When Should a Boat be Covered?

[Mordekai]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

Do you guys let the boat dry off before covering it?

I've just been washing mine then covering it up figuring any left over moisture will go out the vent covers?

I usually just wash the boat's interior after we get back at night and put the cover back on to be done with it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

That's one reason not to cover a boat--trapped moisture. If you keep some stuff out, you keep other stuff in.

 

[skargo]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

Why do you have a car port? Shouldn't your boat be inside that pretty building next to your car port?

It is has some classic cars inside, so the boat gets the carport. One day I will add on to the pole barn and have it completely inside.

 

[kellmike626]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

I usually keep my cover off when it's not raining during the day time, but always put it on at night regardless. But some of these posts are scaring me into putting it on after use

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

It is has some classic cars inside, so the boat gets the carport. One day I will add on to the pole barn and have it completely inside.

Thought it was interesting to see that even in the carport you have the cover on.

 

[Cruzomatic]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

I have mine covered even when it's in the garage.......but that's just me.

 

[donzi gt230]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

I usually cover up right after a trip. I may leave a corner or two loose 'till she's dry depending on weather and if there was any water in the boat.

 

[Triton II]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

I have a close fitting full length cover with vents. As Saildan said earlier, covers are sacrificial so I renew it every year. I'm hoping to build a carport soon, but even so that's just to keep the UV from destroying the cover which I'll continue to use to keep our furry and feathered friends at bay. I let the boat dry out before covering.

The outboard has a purpose made cowl cover which is as good as the day I bought it despite two summers' worth of UV.

TII

 

[Subliminal]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

My cover is a pain in the butt...or should I say covers. There are two that velcro together right in front of the window.

I do keep it covered most of the time, though.

When I get back from a trip i open the ski locker and pull all the stuff we used out and hang it on the windshield and usually let it sit for a day or two to dry, then she gets covered again.

I like to use a little 303 protectant after i clean, too. It's like SPF 45 for your stuff. ;-)

I think I'm going to try and build a lean-to on the side of my shed for my boat this winter.

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

We covered ours the first season and it was a pain covering a big pontoon, so we invested in an aluminum car port. We got a really high one that is made for RV's. I think it is 12 or 14 feet high so we can leave the bimini up if we want to work on or clean it because we can stand up on the boat under the roof. I installed 2 dual 8 foot fluorescent lights and a plug in for the charger so putting it in there at night is real easy. It is 32 feet long so it covers the motor and the entire trailer. We use our boat every weekend so during the season it stays under the car port with no cover, but once the season ends we have it covered also. I highly recommend it - our boat still looks new!

To answer your question though - it should have a cover whenever your not using it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

After reading all this, I am so glad to own boats that do not need covers.

Invention is the mother of necessity.

 

[skargo]

Re: When Should a Boat be Covered?

Thought it was interesting to see that even in the carport you have the cover on.

Those were offseason pics. During heavy pollen season I cover it too.