Boat Cover leaks?

[CCman1]

I recently bought a 19" runabout which included a boat cover. The previous owner stated he paid $350.00 for the cover. It looks to be in real good condition. The question I have is should boat covers allow rain water to seep in? After a hard rain water is getting on the seats and floor. Are covers meant to 'breath' like this or do I have a bum cover?

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Boat Cover leaks?

Covers are water resistant, not water proof. However, you may need to get your recoated with waterproofing.

I had the local marine upholsterer spray my cover with waterproofing for $30.

Jeff

 

[witenite0560]

Re: Boat Cover leaks?

Keep in mind, any low spots the water can pool in, too. The faster the water runs off the cover, the better. So, you may want to have something under the cover keeping it from sagging.
I thought I had a pretty good set up made of PVC last winter. But, we got more snow than usual and it didn't support the weight. I found myself with a 100# slab of ice where the water pooled. Only thing I could do was wait until it warmed up enough to start the ice melting. Then when it was floating in the puddle on the cover I broke it up into managable chunks and pulled it out and drained the water. COLD!!! Unfortunately, I had several gallons pooled on the floor and frozen, too. I propped the cover back up, better, and just had to let everything melt and drain/evaporate off. This year I'll build a heavier frame that will keep the cover peaked.

 

[WTR4FUN]

Re: Boat Cover leaks?

Covers are water resistant, not water proof. However, you may need to get your recoated with waterproofing.

I had the local marine upholsterer spray my cover with waterproofing for $30.

Jeff

30 for waterproofing seems fair. I was going to suggest a big blue tarp, but that might look funny. If it were me, I would look into water proofing your current cover.