How to tie down cover with boat in water?

[oakerz]

Hello All,

I'm a newb to these forums, but I've searched around and not found an existing post regarding this so my apologies if I did end up overlooking one...

I have a 2005 Tracker 21' party barge with dual bimini tops that I have in the water from going out this past weekend (too windy to take it off the lake yesterday). When leaving the marina I ended up talking to the owner and am now considering leaving the boat in the water for the summer (I'm in south TX).

I have a Classic Industries boat cover (w/D-rings instead of fabric loops) already that I'd like to continue to use to cover the boat, but I cant think of a way to attach it to the boat itself. It doesnt fit great (when bungee'd to the trailer it only covers about half way down the side walls or so), but it works and kept the boat dry this past winter.

I'm thinking I could just buy some more bungees, just the little bitty kind/size, but I want the cover to actually stay in place Does anyone have any suggestions/advice/ideas?

Thanks in advance.

- oak

 

[Randy J]

Re: How to tie down cover with boat in water?

get empty milk jugs fill with water and put around tarp?????? then use bunges for additional support

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: How to tie down cover with boat in water?

Kinda pricy if you can't do it yourself, but I would use snaps or 'twisties' on the rails and the cover.

 

[oakerz]

Re: How to tie down cover with boat in water?

@randy - I thought about that, but I need to do something in the near term and not wait to drink that much milk Also slightly concerned about the plastic jugs drying out, etc in the sun like I think they would. Am I thinking incorrect there?

@EGlideRider - do you mean put snaps on the cover and on the middle horizontal square tube around the boat? The cover I have now isnt long enough to reach all the way down to the bump railing and I unfortunately dont have the luxury of buying a new cover right now more or less waiting on it to come in... The wife wants me to get the boat covered in the next day or so..

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: How to tie down cover with boat in water?

@EGlideRider - do you mean put snaps on the cover and on the middle horizontal square tube around the boat? The cover I have now isnt long enough to reach all the way down to the bump railing and I unfortunately dont have the luxury of buying a new cover right now more or less waiting on it to come in... The wife wants me to get the boat covered in the next day or so..

Yes. You don't need to go to the bump railing. The top railing will be fine. Water does little damage to a pontoon; the sun is what murders them.

By putting snaps on the railing and cover, the cover can be quickly taken on and off. If you don't have the T-pee rods, then you need to make some from PVC to prevent watter from puddleing and collecting on the cover.

You also want plenty of ventilation to prevent mold and mildew. A small fan or dehumidifier will do the trick if needed.

Good luck