Does anybody sell a truly waterproof boat cover?

[444]

Was looking for a boat cover for my 20' glastron cvx-20 sprint. I'm having a hard time finding something like a basic, nylon boat cover. I DO NOT want or need a breathable boat cover. When I'm not at the lake my boat is stored indoors so the only time I will ever have the cover on it is while trailering if it's raining or if it starts raining while at the lake. My concern is something that will keep 100% of rain water out of the boat. All the boat covers I see for sale are all made out of fabric. Cotton, polyester, etc. After having owned a fabric car cover and knowing how poorly they keep out water I'm kinda gunshy about buying a fabric boat cover for what I want to use it for. Are the fabric boat covers not as bad as the experience I had with a fabric car cover?

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Does anybody sell a truly waterproof boat cover?

Hi! Here's the problem with a fully waterproof cover - there's no such thing. Water will find a way in. And a non-breathable cover holds the water in. It condenses on the inside of the cover, then drips on your floor. Then condenses, then drips. The cycle repeats every 24 hours, until you have mildew or floor rot. I learned this the hard way.

The breathable covers are 95% waterproof, I'd say (for the better ones, like Sharkskin Plus, Sunbrella, Hot Shot, etc.) They might let a few drops in, but then they let the moisture evaporate back out. Even where water pools, very little gets through. Just make sure you get a "trailerable" cover with lots of "over the top" straps to keep it from flapping around in the wind.

Mine is on order through West Marine, about $200, custom made.

Good luck!

Dave

 

[444]

Re: Does anybody sell a truly waterproof boat cover?

Yes, but I will never have the cover on the boat for 24 hours straight unless I get caught out in some very solid and extended rain at the campground, in which case nothing will be drying in those conditions anyway. If I'm not at the lake using it, my boat is in a garage so it's better off not having a cover on at all.

The fabric car cover I had, well it kept water out not too bad when it was new, but after a few years of exposure it let water right through like a wet rag.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Does anybody sell a truly waterproof boat cover?

444 way too anal. boats get wet.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Does anybody sell a truly waterproof boat cover?

Get yourself a good quality cover. Wash it down with mild soap and soft brush when it gets dirty, same as you may use for your boat. Treat it every season with 303. Your cover will last for years and stay highly water repellent. You can give it a light coat of 303 every time you wash it, after it's completely dry. You'll be happy with the results.