............None of us ever allowed water to puddle on the Sunbrella.

 

[Pmt133]

The cockpit cover on my 4 winns is 22 years old now. Sunbrella. Water proofed it 2 or 3 times over the years. Still beads and runs right off. Did shrink a bit though.

For winter I use an old pool cover cut to size (thick tarp) stays dry, snow rolls right off. The 330 we had a custom storage cover made. Also sunbrella but a lighter weight material. Goes waterline to water line.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Here in Florida, the cover gets washed once a year to remove as much contaminates as possible. then it gets hosed down with 3/4 of a gallon of water proofer. re-water proof in 6 months.

longest I can get a cover to last is 5-6 years before the sun/wind takes out the stitching or a hurricane takes it apart.

 

[mike_i]

Same here is sunny So Cal. but I've never waterproofed my 24 year old sunbrella cover.

Have a custom cover made for it. Worth EVERY penny!
My Sunbrella covers are used year-round and are now 20 years old.
I clean them every other year, then re-apply 2 coats of waterproofing.
View attachment 411603

 

[Earl Cordova]

For a boat that old your only good choice is a custom made cover made of Sunbrella.
It will be more expensive than you imagine, but will be worth it.

 

[Jeff J]

Around here a person can buy a used carport cheaper than having a boat cover made. I paid $500 for a good 12x30 that has ten feet of it enclosed. I don’t remember what the quote was for a 22’ pontoon cover but the replacement Bimini canvas was $800 (4 bow).

 

[rolmops]

News to me. Would explain a lot. What does one use for this?

You can go to Target and buy a spray can of water proofing material for shoes . I use it once year. It does a great job.
I usually put a big inflatable exercise ball the type that you can sit on(sometimes even two) on the bow section of my Islander so the cover does not lay flat on the bow. It prevents water/snow pooling and protects the cover from sharp edges.

 

[rolmops]

Around here a person can buy a used carport cheaper than having a boat cover made. I paid $500 for a good 12x30 that has ten feet of it enclosed. I don’t remember what the quote was for a 22’ pontoon cover but the replacement Bimini canvas was $800 (4 bow).

Just so you have an idea.
This is for my 22 footer Islander:
Replacement stainless steel frame for bimini top :$6oo
Bimini top with front window/curtain with zippers, side windows, rear curtains with windows and zippers : $3100
It looks beautiful, but you get what you pay for