Who uses a Boat Cover? 2024
tcbass reply :
When you buy the matching boat cover for your boat from the manufacturer, they aren't cheap.
Who uses one and do you always use the cover?
nocluefisher reply :
My boat is only a couple months old, but if it is going to rain I cover mine. If not than no cover goes on it. My boat came with the cover.
J Francho reply :
Get one from Aurora. Always cover your boat. Protect the gel coat from the sun.
NHBull reply :
Short of hitting a rock, the sun does more damage to your boat than you can imagine......I cover everything including the motor
Jig Man reply :
I use the cover when the roads are wet. I use it for long road trips like to TX or MS. I also use it when I am camped which is usually 8-10 weeks per year. Normal back and forth to the lake I don't use it.
euroshowoff reply :
Unfortunately I don't have a garage and keep my tracker covered 100% of the time. As others mentioned, the sun is the hardest than most other elements. I've had custom covers on previous boats, but the specific tracker model cover that came with the boat has the best overall fit than others i've tried. And its super tough. No rips/tears etc in 2+ years. Pricey, but i suspect I will get the money back when I go to sell and upgrade.
S Hovanec reply :
I didn't buy the manufacturer's cover. It wouldn't have covered the trolling motor or the outboard. I had a custom one made for less, that covered everything, and it is of better material.
The only time I don't tow with the cover on is when I'm on the way back to camp or home and it's not raining.
A-Jay reply :
Purchased Manufacture's Custom Cover when I purchased the boat. Very satisfied with the fit & finish. Use it often for travel, works well. Worth every penny. Boat is stored inside, no cover.
Motor & Talons have custom covers from http://www.tuffskinz.net/ ~ Superior Product.
A-Jay
tcbass reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 4:53 AM, A-Jay said:Purchased Manufacture's Custom Cover when I purchased the boat. Very satisfied with the fit & finish. Use it often for travel, works well. Worth every penny. Boat is stored inside, no cover.
Motor & Talons have custom covers from http://www.tuffskinz.net/ ~ Superior Product.
A-Jay
Nice. So is it all from Tuffskinz?
Does it use buttons that are attached to boat?
A-Jay reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 6:11 AM, tcbass said:
Nice. So is it all from Tuffskinz?
Does it use buttons that are attached to boat?
The manufactures cover is a LUND and it uses snaps on the bow & stern only.
All the sides utilize the Lund Protrak system. It's an integral groove extending around the edge of the boat which receives adjustable anchored fasteners to hold the boat cover which attach to the fasteners.
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
@A-Jay Don't see the trolling motor
Boat stays outside year round. Sun, rain, snow etc. Factory travel cover lasted from 2013 until recently. Was dry rotted in a couple areas and got torn up. Had a custom cover made that covers the trolling motor as the factory Lund cover did not. Cost about as much as the factory cover and comes with a 7 year warranty.
Russ E reply :
Ranger added a free cover when I bought the boat. (not sure how free it was, considering the price of Rangers).
the boat is always in the garage when not on the water.
The only time I use the cover is when it as at Cabelas waiting to be serviced.
they let it sit outside until it gets serviced.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 6:50 AM, slonezp said:@A-Jay Don't see the trolling motor
Boat stays outside year round. Sun, rain, snow etc. Factory travel cover lasted from 2013 until recently. Was dry rotted in a couple areas and got torn up. Had a custom cover made that covers the trolling motor as the factory Lund cover did not. Cost about as much as the factory cover and comes with a 7 year warranty.
It's mounted on the quick slide bracket.
So it gets unplugged and placed on the deck in front of the seats.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
Better question who doesn't use a cover? My boat is a POS for now but still cover it.
Yakalong reply :
I keep my boat on a lift, during the summer I have an aftermarket cover. During the winter I put the factory snap caver on it.
gimruis reply :
I have a cover that came with my Ranger when I bought it in 2015. As part of an inventory closeout special, the salesman threw in the cover (and a few other items) at no additional cost. I don't use it much unless I'm travelling and the boat has to sit outside where I'm staying (like at a resort or hotel, etc). The boat is in the garage otherwise so I don't use it at the house. I would say that during a whole season, I probably use it maybe 4 times.
tcbass reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 7:19 AM, 12poundbass said:Better question who doesn't use a cover? My boat is a POS for now but still cover it.
