Boat Cover questions for

[dwilliams224]

Just purchased my first powerboat, 1993 Bass Tracker TX17 with a 90 hp Evinrude. I winterized the boat and am now looking for a decent cover. The boat will spend the winter outside. I don't want to use a tarp and have been looking at custom fit covers. Are they worth it? What are the best manufactures and places to purchase? Thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

Nice looking boat.
Custom covers are worth every bit the money you have to pay to have them made. As long as they are made correctly.
This is what I do in the winter tho, I put a portable garage over my boat, or shrink wrap it. I only have a generic cover for my boat as its going up for sale in the spring.
Beings that you bought a Tracker Marine boat, you can to the Tracker web site and get the exact cover for your boat from them. I'd guess under $500 but for sure under $600. Then take care of it (dont cover a wet boat, keep it clean and out of direct sunlight as much as you can) and it will last many years.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

PA weather can get brutal. Tarps can fail half way thru the Winter, letting water in the boat to freeze and cause lots of damage. Custom made covers are fantastic for trailing the boat on Summer vacations, but left out all Winter (or Summer for that matter because its the UV that kills them) they will eventually fail as well.

You pay now, or pay as you go. If you want the boat to last, build a garage or pay for indoor storage. If you don't plan on keeping the boat for more than a few years, get a $7.99 Harbor freight tarp, double it up, throw it away in the Spring and forget about it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

PA weather can get brutal. Tarps can fail half way thru the Winter, letting water in the boat to freeze and cause lots of damage. Custom made covers are fantastic for trailing the boat on Summer vacations, but left out all Winter (or Summer for that matter because its the UV that kills them) they will eventually fail as well.

You pay now, or pay as you go. If you want the boat to last, build a garage or pay for indoor storage. If you don't plan on keeping the boat for more than a few years, get a $7.99 Harbor freight tarp, double it up, throw it away in the Spring and forget about it.

Tarps and supports for the tarp..... a winter of dirt and snow will make ANY cover look like trash. A new tarp will last a few seasons

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

If you insist on a cover, cover the cover with 1 or 2 tarps.

I use the 12x24' tarps from Wal-mart for my 17' deep V.

Bungee the tarp down tight to the trailer frame, make sure you have a bungee hook in every grommit if you expect a snow load.

My boat stays dry and protected from the sun, and I go through 2 $20 tarps a year.

 

[dwilliams224]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

So the general consensus seems to be that my best bet may be a plain old tarp. Well, I guess I'll spend the leftover money on something more worthwhile!

 

[lexer440]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

Get some cheap wood and make an 'A' frame so your tarped boat has a 'peaked roof' bungee or rope so its nice and taught and the snow will slide right off.

 

[1216bandit]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

You could go this route. I have seen the video on assembly and it goes together really quick. Plenty of support and good pitch so water should not pool. It can be had with or without the tarp. The other option is if you have a friend or two with boats, go in on a shrink wrap set up and do it yourself.
Navigloo Boat Shelter for 14 ft. - 18 ft 6 in. Fishing and Pontoon Boats - iboats

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat Cover questions for

Get some cheap wood and make an 'A' frame so your tarped boat has a 'peaked roof' bungee or rope so its nice and taught and the snow will slide right off.

+1 ^^^