Opinions on selecting an iboats boat cover for my boat

[MrBigStuff]

I'm looking for opinions on two of the boat covers available for one of my boats.

The boat is a 1991 Astro 17SCX. It is stored outdoors in the sun year round.
The original cover has held up well with yearly applications of water repellant but has finally succombed to the relentless exposure.

I've researched the available covers through iboats and come up with two preferred candidates; Westland Sunbrella ($460) or Endura Outdura ($256).

They appear to have exactly the same fabric which is 100% acrylic but the Westland is using the name brand Sunbrella fabric. It comes at a cost premium however.

The other thing I do not know is the reputation and construction quality of either manufacturer. That is what I am hoping people here can help with. Do you have experience with either manufacturer?

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Opinions on selecting an iboats boat cover for my boat

I thought I'd post a follow up in case someone has a similar inquiry in the future.

Despite not getting any feedback from the iboats community, I decided to buy from iboats because they were significantly cheaper than other retailers or even going directly through the manufacturer.

I chose the Westland cover custom fit to original specifications and the Sunbrella fabric in burgundy. The cover was delivered the day it was promised and is of VERY high quality. It almost perfectly matches the original cover. The only difference is the U cutout for the outboard is a bit tighter against the OB than the original.

The quality of the cover is outstanding. The attention to detail is very evident from the design of the seams to the actual sewing and construction. The padding is excellent and it was delivered in pristine shape. It has more tie downs than the original and they're better placed to provide a nice taught cover.

I am so glad I chose to go with the more expensive Sunbrella material. Talk about thick and rugged, it doesn't need a center support like the old canvas one did. And the water repellancy is unbelieveable.

These guys are a top notch organization and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. In fact, I'm considering a cover for another boat that I recently bought one of those generic covers for. The small premium you pay for the custom fit and high quality fabric is well worth it. I'm sold.