Boat Cover ?

[Chucksdart]

I need a cover for my bassboat and was looking at the Taylor Made Hot Shot advertised here on iboats.com Does anybody have one ? Are they well made ? Would you buy again ? Would like any opinions . Thanks , Chuck

 

[Bindernut]

Re: Boat Cover ?

I just got a Hot Shot material cover for my boat. Have only had it on the boat for a couple weeks so I can't give a long-term report, but it seems to be a pretty well built cover.

The one I have only has three strap loops per side (plus the front & rear loops), and are spaced a bit far apart for my liking for a trailerable cover, but the pull rope in the hem does tuck it down pretty good. I'm going to have a few extra loops stichted onto mine before I use it for any serious highway towing.
This is partially my fault though too...I bought a clearance cover for a 15' v-bottom and have it on a 14' with a bowmount troller on it. Am going to have a couple folds stitched into the cover to make a custom pocket to fit my troller. (This is how my old cover was customized by the previous owner.)

I would recommend it as a good cover for the price...especially if you're getting one of the clearance-priced covers.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Cover ?

i have been satisfied with all the Taylor Made products i have bought. just remember that covers are not custom fitted. the are made for many boats. you may have to add gromets where needed. or support under the cover. they are not custom covers. those you get at the local canvas shop, and they keep you boat for 2 weeks.

 

[Chucksdart]

Re: Boat Cover ?

Shame on me , but I assumed since they ask for the Manufacturer , Model , etc. that it would be made for that particular boat . :redface:
The boat will be kept under a covered dock on a lift and probably not trailered very often if ever since we live on the lake . I will keep it on when the boat is not in use to keep the rain and leaves out . It sounds like it will be fine for that . Would you get the breathable one or the vinyl one for this purpose ? I can see advantages and disadvantages to each . Since it is a covered dock , would the one that breathes be a better choice ? Or would the vinyl one work best ? Thanks guys ! Chuck

 

[Bindernut]

Re: Boat Cover ?

They've got a larger selection of patterns & sizes than some other covers I've checked out, so I spose ya might be able to call them semi-custom. I was impressed by the fact that after I ordered the cover from iboats and they sent the order request to Taylor Made, the folks at TM gave me a phone call to verify that I had ordered the correct size for my boat...even though I had ordered a clearance model. Courteous and great to work with! That alone ranked em pretty high on my list.

Even if it's got a roof over it's head, I'd still go for a breathable cover over a solid vinyl one. Just my choice spose...I hate replacing mildewed carpets!

My boat lives outside pretty much all season, only gets a roof over it's head during winter storage or if I know there is a posibility of hail.
My new Hot Shot cover has been outside in a couple of heavy rain storms already and as long as I remember to keep the bows up so water doesn't pool up on the cover it's been staying pretty dry inside. (One of my cover bows likes to flip around if the wind flaps the cover...like when trailering. I gotta fix that or find a different support system.)

 

[Chucksdart]

Re: Boat Cover ?

I'm kinda leaning towards the breathable for the reason you mention . I know the carpet , at the very least , is going to get wet , and I don't want to trap that moisture with a cover that doesn't let it evaporate . Thanks !

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Boat Cover ?

Taylor Made is a great cover.I also have a Sharkskin cover that breaths very well and is double padded at all the wear points.Not sure of the price difference but the Sharkskin is worth looking at.It has a 5 year warranty.