When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

[bassmantweed]

Just curious how often you take off and put on the cover of your boat.......

I am getting ready to go to Maine for three weeks. My father in law covers his boat every time he uses it. Does it make me lazy that I will leave the cover off for three weeks..... Rain doesn't bother me as my boat gets wet every time i go out with the kids.

What is your approach?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

I cover mine whenever it's not in use.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

What kind of boat do you have? Do you have carpet? If your boat does not have a fiberglass/gel floor that drains on its own (with the plug in), you might want to keep it covered. Even if your deck is waterproof and drains on its own, the sun will do a number on your interior. Spend a little time in the restore forum to see what rain and sun can do to a boat.

I cover mine whenever I am not using it.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

No, I cover mine every time I don't use it

 

[Icyharp]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Because I have carpet and a small cuddy after a days use I leave the cover off to get the inside dried out. I too have 3 kids that are in and out of the boat and water I have tried my best to keep off the floor. So far my boat being as old as it looks as new under the floor as the day it did new, I have a fuel tank panel that I can remove to look, and can see both stringers. So ya I cover and have a dehumidfier I use as well while it is covered once the boat is dry from its use. This goes for my anchor line and life jackets, anything that got wet comes out till all is dry.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

It is covered whenever it is not in use, and is dry. A lot of times the only reason we come off the water is due to impending rain, so we have to wait for it to dry out before we cover it. But I have seen what a year under the FL sun will do to the interior of a boat. I have also seen 15 year old boats that were covered that are near perfect. So I cover mine.

 

[nlain]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Mine is covered on the trailer with a tarp and when docked I have the mooring covers on. Does not take 5 maybe 20 min to put the mooring cover on and it is protected from the weather and the sea gulls.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Mine is covered whenever it is NOT being used.

 

[Icyharp]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

I have also seen 15 year old boats that were covered that are near perfect.

Mine is 24 yrs old and still orginal carpet and seat covers, although this year a seam came loose on my sun deck so that will be getting stiched up this winter. Other than that, I get asked all the time if I have restored mine...I just tell them "no, it is all about how you take of what you have".

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Mine is 24 yrs old and still orginal carpet and seat covers, although this year a seam came loose on my sun deck so that will be getting stiched up this winter. Other than that, I get asked all the time if I have restored mine...I just tell them "no, it is all about how you take of what you have".

Exactly.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Mine get covered for winter only.

 

[skargo]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

I park mine under cover when not in use. During pollen season and during the offseason I throw the boat cover on it. The previous owner did the same. It has the original vinyl interior that is 33 years old. Looks pretty good too.

 

[dingbat]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

It's not a sofa boat so rain isn't an issue. Stays uncovered in the slip 4 months out of the year. Try to keep the cover on it when I'm not going to use it for a next week or so just to keep the leaves from staining the deck.

 

[solmate]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

Anytime it's not in use (and dry). Sun wreaks havoc on upholstery not to mention everytime I leave it uncovered out in the open birds seem to bomb it & that's no fun

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

my boats are the type that don't need covers, and that's intentional.
I cover the center console on one; that's it. But it's in the water so trees aren't a problem.
Used to cover the 1988 when it was on the trailer under trees but no longer; no reason to. No carpet/padding and already old.
I cover the 64 whaler, except when it's moored.

So much of the decision is based on the type of boat and type of climate. I use and treat mine like pick-up trucks and others use and treat theirs like luxury sedans. Also, one is more likely to focus on the cosmetics of a new boat than an old one.

 

[topher166]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

i aogt a 14` aluminum boat.. no carpet, no nothing, just aluminum bench seats, I flip it upside in winter, put the engine in the garage, and all is well

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

cover it! my 1987 is original and near mint

 

[saxrulez]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

cover it! my 1987 is original and near mint

I honestly use mine too often during the summer to cover it! It doesn't just sit outside exposed though. It sits under a carport, it doesn't get rained on and no sun hits the interior.

I cover it during the winter(both weeks).

 

[jigngrub]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

anytime it's not in use (and dry). Sun wreaks havoc on upholstery not to mention everytime i leave it uncovered out in the open birds seem to bomb it & that's no fun

^^^^^^^^^ this! ^^^^^^^^^

 

[southkogs]

Re: When do you cover your boat - everytime you use it?

I cover mine with the garage It'll just fit in there - and the city won't let me park it in my driveway. All in all it takes better care of the finish anyway.

I have a trailer cover too, and if it's outside and not in the water for longer than 2 days it gets covered.