Bow "bra" provides towing protection

[Jeff_H]

Guys,

I've recall seeing this, but can't find it at my usual sources of supply. I can best define it as a bow bra. It covers the underside of the bow, so when you're towing any debris thrown up by the rear wheels of the towing vehicle will not damage the underside of the bow.

Does anyone have an idea where I might find such an item?

TIA,

Jeff

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

I wanted one too since I tow 600 miles to Powell just seemed like a nice way to protect the hull of the boat, problem is I couldn't find one online I got a quote from the local canvas place who has made them several times, has a nice backing that wouldn't scuff the hull it was around $600 for my boat in the same color as the top. Thats the only help I can give you, if you find a source online please let me know....

 

[JB]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

Have you considered mud flaps on the tow vehicle? There are also full width flaps for thetrailer hitch.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

Got mud flaps(the trailer hitch type) just looking for a little extra protection, plus they look good too!

 

[Redneck_Randy]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

I use a TowTector.

http://www.ruggedgear.com/index.cfm?ptype=results&category_id=141&mode=cat&cat141.htm

 

[jkust]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

I've been dealing with this situation for a few years now. The mudflaps just don't do the job. That towtektor seems expensive but the sand blasting on your hull will surely be more to fix. I do like the idea of a custom bow cover since that'll stop the debris damage right at the hull. I am a little embarrassed to say it but I have been covering the area of the bow on my Chaparral, particularly the colored gel stripe with blue painters tape before a tow. It looks silly but does a good job.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

We have ALLOT of dirt roads here and I have seen that towtector in action. Yes it cuts back on debris BUT creates a huge vacuum area and sucks every particle of dust up behind the vehicle.

Basically we use mud flaps (required inspection item on a truck here) and the boat stays cleaner. A good boat cover and possible a canvas shield near the hull would help.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

The negative pressure behind the tow vehicle is the biggest problem. Making a canvas shield for the bow seems logical, but just when you'd think it would be blown back against the hull, it's probably being sucked away from it. The tape idea, tho being a PITA to put on and take off actually has some merit. I don't think it would provide enough protection from a stone large enough to chip a hull, but it would stop sandblasting. So let's have some other ideas here. I'm thinking about demountable poly panels that could slip into pockets on the boat frame. Hmmm...

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

The Bra has to be tight to the hull or it will rub through the gel coat in no time. Having a soft side against the hull would help. Even if you taped a couple of cheap bath towels or a small blanket to the bow would work well too and be a bit less expensive.

How about phifertex + made to order and snapped in place? It helps on my windows, allows water to drain out and keeps the debris off the hull as well.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

The liner I was quoted on the inside of my bow bra was a microfiber material, the canvas shop said he would guarantee it would not affect the gelcoat in any way

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

You mean like this one??

I made the nose bra as well as the cover. You need "quality vinyl", a heavy duty sewing machine and a package of grommets from any hardware store. Make a template using newspaper allowing an inch for the hem. A double seam using heavy duty thread and a leather needle in the machine is all you need. The vinyl MUST NOT be the cheap stuff with little to no backing. You can feel the difference in cheap vinyl vs quality. Quality vinyl will also have a much softer backing. When you lay this out, note that the bottom rear most point where the bungee cord is attached is away from the hull. This prevents rubbing. You can make the bra as large as you want to get the coverage (support if you will) your boat needs.

This bra was separate from the cover and had velcro across the top where it covers the main cover. This allowed leaving the troller on the bow with the cover installed while at the dock.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

Pretty close Silvertip only the ones we used on Hot boats would extend down the hull to where the trailer bunks meet the hull, covering the entire hull/bow from the bunks forward up to the cap, it had a small opening where the bow loop was and then wrapped around the winch roller.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

One can make nearly anything that works. This was added partially to defect the periodic pebble or stone but its primary purpose was to keep air from getting under the cover. You will note there are no straps on this cover. It actually sucked down at highway speeds. The only strap was under the helm to keep it from ballooning.

 

[jkust]

Re: Bow "bra" provides towing protection

The negative pressure behind the tow vehicle is the biggest problem. Making a canvas shield for the bow seems logical, but just when you'd think it would be blown back against the hull, it's probably being sucked away from it. The tape idea, tho being a PITA to put on and take off actually has some merit. I don't think it would provide enough protection from a stone large enough to chip a hull, but it would stop sandblasting. So let's have some other ideas here. I'm thinking about demountable poly panels that could slip into pockets on the boat frame. Hmmm...

I just use the standard width painters tape which is low tack but stays on pretty good and comes right off when I detail after returing home. I have been just leaving it on the whole trip. Basically after a long tow, you look at the tape and it is obvious the damage that it has saved you from. I towed the first season of owining my Chaparral and didn't pay attention the many stone chips I caused. At the very least, the tape will stop the sand blasting effect. For a couple dollars for a roll of tape you can at least mitigates the everyday stuff but any large stones, you are out of luck. I imagine this must be an issue all over the place and am baffeled that a product isn't just available on any walmart shelf.