Need a good boat cover!

[Adeal]

I have a 1992 MonArk pro bass 170 which is a 17ft aluminum bass boat. I keep the boat in my backyard in Alabama. I purchased a cover from Academy last year just to have it tear down the seam. I made a frame with PVC to give it support and allow the rain water to run off. I am a college student with a limited budget so does anyone have a suggestion on a quality boat cover that is not real expensive? Is it worth the extra money to get a custom cover?

 

[Randy J]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

I have a 1992 MonArk pro bass 170 which is a 17ft aluminum bass boat. I keep the boat in my backyard in Alabama. I purchased a cover from Academy last year just to have it tear down the seam. I made a frame with PVC to give it support and allow the rain water to run off. I am a college student with a limited budget so does anyone have a suggestion on a quality boat cover that is not real expensive? Is it worth the extra money to get a custom cover?

hi been there done that for yrs quit buying boat covers 2 yrs ago.. i just get the blue cheap tarps from odd lots etc then bought a big roll of black plastic from home depot and put that on top of other works good for rain snow sunk down a bit in bow i just siphoned hosed the water out and snugged back up ,it does make it hot under all that when warm and sunny but stays dry..

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

There are custom ones here at iboats, but they are pretty pricey. I seem to get about 5 or 6 years out of one:
http://boatcovers.iboats.com/MonArk/Pro_Bass_170_(1991-1994)/?**********=326495363&*******=272368591

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

Here's what I use:


Notice that the ends aren't sealed. That works great for allowing air flow and keeping everything dry. Sits that way all winter with no mold or dampness inside at all.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

I've had good results from my Classic Accessories StormPro cover. I've had it since around Labor Day of 2010 and it's been on the boat sitting out in the sun and weather ever since without any apparent wear or fade. Prices run on Amazon from about $70-210 but I only paid about $120 for mine (on a 17' bowrider I/O).

When I tow the boat the cover stays on. Highway speeds are not a problem.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MS8LIW

 

[Adeal]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

Thanks for the replys! Pirate, how do you attach the PVC frame to the boat or make it stay there and do you know what size pvc you used? Thanks for the help?

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

The SeaRay has a nice Sunbrella cover. It was a bit pricey new, but did I mention that I bought it in 2000?
Buy cheap and you'll buy often.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

The SeaRay has a nice Sunbrella cover. It was a bit pricey new, but did I mention that I bought it in 2000?
Buy cheap and you'll buy often.

Agree. You get what you pay for! Bought mine here on iboats and am very pleased at how it is holding up.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

Pirate, how do you attach the PVC frame to the boat or make it stay there and do you know what size pvc you used? Thanks for the help?

The frame just sits in place using the spring tension of the PVC pipe. Use at least 1" so it doesn't take a set. Here are some closeups to show how I used the "t" fittings:


$10-15 in PCV pipe and fittings plus a $29 tarp from Harbor Freight. It's lasted two winters so far. Not exactly cutting edge and not going to win any "best looking boat cover" awards but does a good job.

 

[Adeal]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

Awesome thanks for the replys guys! I would love to have the nice SeaRay covers but cant afford them until i get out of college. Pirate, thanks for the info and pictures! I am going to try that. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

 

[splicer]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

I had a local tarp and awning place build one for me. It bungies down to the trailer, and is tight. No leaks at all. I think it was $450, and I'd definitely buy it again. When I add a wake tower, I can just take it back to them and have it modified to fit that.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

I've heard of folks just putting 2 or 3 inflated car/truck innertubes in boat to support an inexpensive tarp...seems like a good, cheap idea to me! Just a thought!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

I purchased a cover from Academy last year just to have it tear down the seam.

For the time being, how about finding someone with a sewing machine and some decent thread?

 

[ufm82]

Re: Need a good boat cover!

go to ebay and look for "factory2U2" and check his stuff. I bought a cover for my center console and his description was "it was just like a brand name's ratchet tight" cover. But it was half the cost. I got the cover and can say that it is better than the brand name version it replaced. Not only is the material heavier and nicer, the straps were better and the overall design was better. I paid just under $200 for it and think it is well worth it. Not all eBay stuff is krap- just most of it. LOL