Brand new cover leaks bad

[SkaterRace]

I bought a new cover in late fall on clearance and got a great deal on it. So I put it on this spring and last night was the first real rainfall. Wow does it leak, water did pool too but that is because I forgot the pole.. It did leak though where the cover was tight too which makes me think I forgot a step with it but I checked the instructions and nope followed them all. I also noticed this morning that the cover has water in it, more or less in between the 2 layers of it. I can not get it out for the life of me. I spent about 20 min trying and no luck. Suggestions or just write the cover off and go back to the tarp?

 

[R055]

Seems pretty bad if there is water in between the cover layers, your best bet is to build a pvc frame so the tarp is at a steep angle where water can't pool/sit.

 

[SkaterRace]

Seems pretty bad if there is water in between the cover layers, your best bet is to build a pvc frame so the tarp is at a steep angle where water can't pool/sit.

I am not sure that will help a ton since the bow was at a semi steep angle and it is still wet under it. It did not pool there but still not what I was expecting. I figured a cover would be better than a tarp and looks like I was wrong at this point.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I bought a new cover in late fall on clearance and got a great deal on it .... Suggestions or just write the cover off and go back to the tarp?

Beware of clearance items that you get a great deal on, is my suggestion.

I'll start off by saying that most boat covers that I see at hardware stores, discount stores (Walmart, Fleet Farm, etc.) aren't waterproof. They are meant to keep dirt and debris out. If you pay good money for a nice cover then you get those qualities. Even the factory cover that came with my Alumacraft isn't made to keep out water. It's a storage cover and not for trailoring. In the couple of years that I stored my boat outdoors, I put on the factor cover and then a tarp to deflect water and snow.

 

[R055]

Tarps work well in vented and if you don't have neighbors, I had to get a real boat cover because my neighborhood is a clean and nice looking one so didn't want my boat to be an eyesore for the neighbors with a tarp over it.

 

[SkaterRace]

Beware of clearance items that you get a great deal on, is my suggestion.

I'll start off by saying that most boat covers that I see at hardware stores, discount stores (Walmart, Fleet Farm, etc.) aren't waterproof. They are meant to keep dirt and debris out. If you pay good money for a nice cover then you get those qualities. Even the factory cover that came with my Alumacraft isn't made to keep out water. It's a storage cover and not for trailoring. In the couple of years that I stored my boat outdoors, I put on the factor cover and then a tarp to deflect water and snow.

It is a naviskin cover so not a cheap one by any means. Sure I got a deal on it but that is because of end of season clear out. Just because I got a good deal does not mean it is a crappy cover. The cover at regular price is $370 but I got it for 25% of that. It was one of the more expensive covers at CTC. Claims it is water proof and trailerable.

 

[SkaterRace]

Tarps work well in vented and if you don't have neighbors, I had to get a real boat cover because my neighborhood is a clean and nice looking one so didn't want my boat to be an eyesore for the neighbors with a tarp over it.

I did like the tarp it worked fine others not so much but it was a royal pain to put on every time so I figured a cover would be better. Guess I was wrong.

 

[oldjeep]

Try sealing the stitching with something like Iosso Seam Sealer. Chances are good that the stitching holes are the issue if it was happening where the cover was tight.

 

[SkaterRace]

Try sealing the stitching with something like Iosso Seam Sealer. Chances are good that the stitching holes are the issue if it was happening where the cover was tight.

I thought that might be it too but looking at how it sits on the boat the top section is 1 piece and then there is 2 side ones so the windshield should not have gotten any from the stitching holes unless it went up the cover or in at a hard angle. I think I may just go back and exchange it for a new one and sell it for what I got in it.

 

[airdvr1227]

I think the key part is you forgot the pole. With the pole in the water won't pool and have a chance to leak through the fabric. I believe the fabric is water resistant, not waterproof.

 

[SkaterRace]

I think the key part is you forgot the pole. With the pole in the water won't pool and have a chance to leak through the fabric. I believe the fabric is water resistant, not waterproof.

That would explain the cockpit part yeah but not in front of the windshield where it was tight and at a steep angle. Even that part was soaked. Water should not be covering 40% of the damm thing. I have used $30 tarps and got better results.

 

[BRICH1260]

You might want to re-treat the fabric with some waterproofing formula and arranging a support system underneath.

 

[GA_Boater]

With a two layer cover, once water gets inside between the layers, wicking and capillary action will allow water to anywhere it wants, even uphill. Lack of the support pole allowed the pond to seep through and start the migration.

 

[poconojoe]

Contact the manufacturer. A quick email. Maybe they will make good. Is there a warranty?

 

[ondarvr]

I hate covers, and never buy them, boats are stored under a roof at all times unless I'm in it.

 

[SkaterRace]

Contact the manufacturer. A quick email. Maybe they will make good. Is there a warranty?

I am taking it back to CTC tomorrow after I finish draining it.