Towing With Cockpit Cover
#1
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,751
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Was wondering if anyone has towed a Top Gun long distance with the cockpit cover on? Any suggestions on how to do this without chafing interior or damaging paint?
#2
My rule of thumb is never tow with cover, if it comes off your screwed usually, my buddy did it once after years of telling me not to, he had boat spotless and it was gonna rain, he regretted it...flew off and I was behind him and ran it over...
I wouls rather clean interior then replace the ripped cover...
I wouls rather clean interior then replace the ripped cover...
#3
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Registered
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 11
From: Cincinnati Ohio
My rule of thumb is never tow with cover, if it comes off your screwed usually, my buddy did it once after years of telling me not to, he had boat spotless and it was gonna rain, he regretted it...flew off and I was behind him and ran it over...
I wouls rather clean interior then replace the ripped cover...
I wouls rather clean interior then replace the ripped cover...
#4
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
We always towed our Top Gun with the cover on , esp from NJ to Fla. we would buy this white tape i think 3M makes it, and tape the cover to the boat so no bugs or birds would get into the cockpit, it comes off easy and doesn't leave any mark on your boat
#5
Right, I guess its pretty far, I just hate to see anyone lose a cover, not cheap....
#6
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Edmond, OK - GLOC
X2..........the white 3m tape works well for long trips to keep water, road grime, and everything else out. Just take it off right when you get to your destination.
#8
#9
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,250
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From: Richmond - Ophelia, Va
2" wide blue painters tape works great. At a minimum tape the front and sides. Adjust the pole so the cover is tight so the cover won't flap. Never had a problem......Just remove it when you get there.
Last edited by ciaoderhead; 09-16-2012 at 06:02 PM.
#10
Www.dr-shrink.com
I prefer the hull preservation tape. It's designed to stick shrink wrap to the boat. Shrink wrap tape is designed to stick shrink wrap to shrink wrap.
Don't put it on until right before you leave. Do not leave it on any longer than needed, and make sure the surface is freshly waxed. Use this to secure the cover to the boat along the front and down the leading edge of the sides. It will not stick to a wet cover, so if it looks like rain, pull over and install the cover before it gets wet.
Lin's method of protecting the boat with blue painters tape works well too on contact points. I know I have seen it in 3" wide, and you can probably find it online in 4".
Use a thick white towel on the tops of the bolsters, headrests and back of the sunpad, and double up the towel where a seam will touch the vinyl; usually at the very center of the cover where it meets the sunpad.
Lastly, pick up some of the foam pipe insulation from Home Depot or Lowes. Completely remove the adhesive from the split seam, and put the pipe foam over the top your windscreen, letting it hang over each end by a couple inches. (The adhesive pulls right off, you don't want or need it on there.) This will prevent the cover from chaffing, tugging, and perhaps crazing the plexiglass or whatever material.
I prefer the hull preservation tape. It's designed to stick shrink wrap to the boat. Shrink wrap tape is designed to stick shrink wrap to shrink wrap.
Don't put it on until right before you leave. Do not leave it on any longer than needed, and make sure the surface is freshly waxed. Use this to secure the cover to the boat along the front and down the leading edge of the sides. It will not stick to a wet cover, so if it looks like rain, pull over and install the cover before it gets wet.
Lin's method of protecting the boat with blue painters tape works well too on contact points. I know I have seen it in 3" wide, and you can probably find it online in 4".
Use a thick white towel on the tops of the bolsters, headrests and back of the sunpad, and double up the towel where a seam will touch the vinyl; usually at the very center of the cover where it meets the sunpad.
Lastly, pick up some of the foam pipe insulation from Home Depot or Lowes. Completely remove the adhesive from the split seam, and put the pipe foam over the top your windscreen, letting it hang over each end by a couple inches. (The adhesive pulls right off, you don't want or need it on there.) This will prevent the cover from chaffing, tugging, and perhaps crazing the plexiglass or whatever material.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 09-17-2012 at 05:46 PM.



