Boat Cover & Slip Question

[xecutech]

I have been reading this forum for the past 3 weeks, just got my boat last weekend! The information here is outstanding! Glad to be on board.<br /><br />Here is my dilema... I am keeping my boat in an uncovered slip, I thought this would be more convenient. I have one question: how do you get the cover completely over the boat??? I am having a heck of a time with it and when I checked on it this morning, it was off!<br /><br />I know I need a better cover, and will be ordering one today, but I want to make sure it will stay on the boat!<br /><br />There are not alot of places on the sides of the boat to tie it down. Am I missing something when doing this?<br /><br />Thanks for any advice/info you can help me with. Also, I am at Priest Lake in Nashville, I'd love to hook up with someone for some boating tips... I am new to this!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

don't regularly see slipped boats with covers on them, not to say it's not a good idea. i don't cover mine. i'd think you would need to go with a snap in cover. but then you need to live with the snaps all over your boat. if your gunnels have an exterior lip (think bass boat), the cover should slip right over the edges, but you'd have to account for the cleats- maybe cut around them. i think snap in is the only way to go, or simply forget about the cover. keep the topsides waxed and vinyl protected, and the sun shouldn't do too much to your boat.

 

[Baldguy]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

I don't have my boat in slip...it's a trailerbaby...but I just bought a new cover for it that stays on without tie up to the boat. <br /><br />It has a drawstring that I can cinch tight that fits just under the rub rail. That drawstring idea I think comes with a lot of covers. It's also a custom cover that was more expensive than a semi custom cover, but it fits the boat perfectly.<br /><br />So IMO, I believe you should be looking for a better fitting cover and one with a drawstring to ensure a snug fit.

 

[tommays]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

i have a cover that snaps on the windshield and keeps the inside dry and protected from the sun <br /><br />it was custom made to fit the orginal snaps for the big camper canvas did notg really want to make any new holes <br /><br />i agree with matt its really hard to compleatly cover the boat when its in the water<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[notinbig]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

My cover also snaps on. There are very few rentable slips that are covered, at least around here. You can fill some washer fluid or plastic milkjugs with sand and tie some key areas to them and the weight will hold it down untill you get a custon snap on/off cover.

 

[xecutech]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

I just talked to sales here at iboat.com, they pointed out that if I buy a cover, I will have to have seems sewn in to go around the ropes!<br />I really would prefer to have a button on cover, but I can't find one for my boat.<br />If I have a custom cover made, I will have to be without my boat for weeks!<br />I wonder if anyone comes out and measures for one.<br />Also, anyone know a good place to have custom work like this done in the Nashville area? Affordably?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

When I have mine at the dock, I use the bow eye and the trailer strap loops int he back to secure it to the dock. I then fit my cover, starting in the front and work it back over the windshield, making sure the shock cord in the cover is below the rub rail. I then climb on to my swim platform and pull the cover over the rub rail on the transom. I then hop off onto the dock and admire my handi work..

 

[John Greviskis]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

How about a little well-placed velcro?

 

[xecutech]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

rogerwa, that sounds like a great idea, until I get my custom cover made!!!<br /><br />Thanks for the advice.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

Custom cover is the best and easiest way to go. Gonna cost a bit but shop around.If you have a short term solution why not wait til the rush is done, and trailer it in during a time you won't be using it.You will have to bring the boat in to get it done properly. If you cad afford it, get one that covers your windsheild, over time the sun will crack and discolor your dash if you don't.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[90skichallenger]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

I have a cover like you do now I used a combination of items.<br />1. There is a setup I got from West Marine that keeps the cover lifted up so water doesnt collect in it.<br />2 I got some big suction cup straps that I can just stick on the side to hold down along with a filled milk jug at every corner.<br />This worked great for me the one time I left my boat at the dock.

 

[xecutech]

Re: Boat Cover & Slip Question

The suction cup and jug idea sounds great for a temp solution.<br />I went over to check my boat after work, and the cover was off, but interior was dry! I guess it came off after the rain storm.<br />I bought some rope, tossed it over the bow like a jump rope, pulled it to the eyelets in the cover and tied it down. I bet to a veteran boater it looks silly, but I don't want to have to keep running over there to check on it.<br />I will be getting a cover made later this week.<br />I just bought the boat and was told it had never been kept in a slip before, so I am just being cautious.