Trailering Covers

[psygnal11]

Likely

Understanding this isn't a usual concern for most bass boaters, but I have a Tahoe 550 TS (20' fish & ski) that I purchased three years ago and I am now on my third cover (which is a few threads from falling apart). I've been using a "universal" cover from Menards, which I always take off before trailering to the lakes near my home; however, I'm starting to take more "weekend getaways" with the boat, and I like to have the boat covered during the trip. But since anything that isn't a snug fit doesn't hold up well on the road, I really don't want to keep dropping $90 for a new cover every time I hit 65 on the freeway.

Curious as to others' thoughts on the following:

1) Snaps vs. Cinch-type covers
2) One-piece vs Two-Piece (i.e. separate covers for the bow and cockpit)
3) For two-piece covers, covering the windshield or not.

I never leave the boat in the water, and it is stored outside (on the side of my garage) year-round. As such, my primary consideration is a cover that works well for day-to-day storage (i.e. during the season only; it's shrink-wrapped in winter), but a close second is something that will hold up when trailering long distances.

[Jeff Hahn]

And cover that is not made specifically for you boat will fit terribly, flap in the breeze when towing, and as a result wear prematurely and also leave marks on your hull. My advice is to bite the bullet and take your rig to a local canvas shop and have them make you a custom cover from Sunbrella material. It will last many years.

[Bassman Ia.]

Snaps like a Lund or Crestliner.

[Guntucky]

I have a custom cover for mine, but I never had it on, I have seen to many flapping in the wind beating the hell out of the boat going down the HWY. If it had not came with the boat, I would not have one unless it was stored outside.

[KYRANGERMAN]

Custom made is the only way to go. You pick the color, the material, it's measured to fit your boat and reinforced at stress/rub points. Got one when I bought my boat and 20 years later it's still works perfectly and looks good. Do a separate motor cover and you'll get a better fit. Mine has a rope and tie downs. It's worth the extra money you'll spend.

[Bassman Ia.]

I have a custom cover for mine, but I never had it on, I have seen to many flapping in the wind beating the hell out of the boat going down the HWY. If it had not came with the boat, I would not have one unless it was stored outside.

This cover is 18 years old, when I travel a distance it is on the boat. It is a custom made cover, meaning the boat was in the guys shop for 3 days while he made each panel and fitted it. It has never “flapped” and I have towed at interstate speeds. I changed trolling motors and the front corner is way tighter—— because it was a CUSTOM cover.

[ecoast]

if trailering, cinch or belly straps. always.
should be tailored to boat; iow, 'custom'

snaps won't hold and are intended for mooring/stationary...


john/eastcoastcanvas.com