Boat Covers

[mainexile]

I'm looking at buying a new boat cover for my GW 17.5 Bowrider I/O. I've looked at the Westland and Enduracover. Any suggestions? Also, is a "trailerable" cover still useable at mooring?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat Covers

trailerable is very hard to use mooring, as it is hard to stand on the water to secure it. the best is to have mooring covers made for it. standard factory made covers are not custom, and are made for many brand boats. if you want a perfect fit, you have to go custom.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat Covers

If you or a friend knows how to sew, you can make your own. And a trailerable cover can indeed be fashioned to use as a mooring cover. Properly designed and fitted, no straps are need for mooring. In the picture you will notice a separate bow cover. That's used for trailering. It also allows me to leave the trolling motor on the boat while moored while still allowing use of the cover. Note that there are only two straps on this cover and those are for the nose bra. This rig gets towed thousands of miles a year. When installing the cover at the dock, you start at the back on the side away from the dock. Fasten the snaps moving forward and then get the dock-side snaps from the dock.

 

[mainexile]

Re: Boat Covers

TD,

Thanks for the info. It sounds as though custom is the way to go - whether I have it done or do it myself.

Silvertip,

Great job on the cover!! What is the material? Is it readily available or should I search at marine supply/sailmaking shops? Did you have to use an industrial sewing machine or will the wife's work fine?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat Covers

This cover is very heavy vinyl with a thick backing and is now in it's fifth season with no signs of failure anywhere. My daughter has a 1995 boat that I bought new and I made the cover for it as well. It is now 13 years old and the last five years it's been stored outdoors. Still going strong. Do not use a cheap grade of vinyl as it simply won't stand up. There are lots of other fabrics that are lighter and breathe a little better (Sunbrella is just one) but quality vinyl will take a beating at freeway speeds.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Boat Covers

This cover is very heavy vinyl with a thick backing and is now in it's fifth season with no signs of failure anywhere. My daughter has a 1995 boat that I bought new and I made the cover for it as well. It is now 13 years old and the last five years it's been stored outdoors. Still going strong. Do not use a cheap grade of vinyl as it simply won't stand up. There are lots of other fabrics that are lighter and breathe a little better (Sunbrella is just one) but quality vinyl will take a beating at freeway speeds.

Can you give a few details on construction? Did you use a normal sewing machine? What type of thread? How many passes did you make on each seam?