Boat covers?

[Kurt505]

I read the thread about custom travel covers and called up Allfab, got a quote for $900. I was hoping to get something in the $400-$500 range for a travel cover, problem is my trolling motor. Does anyone run a universal cover with a bow mount trolling motor still attached? If so what kind and how? I'm looking for a cheaper option than $900 if possible.

[curtis_rak]

Here is a generic travel cover on my 20' boat. My Motorguide trolling motor is mounted to the front. I will try and dig up the make/brand of the cover when I get home.... But it's not an expensive one.

This cover actually fits well, but My main complaint with this cover is that it balloons on the highway. I have minimized it a fair bit by adding a round vent near the middle of the cover. I'm going to add a second one and hopefully it will stop the ballooning. That's the crappy part about a generic cover.... But they are way cheaper

[gmcmax05]

If you want a nice fitting cover you should get a custom made cover that snaps in place. Those generic covers that are held on with straps are crap, & the covers have a hole rubbed thru in a season or 2 from flapping in the wind. You get what you pay for, & a $400 cover isn't going to last long, I paid $1200 for mine on a 18' Lund.

[curtis_rak]

Originally Posted by gmcmax05

If you want a nice fitting cover you should get a custom made cover that snaps in place. Those generic covers that are held on with straps are crap, & the covers have a hole rubbed thru in a season or 2 from flapping in the wind. You get what you pay for, & a $400 cover isn't going to last long, I paid $1200 for mine on a 18' Lund.

You're bang on. My last boat had a fitted snap on cover and I miss it dearly....

[diamond k]

Originally Posted by curtis_rak

Here is a generic travel cover on my 20' boat. My Motorguide trolling motor is mounted to the front. I will try and dig up the make/brand of the cover when I get home.... But it's not an expensive one.

This cover actually fits well, but My main complaint with this cover is that it balloons on the highway. I have minimized it a fair bit by adding a round vent near the middle of the cover. I'm going to add a second one and hopefully it will stop the ballooning. That's the crappy part about a generic cover.... But they are way cheaper

If you don't mind where did you find the vents. I have been looking but the only place I have found is online at Overtons.

[old dog]

Canvasmart made my custom tarp which covers in the electric trolling motor Took the boat there and couple days later all done. Reenforced in corners and ware areas. 650$ three years ago

[curtis_rak]

Originally Posted by diamond k

If you don't mind where did you find the vents. I have been looking but the only place I have found is online at Overtons.

I bought them online. I think I paid $30 shipped if I remember correctly.


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[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by old dog

Canvasmart made my custom tarp which covers in the electric trolling motor Took the boat there and couple days later all done. Reenforced in corners and ware areas. 650$ three years ago

I would definitely spend $650 on a custom fit, was it a snap on?

[old dog]

No but they will do what ever you want

[EZM]

Snaps are better than straps (or bungee cords) for sure - but snaps still do break apart every once in a while.

Bungee cords can scratch your boat and allow to much ballooning to occur which can tear your cover. Ropes or straps get loose (stretch) and cause ballooning as well and can be a pain in the but to untie if they get really tight.

I'd say Snaps would be the best choice with a custom cover if you can swing that in your budget.

I would also get a repair kit - I bought a snap install tool and it's good to keep in the glove box as it seems the snaps come apart in the middle of long road trips.

https://www.amazon.ca/Seasense-Faste...nvas+snap+tool

The new Lund/Crestliner fitted covers now have "J hooks" that slide into place on the groove in the rail - so no more broken snaps yet you still get a tight custom fit travel cover.