I don't. However, I keep my boat in a polebarn. I'd say the majority of boats I see at the landing don't have covers on them.
12poundbass reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 9:20 AM, tcbass said:
I don't. However, I keep my boat in a polebarn. I'd say the majority of boats I see at the landing don't have covers on them.
I admit I was a little vague. If I had an inside area or no vinyl or gel coat I wouldn't have a cover. But if you have vinyl or gel coat and no inside storage a cover is a must if you want it to last any time at all. My apologies.
dwardmba reply :
This may sound cheap but it works. My dealer still had the white cover the boat was shipped with. I use it. The boat stays on a covered lift 9 to 10 months out of the year so the cover is mainly to keep spider poop off the boat and curious hands out.
Dave
Scott F reply :
I never use a cover. My old Ranger has always been garage kept. I tried some inexpensive covers years ago but they did not fit well and got tore up the first time I travelled using them.
badgerboyng reply :
I've never owned a boat, but I was under the impression that people only use boat covers when they store their boats outside. I don't think I've ever seen a boat pull up to a launch with a cover on it. Why would someone cover their boat only for the ride to and back from the lake? I ask because in my mind why protect the boat from the sun during the 30min-2hr drive to the lake and then fish on the water with the boat exposed to the sun for 4-12hrs? Can someone explain their reasoning?
A-Jay reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 10:14 PM, badgerboyng said:I've never owned a boat, but I was under the impression that people only use boat covers when they store their boats outside. I don't think I've ever seen a boat pull up to a launch with a cover on it. Why would someone cover their boat only for the ride to and back from the lake? I ask because in my mind why protect the boat from the sun during the 30min-2hr drive to the lake and then fish on the water with the boat exposed to the sun for 4-12hrs? Can someone explain their reasoning?
For me, the cover goes on for long distance transit; regardless of the destination.
Specifically, I'm looking to keep the following off & out of my rig; big fat rain and all the road dust, grime & nasty grit that comes with it, Dust - long dry dirt & especially gravel roads are good for this, swarms of mashed & partially pulverized insects of assorted sizes, colors & dimensions, and pretty much anything & everything else you can possibly think of that can & does end up in an uncover rig on the highways & by ways of America.
A-Jay
badgerboyng reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 10:33 PM, A-Jay said:
For me, the cover goes on for long distance transit; regardless of the destination.
Specifically, I'm looking to keep the following off & out of my rig; big fat rain and all the road dust, grime & nasty grit that comes with it, Dust - long dry dirt & especially gravel roads are good for this, swarms of mashed & partially pulverized insects of assorted sizes, colors & dimensions, and pretty much anything & everything else you can possibly think of that can & does end up in an uncover rig on the highways & by ways of America.
A-Jay
That makes sense. It's easier to put on the cover than to clean bug guts and dirt out of the interior.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 10:47 PM, badgerboyng said:That makes sense. It's easier to put on the cover than to clean bug guts and dirt out of the interior.
Well next time you're driving in the rain, open all your window and let me know.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 10:33 PM, A-Jay said:
For me, the cover goes on for long distance transit; regardless of the destination.
Specifically, I'm looking to keep the following off & out of my rig; big fat rain and all the road dust, grime & nasty grit that comes with it, Dust - long dry dirt & especially gravel roads are good for this, swarms of mashed & partially pulverized insects of assorted sizes, colors & dimensions, and pretty much anything & everything else you can possibly think of that can & does end up in an uncover rig on the highways & by ways of America.
A-Jay
Hauling a boat in northern Michigan during the may fly hatch requires a boat cover.
I remember as a kid walleye fishing Black lake, we'd always be up there when the may flies hatched (not by choice) and our boat would be one big may fly by the time we got back to the campground after a day of fishing.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 11:00 PM, 12poundbass said:Hauling a boat in northern Michigan during the may fly hatch requires a boat cover.
I remember as a kid walleye fishing Black lake, we'd always be up there when the may flies hatched (not by choice) and our boat would be one big may fly by the time we got back to the campground after a day of fishing.
YUP.
A-Jay
Firefish Alumacraft reply :
My boats stored in my garage so I don't cover it, thinking of buying one for traveling long distances. thinking Id get better MPG with a shell. The windshield of the boat is like a giant wind dam and then a void area of low pressure causing a vacuum. Plus also keeps out the dirt and rain.
