Boat Covers
 

Been doing some searching for a semi-custom boat covers at places like iboats.com and boatcoversdirect.com and a few other places. Some are 100% polyester and some are 65%polyester and 35% cotton. I need one for outdoor summer storage and probably would not trailer with it. Which would be better?

It's hard to say without seeing the covers. I have always used Sunbrella fabric for covers and have had good luck with it, but I don't know exactly what combination of materials are used to make it. I just had a full cover made for our Top Gun out of a new material that the canvas shop recommended. I don't know the name of it, but it is supposed to be the "new and improved" Sunbrella type fabric. Maybe somebody here will know the name.

One thing to consider is that the one with cotton may be softer on the finish of the boat, but I would think that it would shrink some over time. I am also thinking that the polyester may be more waterproof, but I may be wrong. If nothing else, call the manufacturer of each cover and explain to them what you want out of the cover. I would think that they could certainly make a recommendation.

You also mentioned that you will probably not tow with it. If you do, be 100% sure that the cover is tight and will not flap in the wind against any part of the boat. Like with the material selection, the manufacturers of the covers you are looking at may have a cover that will handle both towing and protecting the boat while it is parked. It certainly could not hurt to ask them.

Here are a few pictures of our new cover. We have had the same local company make several of these for different boats in the past and they do a great job. These covers will work while trailering or while sitting still. They keep the boat clean and protect the paint from road grime and debris. Custom covers can get very expensive, but if they are done correctly they are like having a garage for your boat that you can take with you anywhere you go.

I bought a sharkskin cover this fall, and couldn't be happier with it. It was semi custom and cost less then $300. Fits nice and snug.

I bought a semi custom cover from Ameri Brand products.. They were the cheapest I could find and the service was excellent. I have a 31 scarab, I ordered a cover for a 33 scarab so it would cover my swim platform - - it fits great

http://www.websweeper.com/php/boat_covers/bc-001.php

I started a post this past spring, bought mine from amera-brands.Works great,keeps the water out and the sun off it.

I notice those places have cotton, the 65-35, and polyester. Which ones did you guys choose?

I have a Carrie Cover and I'm very happy with it, very light and storage able on the boat

here's a link

http://www.carriecovers.com/care.php

for inside storage....which ever is cheaper

I also did the research and would recommend Ameri Brand Products. I've bought two covers from them.

What material did you purchase?

Since I store the boat inside I purchased the canvas cover.

I bought the polyester,as you see I keep the boat out in the summer.It is not a tight fit to tow with,but great for the price to keep the weather off it.

Thanks a lot everyone for your input.

Getting ready for spring. Anymore updates on covers?

If you are looking for a nice semi-custom cover. I have used them on two of my own boats, when I could even make my own. Would not recommend trailering with them though. I used the Sunburst material.

boatcovers.com

HOT DUCK- I really like that cover. I like the fact that it covers just about everythign except the bottom. Do you have a name of a place I could contact? How much did that run you if you don't mind me asking?

The cover was made by a company here in Ocean City called Canvas Experts. As for the price, every boat will be different depending on material and man hours, but I believe I have around 5K in that full cover. They made that and some other stuff for me at the same time, but I am pretty sure the big cover was 5K. I know that sounds like a lot of money and it is, but it protects the boat extremely well and is a lot cheaper than building a garage. Besides, a garage can only protect the boat at home and doesn't do it any good while traveling or out of town. Also consider what a paint job costs now and it doesn't seem so bad.

The covers are padded underneath and are heavily reinforced where needed. They do a great job at repelling water. I like the fact that the boat is protected from the weather and road debris (stone chips) while traveling. It also adds a level of security because it takes a few minutes to get inside the boat with the cover on. It could send a crook looking for an easier target. What I like most though is that you can clean the boat at home before hitting the road and no matter what weather you travel through, the boat is just as clean when you arrive where you are going as it was when you left home.