what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

[dylanc]

Hi everyone! I am looking for a decent cover but not an exact fit cover unless I can get one for under 200.00! Where is a good and reputable place to get a cover that will last a few years, be trailerable and be easy enough tp put on? Thanks all!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

If you are going to trailer that cover, you want as close to an exact fit as you can get. It's the flapping of a loosely fitted cover that rips them to shreds in a very short time. Do an on-line search for boat covers. There are a bunch to choose from. Many are not trailerable, some of the better ones are. How much it will cost depends on the size of the boat and the material you choose.

 

[DJ]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

NOBODY has a better selection of boat covers than iboats. Go up to the Marine Mall and shop.

Trailering, mooring, etc. You can pick yours.

 

[dylanc]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

Thanks for the input. Should I go with a Canvas/cotton type or the polyester type?

 

[Deltarat]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

Being that I work in the Industrial Fabrics business, I recommend you buy anything that is made with Acrylon or aka Sunbrella. This is the boat fabric you see at the marina's that will last 5 years in the Sun. You do not want a coated fabric as a boat needs to dry out after being in a wet enviroment. If you use a coated fabric, rot will develop inside the boat and cause havoc. Get a cover that is well secured to the boat for trailering, with reenforcement around any grommet or seam. This fabric will cost more than others, but you wioll get the life out of it. I have a few that are over 9 years old and still in good condition sitting on a trailerable boat. Bob

 

[Kansas Bound]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

From all the research that I have done I have came to the conclusion that the westland sharkskin covers offered here at iboats are among the best quality/price that you will find.

Seperate question for people, If the boat is many on a boat lift would people suggest a semi custom or custom fit. It would seem that the custom fit would be hard to put on each time and if you are not trailering it would you need the snug fit?

 

[scoutabout]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

If by custom fit you mean one with snaps -- they go on real fast and hold tight. Also the advantage of a custom job is you can have separate bow and cockpit covers (assuming there are seats in the bow, of course). This way, if you boat early or late in the season you just keep that part on and it blocks that much more frigid wind and freezing rain.

The downside to all this of course is the increased cost for a custom job, unless you are handy with a sewing machine. In my area quotes for a two-piece custom Sunbrella snap on cover ran from about $650 from a guy off the beaten path to almost two grand from a chain upholstry outfit. Guess which I chose...

 

[Kansas Bound]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

I am sorry, I was talking about a custom fit that iboats offers for $320 that is a full cover. They make a full cover that is a semi custom (fits a standard size) for $230.

I have been debating. Also does anyone know where the drawstring is located to tightin the cover?

 

[rbc]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

I purchased an I boats custom fit cover and am very unhappy with the fit.
Remember they are not returnable.
I won't buy from I-boats again because of this crappy cover.

 

[Kansas Bound]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

Thanks for the advice Rbc, I will have to stay away.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

The only way you are going to get a custom fit cover is to have a canvas shop make one for your boat.

 

[WanabeBoater]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

I'll have to disagree, I bought our fitted cover from IBoats last year and it fits great. When trailering, it doesn't flap around and rip like the one I purchased from the marina. Just my .02

 

[bruceb58]

Re: what does everyone suggest for a boat cover?

It is possible...if you are lucky. The problem is that it most likely won't be trailerable because it won't have reinforcements in all the right areas. For example, does it have reinforcements over all window frames and cleats? Does it have enough tie downs so that there is no flapping?

The problem with most of these so called "custom fit" boat covers is that they have the same model that they say will fit many boats. Just as a pair of 32" jeans do not fit well on every body type, the same can be said about these boat covers.