Lets talk boat covers

[Ryan00TJ]

I'm going to be purchasing a new full length cover here soon and was wanting to get some feedback from others. My previous Sunbrela cover lasted 14 years before becoming so thread bare it ripped. Spent 4 of 12 months in the sun per year at the marina. Never leaked and boat was always dry inside. Also saved the gelcoat from baking in the sun.

My local guy who redid my upholstery recommended the TopGun cover material over the Sunbrela. He did great work on my upholstery and I value his opinion but was wanting to get real world experience before dropping the coin. He can also get Sunbrela and said it would come down to what I wanted.

So what has worked better Sunbrela vs TopGun?

Thanks Guys!!!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lets talk boat covers

They are both excellent products.

I have heard that TopGun is a little harder to work with but it cost less than Sunbrella. That is really effecting him not you.

 

[pipedup]

Re: Lets talk boat covers

I am glad this subject was brought up, I too am interested in getting a cover to eliminate the UV stress on my travel tarp and top of boat while storeing outside.Has anyone used or heard of anyone useing this type of cover:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SHOREMASTER-Univ...1QQihZ016QQcategoryZ26447QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or this one:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/18-20-v-hull-fis...1QQihZ008QQcategoryZ26447QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I wonder how good they will last, any feedback will be muchly appreciated.I have an 98 chaparral 18'3" boat and am feeling guilty about it haveing to sit in the sun.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lets talk boat covers

My opinion is to get a custom cover like the original poster is doing. It is money well spent. Cost more in the beginning but can last a long time...like the original poster's cover did.

You will spend more money in the long run replacing sun aged upholstery and water damaged materials in your boat by buying a cheapy cover. How many boats have been ruined by owners relying on $10 Home Depot tarps?

 

[pipedup]

Re: Lets talk boat covers

My intentions were to cover the original (still in perfect shape cause it has been shedded for 9 yrs) and to cover the top portion of the boat not protected from the uv rays.I just purchased the boat and don't want to have to spend a pile of money just to ease my sleep at night thinking about how the boat has never spent so much time in the sun in its whole life. Thank you for your opinion, dually noted, and I am not trying to jack anyones thread I just thought it was senseless to start a new one on the same topic.

 

[Ryan00TJ]

Re: Lets talk boat covers

Thanks for the insight fellows. I went with Sunbrella and had the material ordered today. I'll be taking the boat in for test fitting after Memorial Day.