Trailerable Boat Covers

[Hot Rod]

As a novice to trailering a fiberglass bass boat I was looking for some advice on trailering with a boat cover.   I couldn't find any previous posts or articles via search.

I know some swear by trailering covers while others swear at them.  Any thoughts?  

Are they worth the hassle and price?

Do they scratch or wear the boat finish?

What are the important things to look for when purchasing?

Will an aftermarket cover be sufficient or should I pop for the custom fit cover from the manufacture?

Will I need to purchase a larger cover for a dual console vs. a single console?

I wouldn't be concerned about it but I'm schedule to pick up a new Stratos 285 Pro XL DC next week ;D and the weather here in PA has been unpredictable lately to say the least.  I have about a 100 mile trip one way and I could be running into some snow in the mountains no matter how clear of a day the weather man says it is going to be.  I don't really want to drag a brand new boat through a bunch of slush, cinders and salt spray especially without a cover.

Thanks for your input,

HR      

[Ranger 482]

Congrats. on your purchase.  I am no expert, but, I would advise getting as good of cover as you can afford.  Maybe as part of your boat purchase deal you can get one at a discount or something.  Not only does it help protect your boat and deter would be pilferage, if it is a good fit you will actually get better gas mileage when towing.  At least that has been my experience.  Hope this helps, or that you receive some other repsonses that are beneficial.  Again congrats on your purchase.  Don't worry, the nerves will settle down about the time to winterize it.  

[Hot Rod]

Hey thanks Ranger!  Good thoughts on the pilfer protection and the MPG that had not occured to me.

I'm the kind of guy who can only afford to buy a new truck every 10 years and a new boat every 20 years so I'll be lucky if my new boat nerves ever settle down.  

[Glenn]

I ALWAYS trailer with the custom (manufacture) cover on my Ranger.  Not only does it keep the boat clean, but it prevents people from tossing things in your boat as your travel down the highway (like lit cigarettes).  Also, as it was mentioned, it's a major theft deterrant.

Can they mar the finish?  Yup. Get a custom one made exactly for your boat.  They fit better and thus, less rubbing occurs.  That said, I place beach towels on my seats, and had Ranger add felt-like padding all around the "rim" of the cover.  They did it free of charge after I noticed it was wearing the finish slightly.  I don't know exactly what that material is, but it's worked great for 3 years now without any fraying or wearing.

[cart7t]

While you can get so-called "trailerable" covers pretty cheap online, I'd advise against it.  

1. Just about any cover you purchase online for your boat is a compromise.  It just isn't going to fit snug enough nor fit perfectly right for trailering at speeds to 70mph.  Inevitably, the cheap cover begins flapping in the wind which in turn wears your nice gelcoat finish.

(Note, I once had a cover begin flapping at the rear. One of the metal tie-down rings beat the livin H*ll out of one of my chromed rear compartment vent covers.  

2. If you feel you must cover to trailer, find an online dealer that sells a cover that was made for your specific model OR have one made locally. You're probably looking at around $600 minimum but it'll be money well spent.

[NBR]

While the boat builder covers are the best look at carvercovers.com for a semi custom built cover. You can probe around their web site for a cover designed specifically for you boat. I put those heavy(like you would wash your car with) sponges under the cover at the pressure points.

I garage my boat when at home and only cover it when I am making long multi day trips so I don't want hundreds of dollars tied up in a cover. If I didn't garage my boat I would surely have a custom cover from the boat builder.

[gatrboy53]

i bought a semi custom cover and wish i had a custom cover but am happy w/ the quality and fit.i trailer 150+ mi. one way to fom tx. w/o any probs...YET. i would not trailer very far w/o one for the very reasons mentioned above. i just heard of a new boat seat burning up from a flipped cig.