To cover or not...

[606WPD]

We have a lot of pontoons on our lake and they run about 50/50 with full covers and just seat covers.

I have both but to be honest, the full cover is a pain to put on and take off every time. Does the rain really hurt much (deck) as long as the seats and console are kept covered?

Thanks

 

[mvnvltn]

Re: To cover or not...

The UV rays are what they really protect from more than the rain/weather. The full cover will give the best long term protection. Seats if your in a hurry...

 

[5150abf]

Re: To cover or not...

Agree, the water will eventually get to the deck but the sun is what makes the boat look old and faded as long as you get the seats covered it will keep them form getting faded.

I built a bird feeder out of some marine ply I had left over and it has hung in the Indiana weather for 4 years no with no signs of wear, also the lid to my livewell is marine ply and has been wet for 3 years now and is fine so as long as your deck is marine ply that should be fine.

 

[606WPD]

Re: To cover or not...

Thanks guys, just got me wondering looking at all the pontoons on the lake with no full covers.

I would think that wet carpet on top would be much more of an issue than water splashing on the bottom.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: To cover or not...

As others said, the water is much less of a problem than is the sun. A properly prepared deck will last 20+ years with no cover. The seats and carpet,,,, maybe 5...

 

[badkins50]

Personally I think covers are just too inexpensive to not have the added security in our major investments. It only takes a few minutes an outing to take off and put back on, where as a deck, transom and stringer replacement cost a lot more and take a lot longer.

sent from my bolt using tapatalk

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: To cover or not...

My pontoon is kept in a boathouse without cover, however blowing rain has rotted my rear sundeck and the pads on each side of the motor. I replaced and painted the rear end plywood 6 years ago while installing all new carpet. The rest of my plywood is solid after 26 years usage. My vinyl is finally starting to crack--but would have lasted years longer if I had covered the boat.

If I purchased a new pontoon boat today, I would order the $800 factory snap on cover and a set of individual seat covers. As long as I used the boat weekly, I would use the seat covers. If I wasn't going to use the boat for 2 weeks or longer, I would put the snap on cover on it. If impending storms were coming, I would install the snap on cover. From October to May, I would use the snap on cover AND a secondary tarp--keeping the boat completely dry and out of direct sun--or inside.

A boat cover is a great investment, as it will make your carpet and seats last so long. Properly maintained pontoon boat can easily last 30 years+ with the same engine. No other personal asset has such value. My 3 1/2 year old grandson sits on my knee driving my pontoon--just like his momma did 20 years ago at the same age. It's almost like Deja Vu.

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: To cover or not...

We are in a large covered marina, so sun and rain are not an issue. However, birds and ducks are. It's a lot easier to wash off the cover than scrub down the whole boat seats and carpet. The new custom cover materials are lighter and easier handle, fold, and store. One other advantage is your buttoned-up boat is not as attractive to thieves who generally are not after your boat, but they may take accessories and other stuff.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: To cover or not...

Full cover is best. If you just have seat covers, make sure the water will drain off the deck otherwise you will have destruction. I am kicking myself because I am looking at a $4K+ rebuild. If I would have invested in a $700 cover three or four years ago, this would not have been necesary.