How long has your boat cover lasted???

[jsz]

In the summer I keep the boat outside but covered and in mild warm dry weather. For winter (probably 5 months) I throw a huge HD tarp over the whole thing. The boat cover looks great but I notice rain/dew is now getting in and it has not been letting moisture out (breathing) for a couple seasons now.

I'm guessing a cover would last forever if it was garaged all the time but how long do you think it should last as I described above (exposed 6-7 months out of the year)?

[gman]

My last boat cover was on the boat all the time when boat was not in use. The boat was parked outside all the time. It rained on it, the sun shined on it.. The cover lasted 8-9 years and still looked very very good. When I got rid of the boat, the cover went with it.

[Coach]

Depends upon the material. If you have cover made of sunbrella or the like I would guess at least 5 years or more. Some cheaper material you might replace it every year.

[chpthril]

Sounds like it might need to be cleaned and retreated. If water is not beading up when it rains, than the cover has lost it's DWR (durable water repellant) and is 'wetting out' . #1 cause is dirt.

First step is to wash it in a commercial type washing machine (no agitator) with NIKWAX Tech Wash.

Next, retreat it with NIKWAX waterproofer for whatever material your cover is made of. This can also be done in the same machine or they have a spray on.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php

[jsz]

My last boat cover was on the boat all the time when boat was not in use. The boat was parked outside all the time. It rained on it, the sun shined on it.. The cover lasted 8-9 years and still looked very very good. When I got rid of the boat, the cover went with it.

GMAN - Do you know what type of material it was? Also, do you live in a climate similar to what I described above? (So. Cal.) Did you ever wash or waterproof it in that time?

[jsz]

Depends upon the material. If you have cover made of sunbrella or the like I would guess at least 5 years or more. Some cheaper material you might replace it every year.

It's driving me nuts... I bought it used so i'm not sure what it's made of. It feels like canvas. How many types of covers are there?

[jsz]

First step is to wash it in a commercial type washing machine (no agitator) with NIKWAX Tech Wash.

Next, retreat it with NIKWAX waterproofer for whatever material your cover is made of. This can also be done in the same machine or they have a spray on.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php

chpthril - Have you ever tried this? How often does it need another treatment? I looked at the web site and it sounds perfect. Would one can of each be enough?

[chpthril]

chpthril - Have you ever tried this? How often does it need another treatment? I looked at the web site and it sounds perfect. Would one can of each be enough?

Yes, I do this for my waterproof/breathable clothing/gear about once a year.

I did the cover on our 4winns about 3 years ago. It was 8 yrs old when we sold this spring and was in great shape.

One bottle of cleaner should do, may need 2 bottles of wash-in proofer.

Another option to treat is a gallon of 303 Fabric Gaurd, and a pump-up garden sprayer. I did this on a friend's sunbrella top and It worked great.

[Domsz06]

I would venture to say if you buy a good custom made cover it will last a lot lot longer then say a cheap one. I have a custom cover made, and have towed quite a bit in the sun and rain and it still looks and fits like brand new!

[Razzman]

Custom definately! I had mine made out of sunbrella fabric, covers the platform and is reinforced at all the usual points and it has rope all around with snap buckles to attach and cinch for $750.

[Domsz06]

second what Razz said. Mine was a bit more, but not much. Freaking excellent! If anyone is in OKC, use Boatmans!!

[bschmaus]

I heard that covering a cover with a tarp causes them to loose life quicker. This is because of the condensation that is trapped between the two not allowing for the cover to ever dry out. Do not know if there is any truth to that. I guess the question is does anyone cover their cover with a tarp? Could be the problem.

[gman]

jsz
Never washed it or waterproofed it. I purchase the cover from Overtons. It was a custom cover for the boat. It was the best material they had at that time. I just do not remember, but I believe it was the best sumbrella material.
I live in So. Calif. I just put supports under it so that water would flow off during rainy season. It was a great cover.

[jsz]

Thanks guys. There's a lot of good info here. Keep 'em coming if anyone has any others.

[Domsz06]

jsz,

this board has lots of great members and they have a lot of knowledge, I'm sure you will like it.