Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

[Boulderholly]

We have a 1993 Bayliner 1750 Capri. We have owned this for 2 summers and love it. We store it at our cabin for summer with cover and tarp. It frequently gets rained on and we are not around to check. Once in a while the boat gets soaked. Is this ok as long as we make sure to let dry out properly? We did encounter some mold on engine last visit and made sure to properly clean up and dry out. We shrink wrap in winter and store outside. When we purchased the boat there was no floor rot at all, as I know that can be a problem with these boats. My question is: Is it ok that this boat gets wet once in a while as long as it drys out? Also, we obviously need to get a new cover. Any recommendations on covers for our scenario? Thanks so much!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

It would be better to put a roof over it instead of a moisture-trapping cover, as far as your upholstery, etc. goes. As long as the plug is out and it drains, the seeping rain water shouldn't cause structural issues.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

Are you storing it on the trailer or in the water? If it's on the trailer, you need to vent your cover somehow and make sure your plug is out like HC said.

 

[mango1229]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

its not good to let that interior to keep getting wet. The wood floor in your bayliner has a layer of fiberglass over it, however as it ages, cracks and other flaws can form allowing water to seep into the wood.(carpet doesnt help either, holding the moisture over the floor).pull the ski/floor hatch up and inspect underneath for any wet wood or rot. I would wither get a good cover or a carport or similiar to store it under...keep it dry!

 

[BrianNJ]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

I bought a trailering cover here at iboats and use it on my bowrider. It covers over the swim deck and bumpers, so It works much better than the snap-on covers at keeping things dry and keeping tree droppings off the boat. It seems to ventilate well too. Needs to be propped up sufficiently to let water run off. If water so allowed to pool in the cover, it will get through.

 

[pckeen]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

Try some damprid. If you are gone for a while, it may help to put a moisture absorbing product in a container inside the boat. I stored my first boat in a manner similar to yours, and in four years, it went from looking like new, to looking like someone planted a garden in it. My new-to-me boat is stored in winter in a barn now, and in summer under a canopy on a boat - it is not showing any signs of wear.

 

[Boulderholly]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

Thanks so much to all. Yes, we store it on a trailer with plug out. Sounds like we need a better cover with ventillation and to keep at a steeper angle to prevent pooling. Just trying to balance obsessing over not getting boat wet and thinking "it's a boat, it's suppose to get wet". We also tow it twice a year and just did a 3 hour ride in the pouring rain uncovered. The boat was already wet and our cover just not great on hwy. It has dryed out in last few days, but hate doing that to it. At this time we don't have the means to store under a roof. Wish we did! Thanks again and any more specific cover recommendations are appreciated! Holly

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

I know it's an extra expense, but many storage places have covered outdoor storage (think big carport). I've been shopping around because I want to buy a bigger boat that won't fit in my garage like the Q4 does, around $50/mo gets you covered storage at a secure storage facility. Food for thought at least.....

 

[ricohman]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

Store it dry if possible. But I know if you are using the boat everyday that's not usually the case.
I have a Sunbrella Supreme Plus cover by Carver and it is 100% waterproof. And the soft fuzzy inside is nice on the paint work.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

Mine has a T-Top so a covered storage space is difficult given the height required (10 feet). With that I use a simple tarp laid over the top and then strap the tarp sides away from the hull giving an air passage for flow (like a tent). It works really well--the rain flows off, the inside is dry and the air circulates.

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: Boat wet then dry? Recommend good cover?

I bought a Carver cover made of Sun Dura material that allows the cover to breathe.
I really like it.