Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

[spikeitaudi]

Most likely a dumb question but I have a bow and cabin cover for my Bowrider in my sig. Last weekend when I went to get it ready to go out on the water (It's slipped) I noticed water in the bilge area for the first time. Now I am assuming this was from all the rain (water was real clear) we had during the week. I am also assuming there are small areas in the bow and cabin cover that don't cover it completely. FOr instance where the covers snap to the center windsheild there are tiny holes where runoff water can get in. Also where the Bimini attaches there are gaps in the cabin cover. So with all that is it normal to have water in the bilge after a good storm? I have an auto bilge so I am assuming it came on and discarded alot of water already. It looked like to me there might of been about 1 or 2 gallons of water that was discarded after I turned on the bilge when I discovered it.

This is normal right?

 

[Bliner175]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

I actually had to ask this same question a few weeks ago...I have a Bayliner 175, with the same set up - two piece cover, with bimini top holes. Before I had the auto-bilge installed, I arrived to find the bilge almost full (mine is also kept in a slip).

Turns out, water is running down from the bow-cover up, and down from the windshield. It collects at the seam, and as you mentioned, there are only three snaps there. The next time it rains, feel the carpet around that area - it'll be damp.

I called Bayliner directly - and was basically told that their covers are not sold as waterproof. Needless to say, my next purchase will be a custom fitted mooring cover.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

Whew. Thank Bliner175. I thought it was that but just wanted to make sure. Your 175 doesn't have an auto bilge? I thought they were standard on all Bayliners? I know on my 185 it's standard as per the manual.

 

[Bliner175]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

It does now! But no, it only came with the manual bilge.

I would still check the boat frequently to make sure there's no other leaks, but if you had heavy rains, my bet is on the leaking cover.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

It does now! But no, it only came with the manual bilge.

I would still check the boat frequently to make sure there's no other leaks, but if you had heavy rains, my bet is on the leaking cover.

Trust me the first thing I check when I get the covers off is the engine and bilge area. I am anal about checking this everytime. Also everything in my middle storage area life jackets were wet. So it was a dead giveaway that the rain was draining through that area. I also had water in my Cupholders. Not sure how to explain that one yet.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

I find that covers are great for keeping leaves, branches, and bird poop out of my boat. Rain.....not so much.

 

[J. Howard]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

Yep. I have a pretty nice well-fitting Sunbrella cover and I still get water coming in during heavy rains. I just make sure the auto bilge pump is in good working order on a regular basis.

 

[Kracken]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

2 piece covers are notorious for letting water in.

You have three solutions if you want to keep the water out.

1. buy a 1 piece cover from iboats and waterproof it every 6 months.
2. buy a waterproof cover from Wally World. It will not last very long but it will keep the water out.
3. keep in garaged.

With options 1 and 2, make sure the boat is vented. Without proper ventilation you will get mold on your interior and corrosion of your motor (if its an i/o). Also never put a cover over a mooring cover.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

Also never put a cover over a mooring cover.



???????





I am curious, so I will ask " why not? "
I have a special made mooring cover & a special made cover that snaps just below the bumpers. I also have a opening around my top & wakeboard tower ( also made to fit with flaps & velcro ). I have put both on when leaving it @ my storage place. Why is this not a good thing to do? Ventilation? My boat usualy only sits for 2 to 4 days befor we take her out again, but wanting to make sure I am not going to rot things out...
Thanks for advice

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

2 piece covers are notorious for letting water in.

You have three solutions if you want to keep the water out.

1. buy a 1 piece cover from iboats and waterproof it every 6 months.
2. buy a waterproof cover from Wally World. It will not last very long but it will keep the water out.
3. keep in garaged.

With options 1 and 2, make sure the boat is vented. Without proper ventilation you will get mold on your interior and corrosion of your motor (if its an i/o). Also never put a cover over a mooring cover.

Option 1
Boat is slipped right now so the Iboat cover requires you to strap to the bottom of the hull so that won't work.

Option 2
Waterproof cover depends on how it stays on while the boat is slipped.

Option 3
That will be in the winter for sure.

 

[Kracken]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

It has everything to do with breathability that is the reason why boat cover manufacturers do not make everything 100% waterproof. Breathability is far more important than a little water getting in your boat.

Having a hard time visualizing your set up. But as long as you boat can breathe, you should be OK. The problem is when you get water between two layers of material. It holds the humidity in your boat and wreaks havoc.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

It has everything to do with breathability that is the reason why boat cover manufacturers do not make everything 100% waterproof. Breathability is far more important than a little water getting in your boat.

Having a hard time visualizing your set up. But as long as you boat can breathe, you should be OK. The problem is when you get water between two layers of material. It holds the humidity in your boat and wreaks havoc.

GOTCHA!
That actually makes a lot of sence & never thought about it!
Thanks

 

[Kracken]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

spikeitaudi,

I have the Westland cover purchased from Iboats. It fits snuggly below the rub rail. It comes with the straps however you do not need to use the straps while mooring.

Purchase the snap kit (from Iboats) and put them on yourself (its very easy to do). You do not need to put every snap in the cover, I believe I did every-other one.

Hope that helps.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

I bought a cover from iBoats also, not sure which brand it was, but it has an elastic band all the way around it, as well as clips to tie under the boat. I'm in the water, and the cover holds just fine with the elastic. Best part, I got mine during a clearance sale and it was only.... ready for it?.... thirty bucks!

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

I bought a cover from iBoats also, not sure which brand it was, but it has an elastic band all the way around it, as well as clips to tie under the boat. I'm in the water, and the cover holds just fine with the elastic. Best part, I got mine during a clearance sale and it was only.... ready for it?.... thirty bucks!

WOW!
Great Deal!
CONGRATS!

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

I bought a cover from iBoats also, not sure which brand it was, but it has an elastic band all the way around it, as well as clips to tie under the boat. I'm in the water, and the cover holds just fine with the elastic. Best part, I got mine during a clearance sale and it was only.... ready for it?.... thirty bucks!

Can I say wow you suck big time.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: Water getting into the boat from Rain I assume.

It has everything to do with breathability that is the reason why boat cover manufacturers do not make everything 100% waterproof. Breathability is far more important than a little water getting in your boat.

Having a hard time visualizing your set up. But as long as you boat can breathe, you should be OK. The problem is when you get water between two layers of material. It holds the humidity in your boat and wreaks havoc.

spikeitaudi,

I have the Westland cover purchased from Iboats. It fits snuggly below the rub rail. It comes with the straps however you do not need to use the straps while mooring.

Purchase the snap kit (from Iboats) and put them on yourself (its very easy to do). You do not need to put every snap in the cover, I believe I did every-other one.

Hope that helps.

I bought a cover from iBoats also, not sure which brand it was, but it has an elastic band all the way around it, as well as clips to tie under the boat. I'm in the water, and the cover holds just fine with the elastic. Best part, I got mine during a clearance sale and it was only.... ready for it?.... thirty bucks!

Thanks all I will look into that.