Boat Cover Vents

[bruceb58]

I am going to be sewing up a new boat cover for my "new to me" pontoon boat and have been investigating ways to support the cover with poles.

These vents looked intriguing to me as not only do they vent but they look like they will help support the pole/cover better than just a pole with a snap on the end.

Anybody use these, especially on pontoons?

Taylor Made Boat Cover Support Poles & Vent - iboats

 

[agallant80]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I have never used them but they look pretty cool. Earlier this year I made my own snapon boat cover. It was a fun project that took a Saturday to do. Good luck. Have you made one before?

 

[alldodge]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I am going to be sewing up a new boat cover for my "new to me" pontoon boat and have been investigating ways to support the cover with poles.

These vents looked intriguing to me as not only do they vent but they look like they will help support the pole/cover better than just a pole with a snap on the end.

Anybody use these, especially on pontoons?

Taylor Made Boat Cover Support Poles & Vent - iboats

Have also seen but not used. I don't like snaps or any kind of hole where the pole sits, they seem to always be the first area for problems. Covers I like use at least double reinforcement pads, then they have a 4 to 6 inch long fabric tube which the pole slides into. I like these vents used in the rear half about a foot below the top edge.

NICRO VENTILATION Vent at West Marine

Didn't see them at iboats

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

Have you made one before?

I have actually made quite a few boat covers but never a pontoon cover.

My mom used to have a boat cover business and she taught me how to sew.

Here is my machine:

I will be using Sunbrella with Sunbrella binding on the edges.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

Covers I like use at least double reinforcement pads, then they have a 4 to 6 inch long fabric tube which the pole slides into.

Hmmm...I like the idea of the tubes.

I really don't need vents as the cover only goes down the sides of the boat around 1 foot so there will be a lot of gaps for air circulation. I am thinking their main purpose would be that of a pole holder.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

You mind posting photos of your progress? I would be interested to see how someone in the business does it vs me the figure it out guy.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

You mind posting photos of your progress? I would be interested to see how someone in the business does it vs me the figure it out guy.

If you really want to learn, go to this forum.

http://www.upholster.com/upholstery-forum/

My mom was a seamstress before she started doing covers. I actually do things a little differently than her from things I have learned along the way.

Post a picture of your snap in cover.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I`ve got three of that style vent in my boat cover and I like them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I`ve got three of that style vent in my boat cover and I like them.

Do they hold the poles well?

 

[Mike05418]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I had a custom cover made that included useing these. I am really happy with them. They work great for holding the poles when your throwing the cover around getting it positioned. Have had zero issues with water getting in through them also.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I had a custom cover made that included useing these. I am really happy with them.

Do you know what brand they are?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I believe that the boat vent ll is exactly what is on mine and I have no problems at all. I had my cover made 3 years ago and the guy who made it did add a 6 inch square of extra fabric on the top and bottom to prevent wear. I can get you a picture if you want. The poles i am using are just the extending type with nothing on top and they slide into the very covers. If you would like detailed pictures let me know. And the same thing the poles fit nicely into the vents and dont fall out when putting the cover on.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I had my cover made 3 years ago and the guy who made it did add a 6 inch square of extra fabric on the top and bottom to prevent wear.

I will do the same, at least on the bottom.

I usually use a Naugahyde type material for reinforcement under the cover over windshields and cleats.

 

[Rentaltux]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

Those are what I have on both my covers and I find they work amazingly well. The poles stay put and there is a larger surface area as opposed to just a pole with snap. Last winter we had a huge snow storm and could not make it to the boat to clean some of the snow off. I fully expected the whole thing to be caved in and a destroyed cover and all but to my surprise it all held up. I wish I had taken a picture. There was at least 24 inches of hard packed and half melted snow over the whole boat. I spent a good hour or 2 breaking off big chunks of snow and ice. I swear I could hear my boat sigh after I removed the last chunk of ice. I cannot imagine how much weight that was...

R

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

Do they hold the poles well?

Yes they do. They have a channel of about an inch and half long and providing your prop rod is the same diameter, 3/4" i think, they will stay put.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

They're called 'vent-so-ports' & will accept 3/4 or 7/8 OD tubing. They even make ones with a lil a solar fan built in.

Not necessary with Sunbrella or similar fabrics that "breathe". Water proof laminates yes, then they're a good idea.

edit. The solar powered ones are called "vent-sol-airs" btw.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

Not necessary with Sunbrella or similar fabrics that "breathe". Water proof laminates yes, then they're a good idea.

I am using Sunbrella and the only reason I think I want them is for their pole holding ability.

I know you are in the business, what do you think about best way to hold the poles up?

 

[V153]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I just use a heavy vinyl reinforcement w/cap and socket in the center, sewn under the cover. Preferably centered under a seam, but not necessarily.

I screw a stud into the top of the 'tent pole' to snap into the socket. Seems to hold em in place just fine.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I just use a heavy vinyl reinforcement w/cap and socket in the center, sewn under the cover. Preferably centered under a seam, but not necessarily.

I screw a stud into the top of the 'tent pole' to snap into the socket. Seems to hold em in place just fine.

OK...maybe I will start with that. I can always add the vents later if the snap isn't enough.

Secondary question regarding your cover pic. I see you don't do a boot or some sort of flap where the bimini poles go through. Do you ever do different or is this pretty standard?

 

[Capt Sully]

Re: Boat Cover Vents

I have those vents built in my cover. They work great. The pole can be set to whatever height you want. They have a cup type insert where the pole fits. Vent opens with pressure from the pole.