Long distance boat trailering...boat cover or no boat cover?

My father always used his boat cover when trailering his boat anywhere - even local lakes. I rarely use it but for when I'm traveling more than 1-2 hours to a lake. However, my boat is a single console and notice when I'm at hwy speeds, the side with no console is sort of swept upwards and seems to be catching wind. I'm guessing this isn't exactly helping my gas mileage. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif

On one hand, it does offer extra protection for the upper portion of the hull (I have a separate cover for the Merc.) However, most rocks/etc are going to hit the lower hull not the deck. Plus, how different is hitting bugs at speed when boating vs. hwy trailering?

Any downsides to towing with no boat cover for extended trips? Heading to KY Lake next Tues night and I'm debating what to do.

You go thru covers when you use them on the hiway! I would pull without the cover then put it on when you stop for the night if going a long way, then take it back off in the morning. I got rid of the last cover I had....it tore up after a 2000 mile round trip!

I use my cover for extended trips because I don't want someone throwing a cig butt out and it landing in my boat and messing up the carpet, amoug other things.

My cover still looks great, and it has been used for over 3000 miles of towing. Can't really tele it ain't new except for the faded material

Thanks guys. Both good points...I am staying at a hotel tomorrow night so cover will be on. Wednesday morning, I'll finish my trip with no cover on the way to the lake!

If you have a good cover like an Aurora cover you can tow with those on no problem. If you have a cover that is not custom then I would not tow with it since it will flap in the wind and tear.

Towing with the cover also makes your boat more aero-dynamic. Better fuel mileage.

Be mindful of the straps, buckles and tags. If you don't put twists in the best they will beat against to boat and either leave marks or damage the gel coat.

I usually only tow with the cover if the weather might be bad, if the areas are dusty, etc.