Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

[flingus]

Hi all,

Have what seems like a silly question but, I'm wondering if I'm missing something obvious. Boat covers (for a 22ft boat) can run up to $400. A tarp, maybe $100.. Is there any advantage to using a boat cover instead of a tarp? If it's just that the ties and all that are built into a boat cover, that isn't worth the extra $300 to me.

I should add, I already have a custom cover for the boat that snaps on, just around the area of the boat above the deck. I just need something to cover the entire top of the boat during the winter or if a bad storm is coming.

Thanks !

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

There's nothing wrong with a tarp to supplement the snap-on mooring covers that you have. However, in high winds and rain, that $100 tarp will only last a season, maybe two at the most. The form-fitted boat cover will last for 5+years easily if taken care of. The tarps will likely rub on the covers/hull more than a fitted boat cover will, especially around the windshield. I used a heavy duty tarp this year to supplement a 10+yr old boat cover that is on it's last leg. However, it only spent a few months out in the weather until the shop was built, so now it's a moot point.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

And a cover looks nicer so you get less flack from neighbors if you have any.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

I use a green tarp, so it blends in better with the trees, etc.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

Ventilation is nice too. A tarp can make the inside of the boat a sauna/mold breeding ground.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

since you already have a cover over the delicate parts, why cover the rest? Fiberglass cleans up easily (easier than mold/mildew inside) and you're not in an area were freeznig and snow is an issue. A good storm will blow it away.

The way tarps look, and sound, is an important consideration in many storage situations.

 

[Philster]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

Tarps can be scratchy to gel. They (seem to) get hotter and don't breathe as well. They are more rigid and harder to cinch down tightly.

Doens't mean they can't be practical though. I use them on the fishun rig.

 

[Skeeterbait]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

In the humidity we have here a plastic tarp is a bad idea. It can't breathe and condensation forms under it which promotes mold, mildew and corrosion. A canvas sailcloth tarp would be OK but is probably going to cost the majority of what a fitted cover is going to cost.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

My boat lived winter and summer under a brown, 14 mil tarp for the first 8 years of its life. We moved so it lives in the barn now.

Hot (90 F+), humid (90%+), saltwater enviroment. Moderate snow in the winter. Never had any mold or mildew. No wind damage. Didn't melt my LCD screens. No objections from my neighbor. The tarp cost $89 and lasted 3-4 years. The last fitted cover I bought, for another boat, cost $199 and lasted 3 years before it turned brown and rotted out.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

try trailering your boat with a generic blue tarp.. You will be lucky if there is anything left after 30 miles of highway driving. A good fitted tarp won't care.

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

I have a new boat and I was not about to get a cheap tarp to cover it. I bought a form fitting cover that cost about $250 from Carver and it is great. It breathes and is waterproof, and can be trailered when needed.

I also have the snap in covers for my boat as you can see in my picture...and they did NOT keep out the rain. I had several hours of slimy clean up and lots of rainwater to drain from my boat...which was a lesson learned. I promptly went out and bought a cover for the entire boat.

Do yourself a favor and buy a form fitting cover.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

Hog wash!

I have had many old boats and have owned a new boat for the past four seasons. I have the $300 cover that the dealer tossed into the deal, but I also use a huge heavy-duty tarp in the winter. I put on the nice cover and then cover that with the giant green tarp that matches the exterior of my green garage. The back goes over the outboard so that is protected as well, but it also allows the boat to breathe. I lay old 2x4s across the passenger area (from gunnel to gunnel) so that the snow doesn't collect and pool in the middle. I've never had mold, don't get mice (I use dryer tons of heavily-scented dryer sheets), and the tarp and cover both look brand new after four seasons of use.

Don't buy a fitted cover just for off-season storage. Just strap and tie down a good, heavy duty tarp

 

[flingus]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

Wow, this has been like asking whats the best tow vehicle, GM, Ford, or Dodge. (the answer is dodge by the way) JUST KIDDING!

