Boat Covers

[MASTER Brian]

The factory cover on my 1986 Ranger is starting to show its age. I thought about buying an aftermarket cover, but am worried it wouldn't fit well. I have also considered having a custom cover made, as I really hate going from a custom fitted cover to a possibly sloppy fitted generic cover.

After speaking to someone who does some cover building on the side, I started wondering how hard it is to build them. My wife has some decent sewing knowledge and her mom even more.

Has anyone built their own cover and if I decide to do this, how heavy duty of a sewing machine would I need? My wife said she has a white jeans machine (?). I'd rather spend $500 on a machine I could use for other things, than pay someone else if this isn't any harder than it sounds. That of course if what she has wouldn't work or if I could buy one for $500 that would.

Also, if I build my own or if I have one built, what is the best material to use and where do I find it? I want it as weather proof as possible and I want it towable.

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Covers

you could take the present cover apart for a pattern. but will probably be a big project as the seams are double stitched. save your marriage, and let the pro take it apart and make you a new one.

 

[licketdsplit756]

Re: Boat Covers

i gave my wife the chore of making new seat for my 1985 ranger335 v. she used her regular everyday sewing machine. she tore them apart traced them onto the material. sewed them up. bought new foam. i have pics id show you. but dont know how to post them here.ill find your e mail..also made the boat cover. all the supplies were bought from joe ann fabrics they carry marine material heavy duty.they sell the nylon sewing thread. get the gromits there also with the applicator..i planed on useing bunjie cords to hold mine down but you can sew a rope around the outside of your cover and tie it in the back. i just wanted to get it done. both ways are very applicable. the savings and fun you will have doing it together as me and my wife did.was great.something she can be proud of..(to dawn)= THANK YOU HUN. YOU DONE A GREAT JOB WITH LOVE LARRY

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat Covers

I've made covers for all of my boats and all it takes is a little planing, a stout sewing machine (no plastic gears), and a source for the material you wish to use.

Here's the last one I made -- it's now in it's third season and gets thousands of miles of freeway travel each season.

 

[rndn]

Re: Boat Covers

Save your marraige and pay the pro is the best advice you can get. It is a very speciallized field to be done right and very heavy equipment.