Why don't some people cover their boats?

[Homerr]

After being knee-deep in resin the pst few days, and enjoying the experience (NOT)<br />I have to wonder why some people don't cover their boats in winter (or summer for that matter)<br /><br />I'm almost positive that most of the damage caused in my project was because the previous owner never covered it and let rain water in.<br /><br />H.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Probably for the same reason that some folks buy a car never wash or wax it and wonder why the paint fades or the guy who never checks his wheel bearings and wonders why the wheel fell off or the guy who is tied to the dock with his family looking on after launching his boat looking at his motor (with the cover off of course) wondering why it won't start.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Folks like that have never made sense to me either. When you look at what a boat costs, A $150 good cover and just a little bit of effort dosn't seem like it would be too much, does it? There's no figuring some people, though. It's a shame that others frequently wind up paying for their carelessness.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Rain water shouldn't hurt a boat! I have a center console with a T-top... I have canvas for the CC, the leaning post, and the rear seat. I clean the boat throughly four or five times throughout the season. It gets dusty. It's a great convience to get in the boat (it's at a slip) and be gone in five minutes...better yet when you gome back to the dock. As for winter, it's stored in a metal building. Can you imagine putting a cover on a 55' Bertram! Seriously, I doubt if 'rain water' caused your problem, probably lack of drainage, etc...and poor maintenance. Just a thought. Heck; the Vikings didn't have boat covers!

 

[blifsey]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I think rain water can actually be harmful if the boat isn't "stored" properly. If the boat is situated (bow low, transom plug in, etc), the rain water can collect and cause problems. Another issue I could see is boats with more upolstry than a CC such as a bow rider. Also, boats with carpeted soles especially if the plywood isn't well sealed. The carpet will soak up water and it will eventually rot the floor.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Down here, the sun is an issue too. I do like for my boat dry out good when it's not in the water as I think it heads off some potential problems. BTW, that's what my wife says when I run out to cover the boat up before it rains: " But it's a BOAT".

 

[fishmaycraft]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I've heard that it may hurt a boat with wood in it to cover it during the summer. Something about the dew or dampness under the cover turning to steam when the sun heats it up. I'm not sure, just what I've heard. As for me I cover my maycraft up and open the hatches to allow them to vent.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

that's the key fishmay- either have vents or use a material that allows water vapor out and prevents liquid h20 from coming in....have seen people ruin the insides of their cuddies by using a tight fitting polyprop.-tarp...

 

[ghostrider]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I live in indy and i see boats uncovered all the time. we get our share of rain and in the winter our share of snow. an uncovered boat in this area in the winter is really asking for trouble. water will find the path of least resistance and in the winter it will freeze expanding any seams or joints where it's flowed. i park my boat bow raised and covered year round clean and dry. i check the stern area for dampness and make sure the boat is dry. my boat goes in the water dry and comes out dry and is a 1980 Mirrocraft with no seam or joint repairs. to cover or not to cover? there really is no question.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

You mean to tell me that people store their boats any way but covered?<br />Ain't never heard of such a thing. <br />Up here in Kentucky, we cover are's up and park them in the wood shed.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Pasted a sweet looking boat for sale the other day. Would have stoped but it was raining and it had no cover.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Really makes you wonder when you see a boat like that huh?<br /><br />Those people probably shouldn't own the boat, or they need to spend some time digging out rotten wood and re-laminating. Without gloves!<br /><br />Famous last words:<br />"Ahhh Heck..It's a boat...It's made for the water...It don't need no stinkin' cover..."<br /><br />Yea right... I bought a rather spendy canvas cover for my new boat and THEN parked it under my carport.<br /><br />H.

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I always cover my boat. I dont understand why you wouldnt.Yes, boats are made to get wet but only if they are in the water.It actually hurts to see my boat uncovered in the yard if it is raining outside .Its like watching your car sit out in the rain with the windows down!

 

[bonitoman]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I live in central florida and never cover boats. The boats look great and I wash them every week after fishing. Down here since it is warm most of the year, I have seen where boat covers trap moisture and cause more problems to floors. I say let it rain cause the sun is coming out to dry things up.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Sunlight(UV)really does a number on everything here.

 

[SeaNile]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Hey, I got a 1974 reinell that has wood all over the place. Living in SW Florida 2mi away from the gulf the boat took a tremendous impact on the interior. Transom rotted away (get-rot fixed that), bolsters rotted away, cabin got moldy, and carpet had to be replaced. All this costs to much $$ and on top of that the outdrive craps out all the time. So this is why I am trying to find a new boat that has no exposed wood, and it will be coverd with a dehumidifier inside while the boat is not in use.

 

[capri 1950]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

The way i see it most boats are made to last a lifetime if they are taken care of. I keep a cover on my Bayliner and also park it under a carport.If you have a nice boat to start with, why not maintain the appearance.Leaves and twigs clog up drain holes and the sun takes its toll on<br />anything it shines on.<br /> ray moore

 

[ghostrider]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

Ray you're absolutely correct. I stated in an earlier post that where I live we get our share of rain and snow. My boats are sitting in my driveway with a covers and 7 inches on snow on them right now. That covers are my car port and my garage. Anyone here in Indy with an uncovered boat is courting a future disaster when the snow melts on an uncovered boat and goes into the bilge. If the bow is not high enough to facilite drainage then the water will stay in the bilge. With the temperatures dropping to freezing, rising and freezing again, problems are sure to come. Its like leaving the windows down on either your car or truck all of the time! I guess I will never understand people like that. I would never buy a used boat from them either. I just bought a used boat last weekend that the owner kept covered and under a carport. The boat is immaculate. :

 

[capri 1950]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

ghostrider,<br /> Thanks for agreeing with me on the covers.<br />The way I see it if your caught on the water in a rainstorm you can't help it. Boats are made to take it. But it's not going to hold up in the elements unprotected. I love my boat about as much as I love my wife. When I take some friends out for the day it gives me a good feeling to know that my boat still shines like new. Every time I pass a boat in someone's yard uncovered I just assume the owner don't give a crap about it.<br />Just giving an opinion. Covering a boat takes about two minutes. You take care of it, it will take care of you. I own a 97'bayliner capri 1950.

 

[dwci97]

Re: Why don't some people cover their boats?

I dont cover my boat in the summer. I keep the boat in winter indoor storage all winter and leave the cover off inside so I can tool with it in the winter.