Towable boat cover advise please
Have been doing the rounds of the trim shops looking at a towable boat cover for my ali trailcraft runabout and now have to make a decision on what type to get. I need to make a decision real soon so as to be able to have it ready for Easter. I have been quoted on two different types, a full cover that goes right over the bow and along under the chimes to the back of the boat using draw strings under the boat and maybe a strap or two under the boat. The other is what some places call a tow cover which just goes from the windscreen (clips on) down to the stern. This involves clipping it under the gunnels with clips that are attached to the boat. Some of the guys at the trim shops have said that the all over covers don’t tow well as the wind pushes into the front of them and that they flap around. I am not a fan of drilling into the boat to put clips on but if this is the best way then so be it.Any advice from anyone who has seen/have these types of covers would be appreciated. Thanks Brad
thought I would post up some pics of the outcome of my search for a towable cover. I am very happy with it, towed the boat to walpole and back for easter without dramas. Next trip to exmouth in august. I will post a couple more photos soon as the system wont allow me to upload any more at the moment
Brad
I would rather be fishing
wadetolley
Posts: 2258
Date Joined: 27/06/08
Brad
Brad i have one for my trailcraft. Its fine i have done 100 plus kmph with it on and its fine. Its a heavy vinal tarp material. Has tension straps all the way around it, as well as a small rope that goes around the whole of the bottom..so you can pull it in tight. Im happy as with it. The front of the cover sucks in against the boat as you drive. Have messaged you my details, you are welcome to come and look at it.
sarcasm0
Posts: 1396
Date Joined: 25/06/09
The trick with these is
That they do have plenty of adjustment. Anything that flaps is going to wear and destroy itself. As Wade said tension straps all around. I have seen these made from tarp canvas and then they reinforce and stitch the two parts of the ratchet strap on the opposite sides of the cover. Easy to tension even if you cant tie knots.
Down south of the river I recommend GK Auto Trimmers, I have a nice tarp from them and will be getting a boat cover and canopy rebuilt for our boat this winter.
Decella
Posts: 401
Date Joined: 01/02/09
Boat Bra
Ring GK Trimmers in Canningvale. He does boat bra's I'm getting one for Exxy.
Wrassassin
Posts: 102
Date Joined: 01/03/09
Do you really need it while
Do you really need it while your towing? What are you trying to protect it from?
I take my
cover off before I go away and then when I get home just give the boat a tub and throw it back on.
I think it's important to get it made out of a quality material as some of the cheaper fabric/vinyl covers can trap moisture and encourage mould and mildew.
Anytime Brad
Posts: 237
Date Joined: 20/07/09
keeping things dry
I need it to mainly keep the camping gear dry when we go south. Not too good when all the bedding etc is wet when we arrive.
I would rather be fishing
Iceman
Posts: 747
Date Joined: 17/03/09
Tarps
If you want to keep your camping gear dry try wrapping the gear in tarps. You can get different sizes an goo quality at bunnings. Then get some rubber matting from Clark rubber with holes in it to keep it off the deck. I have done this with my centre console an had no problem with the rain. All equipment kept dry. Also go to Ranger Camping as they may have some waterprrof bags.
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wadetolley
Posts: 2258
Date Joined: 27/06/08
Good to cover
Good to cover your windscreen as well on long trips as well, nothing like to stray rock to ruin your holiday!
sunshine
Posts: 2623
Date Joined: 03/03/09
GK are brilliant
Had a canvas one for years for my old Chivers F1800 - towed well and no issues of wearing or flapping - he makes a quality product but he isn't the cheapest
mackerelmauler
Posts: 7
Date Joined: 24/03/09
Cover for boat
I had a canvas cover made by Aussie Canvas in Victoria Park for my 5.0m centre Console. The boat with cover has been to Exmouth and back, also been to Kalbarri, Augusta & Busselton.
The canvas is heavy duty and has lasted well. I have have had to have it repaired but that was my fault misjudging the edge of the garage and tearing the canvas.
Aussie Canvas are on Albany Hway Victoria Park near the Peanutabout.
Anytime Brad
Posts: 237
Date Joined: 20/07/09
Thanks everyone
Thanks for all your input, keep it coming though as I am not making my decision until next week.
brad
I would rather be fishing
damo6230
Posts: 2029
Date Joined: 07/06/08
I'm like Wade
I have a 4.6 CC with a full canvas cover that comes over the full boat and motor and down past the chimes. It has a rachet strap at the stern to tighten.
Cost me a $1000 but live in Bunbury.
Keeps my boat protected as it sits in the side yard and good for travel.
No photos presently but as most say you just throw it over and tightened it up. Easy to put on/off and cant complain.
It helps markedly with stone chips also.
Blacky
Posts: 17
Date Joined: 20/02/10
Whilst were on boat covers!
i have a 6.2m center console, who makes covers for this? and how do they sit? do they cover over the top of the center console ? (its quite large with a roof.) any thoughts??
Anytime Brad
Posts: 237
Date Joined: 20/07/09
photo added
I have added a photo here and also some more phots on another thread.
reagards brad
I would rather be fishing