Further North reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 3:13 AM, tcbass said:When you buy the matching boat cover for your boat from the manufacturer, they aren't cheap.
Who uses one and do you always use the cover?
If I were buy a boat new, I would absolutely buy the cover. It's cheap at twice the cost...and I store my boat in a garage.
I use my cover on any trip other than short local runs to stop the boat from getting soaked and/or filthy.
I made the mistake of not using a cover twice...call me a slow learner. I won't do it again.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 3:53 AM, nocluefisher said:My boat is only a couple months old, but if it is going to rain I cover mine. If not than no cover goes on it. My boat came with the cover.
Interesting. I'd be more concerned about the damage caused by sunlight than I would be about rain.
The CD that came with my boat's cover, and the message inside the pocket for the cable ratchet advise against using the cover for long hauls. All that road grime, dust, grit, bugs, etc can get trapped between the cover and the hull. When the cover flutters during travel, it becomes an abrasive that can damage a hull's finish.
I do take the cover when I travel with the boat. It goes on the boat at night to keep the inside of the boat and everything in there such as the seats, carpet and consoles dry. If it rains during the day, but is not supposed to rain that night, the cover stays off which allows at least some of the moisture to evaporate.
I'm fortunate. My boat stays in the garage, uncovered, with all hatches open to provide good air circulation. My opinion is that the tow vehicle takes the brunt of the impact from bugs and other airborne debris, acting like a deflector to most things that could potentially impact the boat.
Further North reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 6:35 AM, A-Jay said:The manufactures cover is a LUND and it uses snaps on the stern only.
All the sides utilize the Lund Protrak system. It's an integral groove extending around the edge of the boat which receives adjustable anchored fasteners to hold the boat cover which attach to the fasteners.
A-Jay
How similar is the Protrack system to the Crestliner system? Sounds very close and I love the Crestliner cover I have. Goes on fast and snug.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 1:59 AM, Further North said:How similar is the Protrack system to the Crestliner system? Sounds very close and I love the Crestliner cover I have. Goes on fast and snug.
Not familiar with that one but can tell you if they are the same at this point - I'd never use anything else.
A-Jay
tcbass reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 1:55 AM, Fishing Rhino said:
Interesting. I'd be more concerned about the damage caused by sunlight than I would be about rain.
The CD that came with my boat's cover, and the message inside the pocket for the cable ratchet advise against using the cover for long hauls. All that road grime, dust, grit, bugs, etc can get trapped between the cover and the hull. When the cover flutters during travel, it becomes an abrasive that can damage a hull's finish.
I do take the cover when I travel with the boat. It goes on the boat at night to keep the inside of the boat and everything in there such as the seats, carpet and consoles dry. If it rains during the day, but is not supposed to rain that night, the cover stays off which allows at least some of the moisture to evaporate.
I'm fortunate. My boat stays in the garage, uncovered, with all hatches open to provide good air circulation. My opinion is that the tow vehicle takes the brunt of the impact from bugs and other airborne debris, acting like a deflector to most things that could potentially impact the boat.
Interesting....good point that the cover can trap abrasive materials between it and the hull.....shoot, I'm going on a long trip and was considering putting the cover on for the trip, to protect the boat, and to keep people from attempting to steal stuff from my boat.
Further North reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 2:07 AM, tcbass said:I'm going on a long trip and was considering putting the cover on for the trip, to protect the boat, and to keep people from attempting to steal stuff from my boat.
Do it.
With a custom cover, very little if any debris will trapped between the cover and the hull - look at the picture of AJ's covered boat.
...and the amount of crap that will wind up in your boat on a long trip will take you hours to clean out. Lots of stuff gets past the tow vehicle, and a bunch more gets kicked by the tow vehicle.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 2:13 AM, Further North said:Do it.
With a custom cover, very little if any debris will trapped between the cover and the hull - look at the picture of AJ's covered boat.
...and the amount of crap that will wind up in your boat on a long trip will take you hours to clean out. Lots of stuff gets past the tow vehicle, and a bunch more gets kicked by the tow vehicle.
I've hauled my boat over 10,000 miles from Lake Champlain to southern Georgia and points in between, and have yet to find a grubby boat from any of my travels. I get more grime on the area of the hull at the waterlines from the gunk that floats on the surface of the water than I've gotten from all my travels combined.
