how long do non custom covers last?

[nateo]

Bought a 19" craigslist special. It came with a boat cover that has straps that clip to cover/trailer with lastic buckles. Origanally one on of tb buckles ripped of the cover itself. This allowed air in when going down road. Now theres only about half thw buckles left. I was considering just buying a whole new cover but wondering how quick i'm going to be in same sitution. Not sure if i should just spring for a custom cover with snaps all around.

 

[Pony]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

Depends on the fabric, if you are trailering with the cover, and if you have the cover properly tented and vented when the boat is sitting. Not all non custom/semi custom covers are the same. I don't trailer with mine on, so I have a non custom/semi custom cover on my boat....but I keep it tented properly so it doesn't pool water or get affected by wind too much. If I was going to trailer with it, I would go custom without a doubt.....just cant get a semi custom tight enough

Here is mine....600d canvas

 

[bonz_d]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

What kind of shape is the rest of the cover in? Maybe worth taking to a canvas shop and see if they can replace the one buckle.

 

[funk6294]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

X2 ^^^ may be able to make better than new

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

Ever things last as long as its built, if its a cheep build it last a short time if its well built it last longer.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

I have a 600d universal cover going on its third year. It still looks fine.
I use it all summer. It come off for trailering. Highway speeds and a headwind produces Hurricane force winds.
It also comes off for the winter Oct- May.
I replace it with an oversized heavy duty silver plastic tarp that takes the winter beating of the ice and snow.
The plastic tarp has seen its second and last winter and will be replaced in the fall.
The good news is that it will only cost about 20% of what the "Official" boat cover does.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

What kind of shape is the rest of the cover in? Maybe worth taking to a canvas shop and see if they can replace the one buckle.

Those delrin buckles are available at Amazon and other places for next to nothing. If you have a sewing machine you can sew the buckle securely in just a minute. I bought a bag of 50 of them since they're so handy for so many things. The ones I bought need half the buckle sewn into place on a web strap; the other half is just threaded onto the strap and is what allows you to adjust the tension on the strap. You could avoid the sewing machine if you use these sliders with the buckles.

 

[dozerII]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

I have StormPro by Classic that is starting it's 5th season and it will probably need replacing next year.

 

[Bubbasboat]

XXXXX

 

[airshot]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

Yep... you get what you pay for and on top of that how is the cover maintained? Big differences here, one that sits outside in the raw sun and weather will last a much shorter time than one that has been treated well. My boat sits inside a barn so covers are not an issue but for many years I had a boat setting outside. After spending much hard earned dollars for cover lasting about 5-6 years or so I got smart and built a simple leanto style building the kept the sun and rain off the cover while storing, was just a simple 4 post open air building with a sheet metal roof that I could back the boat under to keep the worst of mother nature off the cover. I spent about 500 to build it myself and easily tore it down and moved it to our new home. The best part is the next cover I had made lasted for 10 years and then I sold the boat and the cover was in great condition, the new buyer thought it was only a couple years old. Sun and acid rain and snow will destroy a cover in a few years, some simple steps to help your cover can easily add many years to its life.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

That cover cost around $300

 

[Slip Away]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

3RD year on a $89 cover. Easily can get two more seasons out of it. Boat is stored in side yard when not in use for 6 months.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: how long do non custom covers last?

WOW! What brand is your cover?

3RD year on a $89 cover. Easily can get two more seasons out of it. Boat is stored in side yard when not in use for 6 months.

 

[Blue Coupe]

I see you mentioned custom covers , I also seen your posts with chief petty officer for the Arkansas traveler restoration
I need help finding the same type of brackets and sun/ shade cover for my Arkansas Traveler 1962 fiberglass 14' Dart type DUT

 

[GA_Boater]

I see you mentioned custom covers , I also seen your posts with chief petty officer for the Arkansas traveler restoration
I need help finding the same type of brackets and sun/ shade cover for my Arkansas Traveler 1962 fiberglass 14' Dart type DUT

Please start a new thread with your questions. Your post is off topic to this thread. This thread is old and inactive. Thanks.

 

[nateo]

I see you mentioned custom covers , I also seen your posts with chief petty officer for the Arkansas traveler restoration
I need help finding the same type of brackets and sun/ shade cover for my Arkansas Traveler 1962 fiberglass 14' Dart type DUT

I was looking at a new boat the other day which had a non custom cover but instead of tie down straps it had one big strap that went all the way around and had a built in racheting system. Looked like a cool way to go. It seemed to secure the cover very tightly. Could probably be sewn in fairly easy with a sewing machine.