Budget Boat Covers

[LaqueRatt]

Say you wanted to cover up your boat and didn't want to spend a whole lot of money, what would be a smart buy? Don't want something that'll shred in a year, but until I decide which boat to keep long term just want to keep the crud out of it. Be nice if it were good enough to withstand some snow over the winter. I have side brackets now so I can make some slats to hold it up. Think I've seen covers at Menards, but bet they're pretty crappy. Currently have a 14' deep V Mirro, probably picking up a 16' Mirro tomorrow which has a helm and a windshield.

 

[southkogs]

Kinda' hard to tell without seeing the actual material. I had a custom boat cover that lasted (is still lasting, more to it) ages - over 20 years old. And I have one that dad bought to fit the Bayliner that hung in for quite a while, but is pretty rough now.

Two of our boats up north just get tarps.

 

[ScottinAZ]

I get mine off of ebay for like $20. Some are just sun protection, some are a bit more substantial. All of them however keep the leaves and other debris out. First one I got was pretty thin, and lasted about 6 months, second one is a lot nicer, and is still going strong. Maybe not what you are looking for exactly, but for $20, its hard to go wrong.

 

[ejnichol]

If you can keep the sides straight so water and debris repels off boat/cover then its useful. Cheap material often time has no means of keeping taught and boat with cover just fills up with junk.

 

[Sprig]

If you just want to keep crud, airborne debris, leaves etc. out temporarily just get a large blue plastic tarp and tie it down. When you decide on which boat you are going to keep then get a custom made cover made of sunbrella or something similar.
Cheap generic covers are just that - cheap. They are generally ill fitting, poor quality and do a poor job keeping out moisture and crud.
Even cheap boats aren’t cheap. Get a custom quality cover to protect your investment.

 

[airshot]

Most any cover will work if kept taught to shed water and debris...the real damage comes from driving down the road...few covers can withstand the forces of driving down the highway. If you can fabricate a means of keeping the cover taught you should be good but if your gonna trailer it...custom made is the only way to go !!

 

[Augoose]

MSC heavy duty 600D marine grade cover on Amazon. Pick up one of the support frames that goes underneath to keep the snow and rain from pooling.
I bought mine in 2017 for $94 and its holding up perfectly. I bought a second one for my fishing boat a few years ago and its holding up extremely well too.

 

[LaqueRatt]

Thanks for the replies and understanding where I'm coming from. I was waiting for the purists to chime in with the ol "I only buy the best, everything else is crap, so spend a gajillion bucks for a Weathermaster Tow King Deluxe!" My apologies if that is an actual brand name......LOL

Not to be argumentative, but why would anyone need a custom cover for a common boat like mine? Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you all are saying.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Thanks for the replies and understanding where I'm coming from. I was waiting for the purists to chime in with the ol "I only buy the best, everything else is crap, so spend a gajillion bucks for a Weathermaster Tow King Deluxe!" My apologies if that is an actual brand name......LOL

Not to be argumentative, but why would anyone need a custom cover for a common boat like mine? Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you all are saying.

I don’t use them, but a custom cover will fit better and be much more “trailerable” a than a generic cover. I just use them to keep crap out when storing, and leave the cover at home when going boating. That would be the only real “upside” to a pricey custom cover IMHO….

 

[Scott06]

Say you wanted to cover up your boat and didn't want to spend a whole lot of money, what would be a smart buy? Don't want something that'll shred in a year, but until I decide which boat to keep long term just want to keep the crud out of it. Be nice if it were good enough to withstand some snow over the winter. I have side brackets now so I can make some slats to hold it up. Think I've seen covers at Menards, but bet they're pretty crappy. Currently have a 14' deep V Mirro, probably picking up a 16' Mirro tomorrow which has a helm and a windshield.

I got one out of Overton's years back that held up pretty well for the cost of the cover ($250-300). It worked out perfectly for what I had which was a 20+ year old boat that I didn't want to spend big $ on a custom cover

 

[BWR1953]

Last week I received an order for a Sealskin cover. It was $240 for the cover, plus more for extra straps and an outboard cover. Total was about $300 but I got a 15% discount.

The cover was very good quality and I liked it very much, but it was too big. I'm in the middle of the return process now.

HOWEVER!
While researching about that cover, I discovered that Tractor Supply sells that exact same Sealskin cover (same part number) for much less. Just $85!

And the next smaller size is only $70, so I'll probably buy that once I get my refund.

The price difference is likely due to the warranty. From the manufacturer directly, it's 10 years. Through Tractor Supply, it's only one year. But, it's a very nice cover and I'd expect it to last a long time.

 

[LaqueRatt]

Sweet! I got a Tractor Supply 15 mins from the house. Thank you for the info.

 

[airshot]

Thanks for the replies and understanding where I'm coming from. I was waiting for the purists to chime in with the ol "I only buy the best, everything else is crap, so spend a gajillion bucks for a Weathermaster Tow King Deluxe!" My apologies if that is an actual brand name......LOL

Not to be argumentative, but why would anyone need a custom cover for a common boat like mine? Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you all are saying.

A custom cover is really great, quick to put on and off, keeps water and debris out, lasts for many years !! Yes they can be pricey, but you need to shop !! I have used car guys often, these are the guys thar sew upholstery for classic cars. These guys are generly quite good and dont charge the extreme prices that boat guys do. I have mine made in the off season to much cheaper. My last cover is 15 yrs old, like new, fits like a glove, made by a car guy at about a 40% discount over the boat guys. My current boat is stored in my varn so no cover is needed, but...if it were going outside...a custom cover is well worthwhile. Especially if trailering, over the counter covers do not last long being towed !! My custom covers have never had an issue trailering. It is all about what you want and need ......