Cover Question

[barthel]

Hey All,

I have an Empire cover for my boat which I mostly use just to cover it in the driveway. Next week we're going to the Colorado River which is about 300 miles. The cover has straps and is supposedly "trailerable".

What do I need to watch out for when trailering a covered boat? Would it be better to just tow it without the cover? Should I use a bow or put the cockpit cover up to stretch the cover tighter?

Thoughts and opinions?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Cover Question

It is often better to tow it uncovered. The cover movment it tuff on the get coat.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Cover Question

It's easier on the cover to tow without it on because it gets wind underneath it. The constant wind starts working on the stiching and therefore starts tearing. If you put a few straps from side to side over the cover to keep it down you should be ok. Just keep an eye on it.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Cover Question

When I towed with mine on, I noticed that the tie down straps abraided the gel coat underneath. I personally think it is better to tow with the cover off. Other conditions may dictate otherwise. If you do, you may try to add some extra padding at known rub points.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Cover Question

I recently towed my boat with the snap on cover on (bow and cockpit) plus the genaric trailering cover on over tied down with every loop, The snap on cover made the "mold" and didnt get damaged due to the cover over, the the upper cover didnt move due to innability of air to get between the layors. Essentially, the entire cover was on because I didnt want everything in the boat blowing out at 50MPH as it nearly does going down the lake @ 30:facepalm:

It worked for my needs.

 

[Philster]

Re: Cover Question

I won't tow with a 'trailerable' cover. I don't like to tow with covers, unless it is stormy. In that case, a cockpit cover (and bow cover) are the best options.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Cover Question

I join the opinions, best not to trailer with the cover on. Product descriptions like "trailerable" are like "Waterproof" and "heavy duty" and "permanent"--seldom so.

You risk minor damage to the boat from flapping, stress damage to the cover, and catastrophic damage to the family behind you. Not worth it.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Cover Question

Also, if you're towing with an open pickup, make sure everything in the bed is well secured. Highway speeds have a way of picking up stuff and letting it fly out making the boat an instant target!

 

[Cobalt232]

Re: Cover Question

Why I ordered mine with the trailerable tonneau and not the mooring cover. No chaffing on hwy. I'm going to order the mooring cover as well for a trip in July to keep it outside.