Boat Cover

[Yessup]

I know this subject has been covered, but I am wondering what a good cover for my boat would be. Unfortunately my boat lives outside and my canvas cover is toast I don't usually trailer my boat with my cover on, but I guess that would be a nice option. My biggest problem is the water "ponding" on it after/during the rain. I don't want to spend a gazillion dollars, so any advice or current website links would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!

[MoneyPity]

I know this subject has been covered, but I am wondering what a good cover for my boat would be. Unfortunately my boat lives outside and my canvas cover is toast I don't usually trailer my boat with my cover on, but I guess that would be a nice option. My biggest problem is the water "ponding" on it after/during the rain. I don't want to spend a gazillion dollars, so any advice or current website links would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!

I would have a local canvas shop quote you a custom full mooring cover that you can trail with or bow and cockpit covers like I use (see album in user profile). I have trailed with bow and cockpit covers for many years and prefer them for ease of use when covering boat in water. Since my boat is trailed and garage kept these covers fit my bill. The bow cover is nice to put on when out on a chilly spring or fall day.

If your boat is in the "sun" all the time then a mooring cover will help reduce oxidation of the top gelcoat areas abd is a better choice. Pain to put on and off at dock but minimizing gelcoat oxidation is a good trade off.

Off the shelf pre-fabricated covers typically fit poorly and all though not as costly they don't typically fit well around tower posts and one I bought trailed poorly flapping all over the place.

Make sure they have 2 vents in rear (cockpit) area of cover and 1in bow area. They have vents that not only vent but also hold poles in place for poles used in raising the cover(s) so that pooling does not occur and fresh air allows boat to breathe.

I reccomend Aqualon or similar material. It sheds water and is able to handle the rigors of towing. I have it on my 20V (see my album) and had it on my previous boat for 7 years. I also had Sunbrella on my previous boat for 7 years but I prefer the Aqualon type material

Good Luck

[jwanck11]

I've solved the pooling/ponding in the back area with a PVC build. I will post picts and specs hopefully later today.

[Joeprunc]

I've solved the pooling/ponding in the back area with a PVC build. I will post picts and specs hopefully later today.

X2, to keep the water from puddling you can either install some support poles, or buy $5 in PVC piping and build a support system. I'd did the cheaper route and even use my fake a lake for additional support in the needed areas.

As far as covers, all the sunbrellas pretty much come out of two different factories, then they are sold through vendors. I went through a lot of debate between sunbrella as some of the other cheaper ones. I went with the subbrella because of its durability, water repellent, and most importantly its breath-ability (I think i just made up that word ). I found the cheapest place to be Ameri-brand... http://www.websweeper.com/boatcovers/...Their website looks like crap, but the cover looks great, and they are made from the same warehouse as all the other big name brands.

[Joeprunc]

The other route I was going to go with was the "sharkskin" stuff and use two of these Vented Support Poles.

But by the time everything added up the Sunbrella was just a few bucks more.

[Billy Doyle]

[. My biggest problem is the water "ponding" on it after/during the rain. I don't want to spend a gazillion dollars, so any advice or current website links would be much appreciated. Thanks!!![/QUOTE]

I have a few poll kits that have 2 polls and the straps that connect to the front bow cleats-go over the windshield and connect to the rear cleats. They are adjustable to fit all sizes. They are Tige factory equipment.
$50.00 p/u or will ship for freight cost.
bill@tntige.com

[jwanck11]

The other route I was going to go with was the "sharkskin" stuff and use two of these Vented Support Poles.

But by the time everything added up the Sunbrella was just a few bucks more.

These vented covers require cutting the cover. If that cut is not dine in a reinforced area of the cover (at least a dual layer), it will rip and ruin the cover.

Be vewy, vewy careful if you go this route!

[Joeprunc]

These vented covers require cutting the cover. If that cut is not dine in a reinforced area of the cover (at least a dual layer), it will rip and ruin the cover.

Be vewy, vewy careful if you go this route!

I agree, but if you careful you shouldn't have an issue. Plus people cut holes in their hulls for ballast systems and depth/temp gauges.

I just unpacked my boat from winter storage, here's my PVC setup, it works great.

[MoneyPity]

These vented covers require cutting the cover. If that cut is not dine in a reinforced area of the cover (at least a dual layer), it will rip and ruin the cover.

Be vewy, vewy careful if you go this route!

I had the vents on my previous boat and put them where the support poles where snap fitted to cover so I had no problem.

When I replaced that sunbrella cover after 7+ years or so I put the vents in the new cover. Two vents in cockpit cover and 1 vent in bow cover. I went with Aqualon on that cover and the one on my 20V. The vents allow the boat to breathe a little so very little moisture if any gets trapped in the boat. When towing my covers don't billow up like they did before I went with the vents.

[bforsythe]

If you go the pvc route make sure none of the "ink" from the pvc is touching the seats. Im dealing with a tattooed seat right now

[mikehayburn]

Tige came with a "tower down" travel cover that i put over my custome cover. then put an RV heater in the center of my boat to keep the mold down thru the winter.. worked perfect..
With the tower down cover.. it doesnt puddle in the rear.. call a local TIGE dealer and ask if they have any you can pick up for cheap..good luck

[Yessup]

Thank you all for the great info!!!! I'm sorry I have not replied untill know, but the weather cleared and went to the lake this weekend. Lots of pics, and I will share them soon. As far as the cover goes, I bit the bullet and moved the boat to a covered storage $$. I do need to replace the cover still, so I will be reading all the replied intently. Thanks again!!!!

[TigeTrojan]

If you go the pvc route make sure none of the "ink" from the pvc is touching the seats. Im dealing with a tattooed seat right now

I have had that same problem since the day I bought the boat and never had a clue what it was until reading your post. I have never been able to get it off with endless vinyl cleaner and elbow grease. If you have any success please let me know.

Another option I came up with to get rid of the low spot on the cover is a strap that pulls it up towards my tower. I figured this out after my PVC contraption fell over and I spent hours cleaning mildew.