Boat Cover Issues
 

A couple of weeks ago several folks were discussing boat cover options. I promised a full report when I got mine on. I ordered a cover through www.boatcoversdirect.com at the suggestion of a couple of OSO members for my '01 38 Lightning.

On their website, they only sell '04-'07 38 lightning covers. I spoke to someone at Boatcoversdirect, and they said the cover would fit. My boat has the high windshield so I was a little skeptical. They said if it didn't fit to send it back and they'd refund the money.

The cover is a sunbrella type waterproof cover and cost $600.00. I just got it on this week and I'm extremely happy. I can't vouch for any other size, but the cover fits great, looks good, and repels water so well that when it gets wet the water looks like mercury. Anyway, for anyone looking for an affordable boat cover solution for their 38, I'm very pleased with mine.

Just wanted to share.

95horn

I would love to see a picture with the cover on the boat. :D

Regards,

John

That was me that started the thread. My cover just shredded when the rains finally came. How tough does the fabric feel? Boatcoversdirect wants $428 for the best fabric for my 29, but someone turned me on to discountboatcovers and they sell the same for 350. Want to be sure that the new one is tough and waterproof as the current one is not.

I'll put some pics up of my cover this week on the boat. I'm very pleased with the material. It's strong and completely waterproof. We've had rain nearly every day here in Texas for about a month and a half and the cover really does well. I've been very pleased.

Got my cover last week from Coversdirect and I'm happy with the cover. for the price you can't go wrong. Very nice fit. Just a little loose in from of the windshield but nothing that I can't deal with.

8oz Polygard in Black

Drag 'N,

I agree, there's some slack in the front of my windshield as well, but doesn't cause a problem. Overall, I'm very pleased. I went with the 8oz Black poly as well.

95horn

And, I paid $1,200 for a custom cover on my 35!

I bought the lightest weight cover from Carrie Covers (see Powerboat mag ads) for about $1,400 and it shredded in 3 weeks. I called and they supplied me with a new one in their better and heavier material (about 11 lbs total)-the first one weighed like 6 lbs. This one has been on daily for 2 years and it is perfect still. My friend called them last week for his 42' L'ing and they quoted $2,300 or so. Good product but $

Carrie Covers quoted me $1800 for a 35 lightning cover and a local canvas shop wanted $1300 for a poly/cotton custom fit that would take 10 weeks to make.

Boatcoversdirect.com $400 and 5 days from order to on the boat. Fit's great. These guys are going to make the local shops think twice about their pricing!

Also, boatcoversdirect will take any cover back for a full refund if you don't like it.

Nothing to lose!

Techman,

I know what you mean. I was waiting, and waiting for the local guy who does nice custom covers near my marina to make mine for $1100. After over 6 weeks I finally gave up and went with the boatcoversdirect.com. The funny thing is, all of my buddies who have custom covers marvel at how nice mine turned out and how they wish they would have saved the money.

Pics
 

Okay guys, as requested, here are some pics of my cover. I'm still very pleased.

More pics
 

here's a few more

more
 

few more

Looks good. Do they also offer the option for the cover to come all the way down the sides? I bought this one a few yrs ago and it is starting to age.

Not sure about the full cover option. You can certainly ask. My guess is probably not, but it won't hurt to ask.

Mine just arrived today. I got a red one that's the Poly guard and all the straps needed for towing if necessary.

Cool, let us know how it turns out. I'm not sure I'd trailer mine, but it works great for just protectiing the boat on the lift.

US1 Fountain - The full cover option you have on now .... where did you get that one from?

I have emailed them twice for a quote but they have not responded. Is this normal for them?

Sea-dated,

I've not tried emailing for a quote, but I do recall that they were very attentive on the "Live Chat" option on the web site. Try clicking on that and they should be able to hook you up immediately.

Thanks, I will give that a try.

US1 Fountain

You bought that cover from me. Glad to see it has served you well.