do you trailer with your cover on?

[scrit9mm]

I have a 20' Chris Craft with taylor made covers, one for the bow and one for the cockpit. The snaps are situated every 5-9 inches. I have a pole in the bow and one right before the rear seat that I extend to keep the cover tight and to create slope for rain to wash off. I was trailering down a 4 lane (45-55mph) and my rear cover came off. So now I trailer with no cover, but I would like to keep the cover on. Any tips?

 

[emoney]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I've always thought there were two cover types: one for trailering and one for storage. I have a full length cover that's strapped to the hull and trailer, so I've never had it come off. However, back when I used to store the boat, I used those poles you're talking about. I never trailered with them still in. As to snap-on covers; I'd consider those "driveway covers" and not trailer friendly, because of what happened in your case.

 

[aspeck]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

Trailering with a cover can be hard on a boat and the cover. The abrasion of the canvas rubbing and slapping the finish of your boat is not good for it, the stress on the snaps and the cover is not good for it. It is not going to DESTROY your boat, but in the long run it is better to trailer with the boat uncovered in most situations.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I can trailer my Waverunner with the factory cover, which has an extra tight fit. I wouldn't want to trailer a full size boat with a cover due to flapping by the wind, however. It's just too easy to damage your boat and its contents.

Just carry your cover, and take a moment to put it on your boat when you get to your destination. To me, the only reason I'd want a cover on a trip is for security. A boat is designed to get wet, and weather won't hurt'em while being used.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

Poor fitting covers damage the boat and must be strapped down to prevent them from flapping themselves to shreds. Good fitting covers will not fly off. If air gets under the cover, it will balloon. Here is one that doesn't. Note that there are no straps. You should also know I made it and several others like it. One such cover is now 16 years old and while getting a little worn, is still in use. Preventing air from getting under the cover is crucial.

 

[boat1010]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I always cover the boat on the road, that way nothing blows out. When I get home it goes in the garage so I remove the cover to dry it out. My cover was custom made and nothing flaps around.. Works great.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

Think about it this way...what would the cover be doing to the boat in MPH storm winds? Best to keep the boat under cover when not in use and trailer with the cover off.

 

[89mercruiser]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

For long trips with rest stops i trailer the boat with the cover. If it's a day trip then no cover till it's back in the driveway.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I don't know why your cover came off. I have a similar cover for my 20' Larson. Separate pieces for the bow area and the rest of the boat, snaps every 6" or so. I've trailered with it on for 6 years at speeds up to 75 mph and it's never come loose. I always cover the boat for travel. I made the mistake of pulling it without the cover once. It took me forever to clean all the bug guts off the upholstery. I also lost a life jacket somewhere along the way. It's worth the piece of mind to me that nothing is going to fly out or get covered in bugs or whatever else.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I'm really not worried about loosing any gear because it's all stowed or tied down. My main worry is dirt/bugs. I clean the mess out of that boat before we take it out and I would like it to stay that way until I launch it. I guess it's just one of those things...

 

[In Deep]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I also trailer with my factory snap on bow & cockpit cover on my 18' Larson and have never had a problem. Perhaps some of the forward snaps have worn and need to be replaced.

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

i have done both ways with my boats. my last two were always covered when in tow....mainly because they would get pelted with bugs on the windsheild. my current boat i tow uncovered so it can dry out on the way home. i have towed it with cover, but only when i am not using it that day.

a good fitting tarp should not blow off in tow. maybe swing over to an upholstry shop and have them take a look at it. could be the way it is snapped down to the window...

 

[Icyharp]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

If I am heading out aways from home I use my cockpit cover that has the pole, never has come loose at interstate speeds. When I hit the local lakes for the day I go uncovered, and of course at home it is fully covered and still looking new.....

Oh and I have a cuddy, so I only have not dealt with a bow cover.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: do you trailer with your cover on?

I have a Classic Accessories cover on my 17' Bowrider that stays on it at all times unless I'm on my way to the ramp; then it stays at home. I leave it on at any other time including when I'm driving down the highway. It was advertised as being road capable and so far it shows no signs of wear. My cover has elastic all the way around it but the heavy work is done by straps that go around the trailer frame every so many feet. I just secure the extra strap so they don't beat themselves in the breeze. Also, I make sure the center of the windshield is closed and I have a folded tarp on top of the windshield frame to keep its sharp edges from wearing against the bottom of the cover.

View attachment 101420 Please excuse the winter shot but I'm too lazy to go shoot another one right now.