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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Creedmoor
    Posts
    593

    Opinions on the best cover.

    I've been kinda looking for the past couple of months but the time has finally come. The original shipping cover has finally bit the dust and I gotta get one.
    I keep it under a carport at home but when out of town I'll need one that's secure and won't hold 200 gallons of water if it rains too. Not really wanting to have to get something custom made unless that's the best option
    Brian Howard
    2023 Phoenix 919 Pro XP
    2023 Mercury 225

  2. Member jimmybass2's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Deerbrook, WI
    Posts
    1,441
    #2
    I really like my ratcheting cover from Dowco. You should be able to find one at the Bass Pro website, search on eBay, or you can order direct from Dowco.
    Jimmy Young

    2021 Nitro Z19
    Mercury 200 ProXS
    Atlas 10" Hydraulic Jackplate
    Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
    Humminbird
    HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N
    Humminbird HELIX 12
    CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N at bow
    Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3N CHO at bow
    Humminbird MEGA 360
    Minn Kota Ultrex i-Pilot Link
    Dual Power Pole Blades


  3. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Creedmoor
    Posts
    593
    #3
    Thanks. I've seen them online but wanted some people's personal opinions before I ordered one. I've checked out the covers on iboat too
    Brian Howard
    2023 Phoenix 919 Pro XP
    2023 Mercury 225

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Republic, MO
    Posts
    2,910
    #4
    I have a Dowco. It had a couple of leaks. I took it back and they replaced it. I have the new one ready to go if we ever get rain again.

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Bella Vista Arkansas
    Posts
    239
    #5
    I have a Dowco and it has a few spots where it is starting to tear by the windshield. Have had it for about a year now and use it when trailing to the lake. I have contacted Dowco customer service multiple times via email to make a claim and have not been contacted about this issue yet (been 3 months since first contact was attempted). I am very disappointed in the product and service. For the amount of money you pay for Dowco products you would expect better service. As of now I would never recommend to anyone or ever purchase their products again. Very disappointed customer here.

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Creedmoor
    Posts
    593
    #6
    ^^^ Thanks. I've been pricing covers and by far they are the most expensive even going through BPS. I've looked at a couple of others also. One was a WeatherMax from boatcovers.com and the Endura from iboats.com. Even with some accessories like support poles they were still around $150-200 less. And there's the option of having the motor cover part of the boat cover which I'd prefer instead of being two different pieces. Just don't have many reviews on those brands
    Brian Howard
    2023 Phoenix 919 Pro XP
    2023 Mercury 225

  7. Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Stroudsburg, PA
    Posts
    732
    #7
    I have a 2013 Z9 that came with the Dowco when I bought it used. It tore at 2 seems straight across and also at the bow, I had it resewed but for only being less than 4 years old I would think it should be far more durable for the price. Going forward when it's life is over I will go back to using cheap amazon covers and replacing every couple years.

  8. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Hemet, CA
    Posts
    4,653
    #8
    If you aren't going to trailer with the cover, then buy the cheapest you can find. I don't trailer with the cover and use one sold by Walmart. I can buy many of them for the price of a Dowco cover....LOL The Dowco cover I originally had came apart in three years but I have to store the boat outside and they don't like sun....LOL
    Wes
    Helix 10 MSI+,MDI+,Ultrex IPilot
    2023 Phoenix 818
    Never assume there's a tomorrow

  9. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Westport, Washington
    Posts
    1,508
    #9
    I just priced a custom made from a local shop for my boat. About a grand. He explained why and I understand why my 'cheap' covers I have purchased have failed. Just hard to bite the bullet and have it done.

  10. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Creedmoor
    Posts
    593
    #10
    Yeah I don't see me spending a grand for a cover either. The Dowco and the others come with a five year warranty so there's no difference there.
    I'm probably gonna go with the one from boatcovers.com since I can get the straps for free and the supports for another $30 whenever I have it outside at a hotel or something to keep the rain from ponding on it. And still come in a lot cheaper than the Dowco.
    Thanks guys
    Brian Howard
    2023 Phoenix 919 Pro XP
    2023 Mercury 225

  11. Bassturbatin'
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Dothan, AL
    Posts
    91
    #11
    I really liked my Dowco ratcheting cover, but when I put a fortrex on my boat it tore at the seams. Guess that's my fault though.
    Ole Miss Fishing Team

    2012 Nitro Z8
    Pro XS 200

  12. Member 06 SB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    West Point Lake, GA
    Posts
    10,984
    #12
    Aurora makes a great low profile strapless, ratchet cover. The Aqualon would be good for your use. Should be about $850. If you want the Sunbrella Premium, it aill be about $1250.

    USN Retired
    2020 Basscat Caracal
    2020 Mercury 225 ProXS 4s



  13. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Truman Lake Missouri
    Posts
    818
    #13
    Custom is the way to go. We finally had it done and wont ever having another off the shelf cover again. They dont cost that much more than off the shelf but last much longer.
    2005 Tracker PT175
    1987 Ranger 373V Bassmasters Classic

  14. Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Chesterfield Township, MI.
    Posts
    45
    #14
    Be careful with the Dowco covers. Purchased one with my new Z21. I've had it for about a 2 months. It leaks and ratchet system is a POS. Called Nitro they basically told me to F.O. Really disappointed in their customer service. I hate to be a "Debbie Downer" about Nitro but my first experience with their customer service and I'm already questioning the money I saved to buy the Nitro. Don't get me wrong, I love the boat. But nowadays it's all about customer service. Ranger covers are absolutely awesome and their customer service is much better (so far) than Nitro.

  15. Nitro Boats Moderator BMCD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Brookeland, Texas
    Posts
    17,374
    #15
    Have not had a problem with my Dowco's, does not leak and the ratchet system is good. I did have one tear when i was towing but i soon figure out I was not securing it correctly.
    Bryan McDonough
    2023 Nitro Z21 XL
    Nitro Team

  16. Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Huntington WV
    Posts
    12
    #16
    BMCD, could you elaborate of securing it properly?

    I have had two Dowco's for my last two boats, Z8 & Z21 both have been solid.
    Last edited by BMCD; 07-26-2017 at 12:37 PM.

  17. Nitro Boats Moderator BMCD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Brookeland, Texas
    Posts
    17,374
    #17
    On my 2014 boat, I did not have the cover on tight enuff. I have learned to pull on it so the cover basically makes a line to the tm, no droop. There are winshield grooves in the cover and those should fit on top of the windshield.
    Bryan McDonough
    2023 Nitro Z21 XL
    Nitro Team

  18. Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Huntington WV
    Posts
    12
    #18
    BMCD, That is exactly how my cover fits as well. Thanks for the quick reply!

  19. Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Creedmoor
    Posts
    593
    #19
    Now I'm second guessing what I'm gonna do. lol
    I'm not planning on trailering with mine on but I really like my friends Skeeter cover and he can trailer with his.
    My wallet is starting to get nervous
    Brian Howard
    2023 Phoenix 919 Pro XP
    2023 Mercury 225

  20. Member
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    244
    #20
    I've had my Dowco for 2 years now. Have only one tear and it was from the trolling motor prop. I remove it now and no problems. I tow with it on when there is a possibility for weather or I am going on longer trips. (Just another thing to keep thieves out) I would buy another.
    Nick Frazer
    YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/Pin2win201

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