Need cover for trailering new boat

[ronskal]

To all:<br />I just took delivery of a new SR 200 Select that came with a two piece snap-in cover. I asked two guys at the dealership and got two answers on whether I can trailer with it. The SR manual says not to trailer with it so I'm looking for a excellent quality towable cover. This site has some covers that are custom for my boat that I may look into.<br /><br />I plan on towing 3 hours each way to various lakes here in Texas and do not want to leave the boat wide open going down the highway.<br /><br />I store the boat inside so my top prority is a towable, secure cover.<br />Thanks, Ron

 

[Richok]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

ronskal I don't think I would cover it going down the road from what some of the guys here say the cover will beat your fiberglass. If you scroll through some of the pages you will come across this topic. Just a thought,its your boat though.

 

[DJ]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Believe the manual, not the salesperson/dealer.<br /><br />The covers on this site are first rate and a good bargain.<br /><br />Covers can be made roadworthy.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

DJ,<br /><br />Which covers are you talking about? My experience in not that trailering with a cover on will beat the fiberglass, but that it beats the daylights out of the cover and quickly makes it worn out and rip.

 

[DJ]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Jack,<br /><br />Covers such as the trailerable shark Skin covers offered here on iboats.<br /><br /><br />Trailerable Semi-custom Fitting Boat Covers<br />Hurricane's Semi-Custom fitting boat covers are available in a variety of styles and sizes. This quality line of boat covers has wearing point reinforcements sewn to the underside of the cover at critical areas that otherwise will likely tear or wear through the cover such as windshields, bow noses, transom corners, etc. Even a unique strap & buckle tie down system is included. Multi-purpose boat covers also have double folded, lock-stitched, shock corded hems and sewn with U.V. rot resistant thread. Available in SHARKSKIN material. <br /><br /><br />The trick is to get the heaviest material possible.<br /><br />ALSO, when attaching the straps to the trailer, put a "twist" in them where they touch the hull. The twist keeps them from vibrating in the wind (slipstream).<br />

 

[Richok]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

I know this isn't the type of cover you are looking for, but if you go back to July 14, 2004 under boat topics & Questions(not engine) Look for blue tarp ruined my finish. BillP made a good statement about wind and covers.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

I made the mistake of trailering my boat with cover about 2hrs through a rain storm and found lots of chaffing from the wind beating the tiedowns against the hull. <br /><br />Although the cover manufacturer indicates the cover to withstand highway speeds, I do not tow with the cover on unless I am just going to the launch a half mile down the road. <br /><br />I would follow the manufactures recommendations and remove the cover before heading down the highway at 60+ mph.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[ronskal]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Thanks to all for the replies. I'll order a cover from Iboats and strap it down good. I'll keep an eye on it while trailering<br /><br />Ron

 

[KM2]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

I agree with all of the statements posted above. I learned the hard way that a cheap cover and not tying it down properly is a big mistake. It does do a number on the boats finish. I tried traveling without a cover and that caused problems too. I have snap in carpet that was flapping around after it pulled a couple of screw snaps out and did some more damage to the interior. The best thing I have found is get a good cover that fits your boat well. Custom or semi custom. Get it tied down well and your straps should not touch the boat if it can be helped. I'm going to try that twisting of the straps tomorrow to prevent flapping. The flapping going on now is going to rub my staps on the trailer until they break, I can tell it's wearing them down. Kevin

 

[DJ]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

I'll repeat. Twist the tie down straps. Just make sure they have a half to one full twist throughout their length. They will not vibrate that way.<br /><br />That is an old truckers trick.

 

[ronskal]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Roger that on twisting the straps.<br />Works on the straps for the bimini top also.

 

[KM2]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Thanks for the strap twisting tip. It works great. Kevin

 

[garycinn]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

I love these guys:<br /><br /> http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=4&hvarSubCode=7&hvarTarget=browse <br /><br />I have towed with them about 2500 miles so far and they are great. No slap, no marks, stay in place, and quick and easy. I double them up so they are close to the cover attach points and make sure the knob on the bungee is at the suction cup. The bungee's are getting worn, so I am going to replace with a short line.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Need cover for trailering new boat

Comment for thought...I use to own a 200HP Switzercraft that ran real damn close to 80mph...never forget getting ready to tow it home one day and the then "shefriend" asked me what to take out so nothing will blow out at 60 on the highway (yes, she was blond)