Cheap Boat Covers

[mrmamiller]

Looking for a cheap boat cover (need in a hurry) for Florida storage. Time is of the essence, so a custom made cover is not an option. Been looking at the big box sporting places such as Bass Pro and Cabela's, as well as this forum's (iBoats) parts. Prices are similar. All seem to be $260 to $340. Not so much concerned about the small wiggle room on price, but more on ease of putting cover on, adjusting straps (if included), and potential to last in the weather. I'm keeping my 17 foot center console under a car port at a rental place from April though December (yeah, what a waste). I'm looking for thoughts on these covers that anyone has purchased from the aforementioned places. Trade-names of the covers are Hurricane, Ratchet-tite and ENDUROCover (in no particular order). Strapping may differ on these and not every supplier is very specific as to how the strapping is handled. Long term, I'll be looking for trailer-ability, but not short term. Thanks for your input. Mark

 

[Blujay96]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

I got one off amazon. It is a classic dryguard cover. It's a great cover and the price is good.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

I'm pleased with the cover I got from Safeguard Covers for the price.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

Covermate has covers for 17 footers starting at $80.
I have the $160 version, Well made!

Available from "They Who Can not be Named."

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

I've got a Classic Accessories Stormpro road worthy cover that's been on my boat since I bought it in September of 2010. It's still waterproof and being vented, prevents mold underneath. I've been down the highway on several occasions with it on there at speeds of up to 65 mph. My boat sits out in the driveway and the only time I've taken the cover off has been for hurricanes or when I'm actually using the boat. Price was roughly $110 from Amazon.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

Here in Michigan, a cover will get all kinds of abuse, so my advise to buy the best one you can would not be the best for a southern boat. Anyone who buys a cheap cover up here will end up replacing it next season.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

Under a carport? I wouldn't spend real money until I needed a real cover. My 16' Sylvan has been sitting under a silver Home Depot tarp in my driveway since October. I have a PVC upright in the center to 'tent' it over the boat. Whole shebang including rope, cost me about $50.

That boat is going to Florida permanently, probably next fall. I'll get a real mooring cover for it but I plan to use a tarp setup when it's in storage. It'll be on the trailer, out in the open when I'm not there. I'd rather the tarp absorb the wear and tear instead of the 'good' cover.

My .02

 

[jcfitzgerald]

Re: Cheap Boat Covers

I get a $20 tarp, 10 mil silver 12x20 ft from harbor freight and replace it every 18 months. Held down with bungee cords with a long one underneath, it never leaks or blows off. Stretched over a PVC frame.