Covering a V-Hull

[Diablos]

I bought a v-hull boat two years ago and have been having the hardest time keeping water from puddling and snow from building up and collapsing it. I've tried every single pole/support gimmick from basspro/cabelas and and been through 2 sub $130 covers. I'm afraid to invest in an expensive cover thinking it may not work either.

So, I'm looking for ideas in keeping the cover up. A house down the street from me has a v-hull and his cover is always collapsed(lol).

This is my exact boat from manfc. website

[Jig Man]

You need a cover that is specifically designed for your boat then you won't have that problem.

[armesjr]

i made a frame out of pvc pipe that worked pretty well. there was a design on another fishing site.  i am not sure if i am allowed to post a link to it though.

[CFFF 1.5]

Instead of investing more money in custome covers and what not, why not just buy one of the those aluminum frame carports. Something like this http://www.aah-canopies.com/orkincan.html

[VA-Cal]

Check out "Carver Boat Covers" (Google them).

They make boat / model specific covers, and they are more reasonable than most others.

I just bought one specifically designed for my Fisher 17 Avenger Pro SC w/Bow TM.  It fits GREAT, and it's shedding water like a duck's back today!!!

Cal

[Fishin Phil]

I cover mine with a tarp lol. Bought a tarp and a grommet kit, some PVC pipe to make some uprights and some bungees. Don't think I spent more than $30. Hasn't collapsed in 4 years.

Whatever you wind up covering it with it will be useless unless you prop it up so there are no places for water to settle. If you're not handy they make all sort of gadgets to prop up your cover. Some are just a strap that runs from bow to stern over the seats, some use poles, I used PVC.

[NJ Tom]

check out iboats.com. I just purchased a fitted cover for my 14' v-hull and it fits like a glove.100% waterproof, no puddling when the straps are tight. great price too.

[BigBassGuy]

I just have a cheap ~$100 cover and only use the seats, steering wheel and motor as supports, use bungee cords and make sure the cover is TIGHT. Never had any problems with rain. In the winter you will have to sweep the snow off, there's no way around it, it gets heavy.

[HPBB]

If you want to protect the boat, I would just bite the bullet and spend the $$ on a custom cover. I bought one for two of my boats 10 years ago and they still work great and never let any water in. I also travel with them on and that is great. I think I paid around $600, but spred that over 10 years + it is well worth it. Here is a picture of it. My V hull has a walk tru windshiels and it has two poles hloding it up. It also snaps to the boat.

[Socalbassmaster]

Save you money use the cover u have and make a PVC tripod I have a ranger cover and it still help water after it rained hard So I made a tripod if u will

I used 4 2ft for feet

          2 Tee's

          2 90 degree elbows

put the tee and glue 2 2ft pieces into each side of the tee's

then place in boat see how high u need to make them to keep ur cover tight and cut them place them into the tee's place elows on them then cut the length from front to back it is easy very light and cheap to make and u cant see it with cover on