To each his own.
A-Jay reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 2:13 AM, Further North said:Do it.
With a custom cover, very little if any debris will trapped between the cover and the hull - look at the picture of AJ's covered boat.
...and the amount of crap that will wind up in your boat on a long trip will take you hours to clean out. Lots of stuff gets past the tow vehicle, and a bunch more gets kicked by the tow vehicle.
And speaking of stuff that gets past the tow vehicle - may be a good idea to consider what is thrown up & back BY the tow vehicle.
If there is routinely travel on gravel roads for any distance or at a speed more than 5 or 10 mph, Rock Tamers or something similar, are a decent investment. Customizable to fit most any application and a reasonably simple & straight forward DIY install.
Nothing's fool proof but these do absorb a good bit of what my truck spit's out.
A-Jay
S Hovanec reply :
Covers also keep cigarettes out of the boat. Noone has ever smoked in my boat, yet I have a cigarette burn in the carpet on the rear deck. I can only assume someone tossed it in at a stoplight.
tcbass reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 7:14 AM, S Hovanec said:Covers also keep cigarettes out of the boat. Noone has ever smoked in my boat, yet I have a cigarette burn in the carpet on the rear deck. I can only assume someone tossed it in at a stoplight.
That sucks. I'd be ticked.
S Hovanec reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 7:54 AM, tcbass said:
That sucks. I'd be ticked.
Yea. That was 5 years ago and my a$s is still chapped about it.
Sam reply :
On 8/19/2017 at 3:13 AM, tcbass said:When you buy the matching boat cover for your boat from the manufacturer, they aren't cheap.
Who uses one and do you always use the cover?
Yes and yes.
tcbass reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 9:17 AM, Sam said:
Yes and yes.
So, if you're just making a 15 min run to a lake you use the boat cover?
OCdockskipper reply :
My little Pond Prowler stays on the water all year long, I have always covered it. The first cover was an inexpensive "one size fits all" from BPS, it ended up blowing away in a windstorm. So I had a quality cover custom built by a local guy who makes them for various saltwater vessels in the area. It takes all of the sun, weather, bird poop and other crud and keeps the boat looking really nice.
I also used it a few weeks ago when we hauled the Pond Prowler to a small lake we were vacationing on. Worked well for the travel, allowed us to put all the gear inside the boat without worry of it getting damaged.
Sam reply :
On 8/20/2017 at 9:28 AM, tcbass said:
So, if you're just making a 15 min run to a lake you use the boat cover?
No. Interperted the question as to storage.
BigAngus752 reply :
We have a factory Ranger cover. Seems as good (or better) than many custom covers I've seen. Our boat doesn't fit in the garage so the cover stays on anytime it's parked. The Mercury outboard didn't come with a cover but it has one now.
Local lakes (an hour or two drive) the cover is off. Our upcoming 9hr drive out of state the cover will be on.
The key to this cover being a great travel cover is that it has two pull straps that run from front to back under each side of the hem so you can not only cinch it tight around the bottom, but you can also use straps or Boat Buckles to crank the straps tight and keep them tight. No possible way for the hem to flap around and ghost your paint when on the highway at 70mph. When this cover wears out I will buy the exact same cover from Ranger again.
Like @Fishing Rhino My preference would be to keep the boat indoors with the hatches open when not in use. Maybe someday.
boostr reply :
I have no choice, my boat doesn't fit in the garage. I bought mine from Covers Direct. I bought the SunDura cover with integrated motor cover and matching Talon cover. It's also trailerable. 7 year warranty isn't to shabby either.
Blacktail 8541 reply :
I use a cover to protect from the suns UV. Also helps with the dust. My Ranger has two covers, 1 the shipping cover and 2 the factory cover. I use the shipping cover during the summer and the factory cover during the winter.
Bulletman20XD reply :
Mines stays covered even in storage to keep the dust/dirt out. It's an Carver cover, Bullet sells the same thing that's supposed to be custom. It's really semi-custom and doesn't fit well enough for me to drive down the road with it. It's a nice cover and works well just doesn't fit well.
I say strorage cause my HOA doesn't allow them to be parked here unless it's inside the garage--Yeah right my wife's car has to be parked sideways to get it in there!