I appreciate all the replies.. I don't have to worry about what anyone thinks about the cover, since its kept at a U Haul storage facility. Just in this fenced in area, its not covered or anything fancy. Just a safe parking spot. I also don't have to worry about driving with this 'extra' tarp or boat cover on because, the lake is a mile or two from the storage facility. I take anything covering the boat off before we go to the lake.

I definately have to worry about the elements, even though we dont get a lot of snow here in Georgia.. I made the mistake of not putting an extra cover on it last winter and it took 3 of us 4 or 5 hours to get the outside of the boat clean. And this was with the aid of a power washer. It was nasty, sweaty work.. If I can avoid it next year I'm going to. Wish I could store the boat at home, under some covered parking or in a garage but I just don't have the space.

Anyway, thanks for all the ideas. Sounds like a tarp would do OK, if I end up buying a fitted cover I'll make sure it comes with a good warranty. I'm leaning towards a fitted cover after hearing everyone's advice. If I have to spray it with water proofing every year thats fine. I think the idea that it breathes better than a tarp might save me some trouble in the future.

Sounds like the only drawback to a fitted cover is the cost, and the idea that it may break down over time. I'll just make sure I buy a good one, with a decent warranty and hope for the best.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[nlain]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

I cover my boat with a tarp, the cheap blue one from Harbor Freight, and yes I replace it each year for about $20.00. I also purchased a couple of vents that I put in the tarp.

Something like these, the one I use is from the same manufacturer but I had to but it at another store. They are quite a few years old now, lived through quite a few tarps. These I listed should do the same. I am in South Ga and had a terrible time with mold and mildew until the vents. I also made a stand to hold the tarp up and run small lines from the stand to the cleats on the hull to help support the tarp, I also buy bungie cords from Harbor Freight, 12 to the bag, ball on one end and a snap hook on the other to tie the tarp to the trailer.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Shrink-W...37032461--session_id.573107747--view_id.86489

http://www.iboats.com/Airlette-Shri...37032461--session_id.573107747--view_id.49237

 

[Deeppowder]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

http://www.navigloo.com/product/shelters.html

I use the Navigloo system on my boat for the winter and it works well. We get alot of snow so I can't just use the boat cover.

 

[P10 WRC]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

question for you guys about covers. are they supposed to be waterproof? i bought my first boat two months ago and after the first rain, there was a bunch of water that got through the cover. it is a full size fitted cover, but i am worried about water damage to my deck/stringers. I would say about five gallons of water at least

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

They do make non waterproof covers but they are mostly the cheap kind. Did the water leak through or did it get in from a spot that wasn't fully covered? Either way if I paid for a full size fitted cover and rain was getting through I'd be upset and be trying to get my money back.

 

[P10 WRC]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

the cover came with the boat when i bought it. It seems like it's leaking trough where the water puddles up. i am gonna go to wal mart and get some shower rods or something to keep the puddles from pooling up and see if that helps. i may also try to spray some waterproofer on it

 

[Outsider]

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

Don't confuse 'water proof' with 'water repellent', they're not the same. Carver makes a good cover with a 5 yr warranty, but they don't sell retail. I bought mine from an I-Boats vendor, but there are other sources ...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Silly question...Tarp Vs. Boat Cover

question for you guys about covers. are they supposed to be waterproof? i bought my first boat two months ago and after the first rain, there was a bunch of water that got through the cover. it is a full size fitted cover, but i am worried about water damage to my deck/stringers. I would say about five gallons of water at least

as all boaters know, nothing is really waterproof. new boat covers shed water but eventually everything leaks. At that point you have to assess the purpose of the cover.
If you have a boat that can't handle water--a carpeted deck for example, you need to find a way to waterproof the cover--that includes preventing puddles, treatment or replacement. If you have an all fiberglass deck, you can live with some water getting through, adn the purpose of the cover is more to keep out dirt and leaves (which trap water) sun and most of the water from rain storms.

Here's the bigger problem--how do you know 5 gallons got through? because your boat, if it's on a trailer, should have the bow up and plug out to drain the water that will inevitably get trhough even a waterproof cover. If you are in a slip or on a lift, you have a bilge pump. Whether storing them or running them there is always the good chance that water will get in, so it's as important to focus on getting it out as keeping it out.