Boat Cover Reccomendations

[jlinder]

Looking for a new boat cover. Any suggestions on brand, type (custom vs. off the rack), etc.<br /><br />FYI - boat is a 1988 Chaparral model 198 XL - 19' 6" bow rider - w/ sterndrive.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Me too. Mines for a 1992 Sea Ray bowrider 18 footer

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

I just put a semi custom cover on my 17' bowrider. It is made by Attwood. I really like the way it fits, and the material is lightweight but strong. Look here at Iboats mega mall. There are alot of good deals here.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

I purchased the semi-custom "shark skin" cover from here on iBoats about 2 years ago. I even use it as my winter cover up here in the harsh Northeast. I am as happy today as the day I bought it!

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

I have found iboats to be the cheapest on covers, for my boat at least. I highly recommend a custom cover if one is available. Should you happen to tow with it (I don't, but to each their own), they stay more snug and flap less.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

For a winter cover, Home Depot, $65 for a 20X30 heavy duty tarp. <br /><br />Another $10 for a few 2X4's to 'peak' it up here and there. <br /><br />And finally maybe $20 for 10-12 of those heavy duty solid rubber bungees.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

50 Bucks 18' Wally World brand and it has worked great for the past two years.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

If you are going to use a tarp and want it to last so you can reuse it for a few years,spend a few extra bucks and get the silver tarp.I am on my third year covering my Mako and still going strong.I used to buy the cheapest blue one there was and throw it away in the spring but they dont hold up to any chafing well.Charlie

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Originally posted by Steve Huminski:<br /> ...Another $10 for a few 2X4's to 'peak' it up here and there. ...

Or buy some 2" pvc and a couple of end caps. Secure to a plywood base (for stability) in a way you can remove the pvc from the base in the offseason for easier storage.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Overton's sells custom boat covers for late model boats. They have semicustom covers for the older boats. Neither are cheap. Sunbrella is the best fabric for a cover. The tyvek covers are cheaper, but I wonder if they breath well.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

That blue tarp on the boat in the driveway sure looks redneck! <br /><br />I'm looking for a camo tarp so the neighbors won't see the boat!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Chris, the Tyvek breaths good but durability sucks. I tried one from Cabela's and every location the cover touches the boat, you have to reinforce it, and of course it never positions itself in the same place each time, so needless to say, it didn't last a season.

 

[byordy]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Jack L, I use a cover from Wal-Mart. It covers a 21' boat and cost about $110.00. It so far has lasted 4 years and looks like it may go another 4. The first 3 years the boat sat in the open, the last year it's been under a metal roof (still with the boat cover on it). Other that a tear where I caught it on the gate while putting the boat away it's in good shape. It's a canvas cover so the boat can breath. I had mildew problems with the plastic covers.<br />Bill....<br />Bill.....

 

[tcube]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Ditto all the above WalMart cover comments. Their Harbor Master has lasted me 3 years stored outside. I expect to get at least a couple more. It's a great value.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

If you moor the boat the only answer is custom. ive had them made for all my boats. Had sunbrella- i like top gun or equivalent much better<br /><br />spend 4-500 now and it should last 10 years<br /><br />make sure it is vented<br /><br />not for outdoor winter stg though

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Personally, I use cardboard. Free... replace it whenever it gets soggy.... folds down nice for the dumpster.... looks really bad which annoys the neighbors (a big plus) and after the first rain.... custom fits the boat like a glove.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Menards, great winter cover which I tarp over. 21' runabout, cover was $99.00. Real good buy.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Also, if you're feeling adventurous, you can do your own shrink wrapping....<br /><br />I'm not affiliated with this site at all, but it looks good.<br /><br />www.dr-shrink.com

 

[jlinder]

Re: Boat Cover Reccomendations

Thanks for the ideas. I ended up using a tarp from previous winter and makeing sure it is snugged tight.<br /><br />I will let it take the abuse of winter and buy a nice custom cover in the spring.