best cover?

[bobbo268]

I need a cover for my 15.5" thundercraft. I'd like something waterproof so i could store the boat in the driveway (out of the garage) but need something that will hold up to 65mph towing. I'm new to this stuff so any help would be appreciated. It seems that most covers sold in stores are "water resistant" but not "water proof." I guess i don't understand why you would put a cover on a boat that wasn't waterproof, might as well leave it off since its going to get wet and hold moisture in...

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: best cover?

Water proof would mean that the cover would be sealed to the boat all around. The stiches can drip a little and even though the cover materials are water proof how would you seal them to the gunwale all around? Look for a cover that says it can be used for towing. If it says "mooring" cover it probably won't stand up to 65mph. If you want a cover that's as water resistant as possible and towable you will need to have one custom made to fit your boat, motor, trolling motor, and all the stuff you have installed. You also need to have some kind of support system to prevent puddling when it rains.

 

[lrak]

Re: best cover?

need something that will hold up to 65mph towing

Is there some reason you want to destroy the finish on your boat by whipping it with a flapping cover?

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: best cover?

Look for a cover made from Sunbrella fabric, but they`re not cheap. Sharkskin II is good and a little less expensive. I agree with the above post and would not cover the boat while trailering unless there is a good reason.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: best cover?

If you tow with a cover on you risk a lot of damage to bouth cover and boat.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: best cover?

thanks, i didn't know it was that bad to tow with a cover. are there good waterproof covers for storage that are somewhat decent priced? I've seen the ones that have the tightening rope that goes down over the sides and tightens, so you wouldn't have to "seal it around the gunwale" but not sure if they are waterproof

And i was just thinking about towing with a cover in case of a downpour.... now i know boats are supposed to get wet, but i know its not the best thing to fill the insides with a downpour

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: best cover?

Most all covers are reasonable waterproof.
You do NOT want the cover sealed to the hull at the gunnels, it needs to breathe.
It just needs to stay on in the wind, gravity will assure the water does not run uphill under the edge.

If there is ANY water in the boat anywhere, a sealed cover will produce a sauna and the mold and mildew will love you.
The most important thing is that the rain runs off and does not pool on the cover.
Extra support is mandatory under almost every cover to prevent a lake forming on the cover.

Universal Covers work just fine.
They are strapped to the trailer frame about a dozen spots.

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: best cover?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with towing with a cover on so long as it fits properly. You folks that are towing with covers that are whipping and flapping your boat clearly do not have a quality cover.
A properly fitted, tight, custom cover that snaps on to the boat, not using straps that go down to the trailer is the way to go.
They guy that made my cover for my other boat, just made my cover for my current boat. The material is a polyester coated canvas that makes Sunbrella look like a clean ex, fade resistant, mold/mildew resistant, breathable, waterproof/resistant, and I'll guarantee you I can tow at 75 mph into a 20 mph head wind and after 130 miles it will be as snug and tight as it was when I left the garage.
I've seen too many boat windshield blown out from rocks thrown up by semi trucks. Ever price a replacement windshield or part of a wind shield for your boat? An expensive cover is cheap comparatively speaking. And better fuel mileage.

Go to Topgunboatcovers.com

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: best cover?

I tow with my snap on covers on the boat with no problem. I have no experience towing with a full cover on, but agree that it is entirely possible and a good idea. Although I fail to see how a cover would save a windshield, if a rock hits a covered windshield it's probably still going to break. I cover mine while towing to prevent debris from ending up in my boat. I pulled my previous boat uncovered forever. Then one day I had to drive through a construction zone where they were paving. Got home to find a million tiny little tar balls all over the interior of my boat.

A good snap on cover with a couple upright supports would be waterproof and towable. Mine is Sunbrella, and is not breathable, but I store mine in a building, so it stays nice and dry. With this setup, you may need a de-humidifier of some sort.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: best cover?

I had a custom cover made for my Tahoe boat that has the support system in it with vents. It is made from sunbrella. I tow with it and the material does not move. The gentleman who made the cover makes them so they can be placed on the boat while it is being towed. It cost $900 and was worth every penny.

 

[greekfreek]

Re: best cover?

I purchased a universal towing cover, strap it to the trailer with multiple straps, any possibility of scratching the boat from buckles I tape with duct tape. It's kind of overkill, and takes time to install, but its better then having bow and cockpit cover come off driving @ 65.... Eventually I'd like to get a custom trailering cover