Need help buying canvas trailer covers!

[Nubby]

First, if you think this should be posted or would be better posted under "Trailers and Towing" please let me know.

I need a trailerable boat cover quickly. I've got a 98 Four Winns Horizon RX 180. My goal is to store it outside in my driveway this summer so I don't have to jockey it in and out of the garage each weekend. I want a very good quality cover that will keep the rain, leaves, bird crap, etc out and keep the interior out of the sun but still HAS TO BE trailerable.

I've looked into the factory Four Winns 2-piece bow and cockpit covers which are just under $800.

I received a quote today for $800 for a custom made 1-piece Sunbrella cover but will lose my boat for a couple of weeks.

My other consideration right now is a Sunbrella or Sharkskin cover made by Westland Marine through a vendor for about $300-$500 respectively.

I ruled out the local shop due to price compared to Westland. Will the factory 2-piece covers hold up well to trailering? Have any of you purchased the custom Sunbrella covers made by Westland...if so, does it fit really snug and how does it trailer and hold up?

I'll save around $300 with the 1-piece then I have to deal with straps...not a big deal because I won't have the fasteners attached to my boat that the 2-piece system will require.

I think I want to get the factory 2-piece covers but have read ALOT of info that says they don't hold up to trailering very well.

Either way, I'm going to put a big blue tarp over the boat and cover during the week.

Thanks in advance for your advice and inputs.

Nubby

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Need help buying canvas trailer covers!

For the money your thinking of spending on a custom tarp or cover you can buy a cnvas garage @ tractor supply for just under 400 and it holds up pretty good in the weather I have had mine for over 3 years and I store my boat in it over the winter just assemble it in warm weather to stretch the tarp but as far as trailering the ones advertised here on I boats seem to be a good deal.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need help buying canvas trailer covers!

The key issue with trailerable covers to prevent air from getting under the cover at highway speeds. If the cover doesn't come down over the bow and the edge point rearward, there is a fair chance the cover will balloon. While it may not blow off, that puts tremendous stress on the cover. Straps over the cover help prevent that but can mark and wear the cover. A very tight fit is also necessary. Any flapping will beat a cover to shreds in very short order. Except for my pontoon, I've made covers for my walleye boats. Here is a picture of the last one. That cover is now four years old and as good as new. Note that there are no straps needed except for the nose bra. The nose bra was incorporated for highway travel and keeps air from sneaking under the cover. I can therefore use the main cover without removing the trolling motor when docked.

Here is a link to the place I bought my trailerable pontoon cover. It's a very nice fit and has worked out well. I have the poly guard supreme and as I remember is was around $400. You select the boat year, make and model and they fit the cover accordingly.

http://www.discountboatcover.com/Boat-covers-s/33.htm