Newb Cover Question

[dieseldogpi]

Hey everyone, I am new to boating in general and I have a cover question. I just picked up a 1988 Celebrity 180 VBR (bow Rider) and it doesn't have a cover. I want to get something that is easily enough removable for me to work on it, but secure enough to keep out the weather and various rodents. I have done some research and seen a lot of the universal covers for sale, all with mixed reviews. Seems like sizing is a big issue. Now I remember as a kid, my dad's boat had the snap on cover, and it seemed pretty secure. Is this something I have to have custom made? Are the snap in covers no better then a properly fit universal? Is it the case that neither of these are really good at keeping rodents out which is why shrink wrapping is typical winter attire? My apologies for the very basic questions, I just don't want to waste money on something if it isn't needed. My boat does have the snaps on the hull, so there once was a cover. If the snap cover is the way to go, what do they typically cost? Might not even be worth it if the advantages are minimal. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Newb Cover Question

Ive had a custom cover and a universal cover. Both are nice and both keep out the weather. The most important thing with the universal covers is to get a support pole in the middle that will keep the cover pitched in the middle. That will keep the water from laying in he low spots and seeping into the boat. Custom snap covers are usually tight enough to keep the water from pooling but you are,probably going to need an upholstery shop to make it for you. As for the measurement, measure from the tip of the bow to the transom and that's the size of the universal cover. As for anything, the more you spend, the better the quality.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Newb Cover Question

The shrink wrap is mainly for snow load, you don't post your location so we don't know if you need it. You can have a zipper installed on the shrink wrap for easy access to work on your boat.

Snap on covers are great, but usually have to be custom made. Get the Sunbrella material, it costs more but is worth it.

You do need to keep your boat covered and protected from the elements, snow, ice, and rain are big killers of boats that are left exposed. UV breakdown of vinyl can be costly as well.

Even the cheap blue plastic tarps at Wal-mart will protect your boat until you decide which route you want to take. They're what I use on my boat, 2 at a time and one over the other. Bungee them down to your trailer frame and you're good to go.

 

[dieseldogpi]

Re: Newb Cover Question

Oh yeah, I forgot to put my location, Long Island NY. As of now I do have a tarp on it, it is a total PIA as it is secured with tied twine.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Newb Cover Question

Oh yeah, I forgot to put my location, Long Island NY. As of now I do have a tarp on it, it is a total PIA as it is secured with tied twine.

Get a dozen bungee cords and save yourself some grief, easy to put on and take off... and they pull the tarp tight too.

 

[generator12]

Re: Newb Cover Question

I've used both with equal success at protecting the boat. Just remember that a universal cover may not be reinforced at the stress points - most importantly, the place where it contacts the corners of the windshield frame. It you get one, be sure to put something between these and the cover so that the weight of the snow doesn't cause it to rip there. If your windshield is rounded, no problem. But if it has sharp corners you'll need to do something.

One effective solution is to buy some rubber pipe insulation (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) for, say 1 1/2 inch pipe. A single length is enough and it will cost you only a couple of bucks. Cut two pieces out of it, long enough to cushion each corner of the windshield frame. Then make a cut lengthwise on each of two pieces so that you can split it and pry it over the corner of the frame.

If the cover is canvas, whether custom or not, you'll need to infuse it with something (303, Starbrite, etc.) to keep it waterproof and protect it from U.V. rays. You can find lots of posts here in a search on that topic.