TOXIC reply :
I couldn't get my boat in my garage (2 1/2 car by the way) even if there was nary a car in it. Soooooo....the rig gets parked outside. Just as a note, I don't like it, I have never liked it but I have no choice. Although I have 4 acres, my house is built on a cliff and I cannot expand the garage. It sucks, so I expanded the driveway enough for it to have it's own "pad" where I can put both the boat and truck. That being said, I am SUPER picky about my boats finish and I cover it well. After 5 years, there is -0- sun damage and the gel is oxidation free. Yes, I have to wax and seal it more often and yes, in the event we get snow (rarely) I have to go out and clear the cover but it can be done. I never tow with a cover on. I just got back from a 2 day up and 2 day back pull to Wisconsin and I only covered it at night while in the hotel(s).
WRB reply :
Glass boats and engine cowling can get severely wind damaged by poor fitting/padded covers when trailering the rig at highway speeds. If it's outdoor storage it should be covered. My boat fortunately is garaged and only a short drive to the lake, so my cover is stored unless it's outside over night or long haul trips for all the reasons A-Jay listed. I have had road kill critters get flipped into the boat, owls at night, you name it the uncovered trailed boat tends to collect it.
Tom
tcbass reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 12:48 AM, WRB said:Glass boats and engine cowling can get severely wind damaged by poor fitting/padded covers when trailering the rig at highway speeds. If it's outdoor storage it should be covered. My boat fortunately is garaged and only a short drive to the lake, so my cover is stored unless it's outside over night or long haul trips for all the reasons A-Jay listed. I have had road kill critters get flipped into the boat, owls at night, you name it the uncovered trailed boat tends to collect it.
Tom
I have a custom cover from the previous owner, but not sure if it's custom enough for traveling without scratching the boat......bummer. I wonder if there is anyway to tell if it's good enough to travel at highway speeds with?
WRB reply :
Check the cover for extra padding at the wear points like stern corners and bow tie downs or any loose cover areas that can flap in the wind. The straps can also be a problem, padded back pack pads can sometimes be used on the tie down straps where they contact the hull.
Tom
A-Jay reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 1:16 AM, tcbass said:
I have a custom cover from the previous owner, but not sure if it's custom enough for traveling without scratching the boat......bummer. I wonder if there is anyway to tell if it's good enough to travel at highway speeds with?
Regardless of the origin - it's ALL about the fit.
Best covers for travel are Very tight to the contour of the boat with just about NO material loose enough to move at all.
Any thing that flaps or vibrates will almost always tear, rip, shred and at the very least damage whatever it's on there to 'protect' in the first place.
And did I mention it needs to be tight ?
A-Jay
boostr reply :
Usually if it is a snug fit and has adjustable straps that wrap over the trailer rails or even the hull of the boat and has attachment points on the cover itself, it's a travel cover. Mine has adjustable straps that go around the trailer frame and run thru loops on my cover. Mine fits pretty snug with the pedestal butt seat in the front and pedestal chair in the back. This is how I have to install my cover if I'm going to travel with it on per the instructions from my boat cover manufacturer.
slonezp reply :
I'm getting turned on
12poundbass reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 9:14 AM, slonezp said:I'm getting turned on
I think it's bed time slo...?
slonezp reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 9:49 AM, 12poundbass said:I think it's bed time slo...?
Is that an invitation?
12poundbass reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 9:52 AM, slonezp said:Is that an invitation?
After I posted it I thought to myself "boy I just set myself up". What do ya do?
TOXIC reply :
Some will put towels or saran type wrap on the rub points and gunnels. Nothing will stop possible wind screen cracking/crazing because the simple fact the cover has to be tight coupled with the extra force of the wind will put on them at highway speeds is just too much pressure.
boostr reply :
On 9/1/2017 at 9:52 AM, slonezp said:Is that an invitation?
LMAO!
RHuff reply :
I take the hooks on the side and use bungee chords to tighten them down to the trailer frame if I'm traveling.
gnappi reply :
Since it rains just about daily down here I cover my tinny unless it's going onto the trailer hitch. We get a LOT of rain and I had to make something that WILL NOT collapse under the weight of the water when the cover is on it. It's only glued in some places so segments come apart and re-install easily.
A-Jay reply :
Set this up yesterday before heading in as a display for another BR member.
Support Posts under the cover to help it up & over the consoles and pool noodles on the wind screens to protect them & the cover ~
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