Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

[appleo]

Installing new mooring cover on 19 foot tin boat. Planning to install snap line 6 inches below rub rail.

Are there any guidelines to assure the angle caused by the Rubrail won't cause the snaps to lift?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

pics needed

 

[JimS123]

Re: Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

The usual way is to install snaps 6" below the bottom edge of the cover and make up the difference with bungie cord. That will keep the cover tighter than if the snaps were on the cover itself.

Now having said that , at the boatshow this year I noticed that the Starcrafts had snaps right on the bottom of the gunnel molding, and the cover WAS snapped on directly. Thos covers looked pretty slick with a perfect fit.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

My thought is NOT cover the rub rail with the cover and keep the snaps above if possible. If you use the cover over the rubrail ......then the cover gets subjected to the rubs while the boat is moored

 

[JimS123]

Re: Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

My thought is NOT cover the rub rail with the cover and keep the snaps above if possible. If you use the cover over the rubrail ......then the cover gets subjected to the rubs while the boat is moored

Good point. When i think of "mooring cover" i think of covering the boat in the garage or on the highway on vacation. If you're keeping the boat docked in the water for extended periods you need a cockpit cover.

OTOH, when on vacation for the 2 weeks the boat is docked (naturally with the cover on at night) I bring along 4 "clip-on" dock cleats and I hang 4 large fenders on the dock. Never had any damage to the cover.

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Boat cover snaps on tin boat...how far below rub rail needed for leverage?

I had a new custom mooring cover installed on my previous aluminum boat (it was a trailer cover that was being replaced). The snaps are roughly 2-3 inches below the rubrail. I also had tie-down loops sewn into the cover to allow it to be used while trailering as well. I was thrilled with the fit and quality of the cover when it was done.