To Snap In or to Not Snap In (that is the question)

[OldeBoy]

I will be looking at covers for the 2012 season.
Typically my boat sits on a Shorestation during the season (April- late Sept) (closed storage during off season)
Naturally I am looking to minimize leaks and for longevity.

My current cover is a pain to put on and leaks a little. (age?)
(Westland)
I am looking for feedback on snap in covers. (as well as mooring covers)
I am considering looking for a snap in cover for my 2100V.

I am interested in your perceived pro/cons etc.
I would like to trailer with this snap in cover on from roughly Ft Wayne IN to Watt's Barr Tn.

One of my Nautique friends is 3-4 mpg better than I am with nearly the same truck (05 Chev Ave, 07 Chev Ave) and a snap in cover. (me, no cover trailering)

What are your thoughts on snap in covers versus typical cinch covers. (which I currently have)

[OldeBoy]

I assume mine is a custom cover as the boat model is listed on the Westland tag.
I think it is SharkSkin.

[skippabcool]

I have a snap on cover, two separate pices which are the bow and the rest of the boat from the windshield back. I trailer with mine on so I do not know what it is like with out it. I have trailered it several times on a 10 hours trip without any issues. I have heard from some they don't like to use the cinch covers and trailer because it marks the boat, it may also depend on the cover.

[skippabcool]

I keep it in the garage so I do not know how it would do outside for storage. I think the previous owner kept it outside but I do not know if he used the snap on or the cinch cover. It came with a cinch cover but I have never used it and don't know if he did.

[Wickedcummins]

my cover has no snaps and dont move an inch. also dont leak and dont flap or anything when being towed! Paul canvas

[OldeBoy]

I was considering going with a cover with snaps similar to Lohe's old boat.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...highlight=snap

Considering the issues LoudElectronics had with his boat I am nervous about having someone drill into the gel coat.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...ght=snap+cover

My Nautique friend seems to have little trouble and I would like the same for myself if I go that route.
Does anyone else have feedback on my original post regarding their snap in covers on similar boats?
Thank you Tige` brethren.

[Ewok]

I would go without snaps if possible, my last 3 boats had snap covers and my current boat has the cinch style with no snaps. I hate snaps, love the factory cover. Over time the snaps pull out of the gelcoat, they rip out of the cover, they leave lines on the gelcoat when it rains, the covers shrink over time and the snaps won't fit like new and the snaps look ugly, I love NOT having snaps on the boat. It looks so much cleaner and there is nothing to catch on.

Just my

[OldeBoy]

Thanks Ewok. That is the type of feedback I am looking for.

Any other materials I should consider besides SunBrella?
The boat will be on a lift in the sun with no lift canopy from April thru Sept.
Thanks,

[jrobertson]

When I bought my boat one of my concerns was no snap on seperate bow and cockpit cover. My concerns were very quickly replied to by my salesman "Tige will not allow any snaps on current boats due to construction reasons" I would NOT drill into a boat that did not come from the factory with snaps. THere are several other trailerable covers onthe market.

[Fiveflat]

My brother in law has snaps on his MC and I gotta say, it really sucks when you step on the snaps, or even the sight of the snaps on the hull all the way down just takes away for me.

[Ewok]

Thanks Ewok. That is the type of feedback I am looking for.

Any other materials I should consider besides SunBrella?
The boat will be on a lift in the sun with no lift canopy from April thru Sept.
Thanks,

I would go with sunbrella, I you go cheap it'll leak and wear out faster, especially in the sun, and you'll have to replace it again sooner. Unless someone knows of a material that will last just as long and still give you rain protection, but be wary of any "deals" that are considerably less money than sunbrella, you get what you pay for.

[SPBFAN]

I have a snap down cover and hate it. Cracks from the snaps in Gel-Coat now that the boat is 5 years old are getting old. I have learned to fix gel coat my self because of it but that requires a lot of time and work. I have contiplated removing all the snaps and getting rid of the cover and filling in all the holes and fixing all the Gel Coat. Not to mention all the times the tow rope gets stuck on the snaps and you have to quickly catch the rope or it put a lot of stress on the snaps.

IMO, don't do a snap down.

[OldeBoy]

Thanks guys.
This are the comments/insight I was looking for.

[Dave S]

I would go without snaps if possible, my last 3 boats had snap covers and my current boat has the cinch style with no snaps. I hate snaps, love the factory cover. Over time the snaps pull out of the gelcoat, they rip out of the cover, they leave lines on the gelcoat when it rains, the covers shrink over time and the snaps won't fit like new and the snaps look ugly, I love NOT having snaps on the boat. It looks so much cleaner and there is nothing to catch on.

Just my

X2

I also trailered my boat 2,800 miles round trip with the cinch cover for vacation over the 4th and no problems.

[embo]

Don't know if this is how all cinch type mooring/travel covers are but ours has no straps just the cinch around the entire cover. To help hold the cover on, there are flat pieces of aluminum that are curved at one end that "hook" down over the rubrail and assist in making sure the cover stays tight and secure during travel. They are covered with velcro attach under to the cover underneath. Ther are adjustable so that as the fabric stretches over time you can adjust them to keep the cover tight. If my description isn't understandable I would take a pic of this if you would like to show what I am talking about. But I suspect most covers are made this way.

I would agree as well with others on getting some good quality material or I suspect you will pay later in replacing if again sooner than later.

I would stay away from straps as I had a cover like that on another boat and it damaged the side of the boat graphics after one use.

Snaps, never really liked the idea of drilling holes in a boat for that reason. I have hear from many as well about gel coat cracking happening if not done properly.
Hope this helps

2005 Tige 22v 03 covered starboard side (Small).JPG