tailering and boat cover

[nightvision]

Hi all,
I have never tailer a boat with a full cover on the boat before (bow to stern). On long distance travel, would I save some gas by putting on the cover? Any downside to trailering with a full cover on that I should be aware off. Thanks.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: tailering and boat cover

Depends. Was your cover designed with towing in mind? Does it have reinforcemnets over all sharp edges. How are the tie downs? Are they placed often enough so that there will be no flapping?

 

[JB]

Re: tailering and boat cover

Yes, nightvision, you will save gas, assuming the cover fits well.

When I towed RED SKY without a cover (about 400 miles) I got 13.5mpg.

When I towed her to Canada and back (about 3,000 miles) with a full cover I got 15-16mpg. That is near a 20% increase in mileage.

 

[tommays]

Re: tailering and boat cover

When i Towed with a GM van i was able to use a cover without problem

I switched to a GM pickup with a bed cover and the way the air flow hits the boat NOW it beats the cover to death


Tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tailering and boat cover

Tommays is right. I tow thousands of miles each year with two vehicles. A van and a pickup with a glass lid. I always tow with the cover (made it myself) because it does reduce turbulence IF it is a fitted cover. Airflow off the back of the vehicle (van) makes the cover balloon outward or it can cause the cover to be blown inward (truck). The van is now retired because of this. My cover requires no tie downs except for the nose bra as can be seen in the picture. Keep air from getting under the cover and you don't need a bunch of straps. It also needs to fit tightly as any flapping will beat the cover to shreds. Removing the windshield (if practical) also custs wind resistance. Here's my cover.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: tailering and boat cover

I also make boat covers. Just finished off a full one for a 26' Formula. It would probably be fine for towing but I prefer a snap in towing cover (tonneau cover) for towing because there is lees wind resistance on it. Here is a picture of a towing cover that I made:

 

[DaveM]

Re: tailering and boat cover

Another aspect of a flapping cover is that it tends to beat the snot out of the gelcoat.