heyitskirby Posted September 26, 2009 Posted September 26, 2009 I bought the cheap one at Bass Pro when I got my boat, but have discovered its getting so stretched out that even though I pump the water out the day after rain, its starting to leak through. Which I can only assume is the source of my mold problem I mentioned in a previous post. Anyone have suggestions? I have a Nitro X4 and I know Nitro makes custom covers, but I don't have the $600 to spend. I also saw a "boat cover saver" at Wal Mart and I'm going to make my own once I get a new cover. (In the meantime I put a 2x4 across the recessed area with a bucket on top to hopefully keep the rain that's coming today from filling it up again). Quote
Super User cart7t Posted September 26, 2009 Super User Posted September 26, 2009 Not knowing your exact setup, here's how I do it. Make sure your cover is elevated by the front and rear seats or, more preferably, a couple of homemade pvc pipes to support the cover at front and back. Use some rope (BPS makes a cover support strap system that isn't too expensive) tie it off to your front bow eye, then up and over both pipe supports (or seats) and tie back off at the back to the transom tie down cleats. Your cover will now be supported with a peak to allow the water to run off. Buy some scotch gard or water proofing spray for tents and coat the entire cover. Next purchase a heavy duty tarp (the silver on one side, brown on the other work good). Sounds like a 10x16 will take care of your boat and put that over the top of the cover. Use bungee cords to secure it down to the trailer. You now have double protection for the boat. I usually put a new tarp on just before winter storage and replace it around the first of summer. If you use cheaper, lighter weight tarps you'll have to replace them more often. This has worked for me for years. Quote
done Posted September 26, 2009 Posted September 26, 2009 I bought the cheap one at Bass Pro when I got my boat, but have discovered its getting so stretched out that even though I pump the water out the day after rain, its starting to leak through. Which I can only assume is the source of my mold problem I mentioned in a previous post.Anyone have suggestions? I have a Nitro X4 and I know Nitro makes custom covers, but I don't have the $600 to spend. I also saw a "boat cover saver" at Wal Mart and I'm going to make my own once I get a new cover. (In the meantime I put a 2x4 across the recessed area with a bucket on top to hopefully keep the rain that's coming today from filling it up again). I got the Walmart "delux" cover for mine. Then used a 4x4 and rounded off the top for a stand to keep it up. I them went out and bought 2 cheapo tarps from Home Depot. When the boat is going to be covered for a few days or if I know a good storm is coming, I bungee the tarps over the covered boat. The tarps take the sun damage and any damage from debris in the storm, then keep 99% of the water off the cover. The stand keeps the tarp tight, the bungees let me keep tightening the cover and the tarps as they stretch out. With the bungees I can uncover and cover it up quickly or undo a couple to get under the cover when I need to. The tarps are cheap so i can replace those as they wear cheaply, and the cover still looks brand new. Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted September 27, 2009 Super User Posted September 27, 2009 If you have had the boat cover for more than a year or so, I suggest that you lay in on the driveway and pressure-wash it. When the cover starts getting really dirty it begins to lose its water repellent qualities. Quote
Fishbone Posted September 27, 2009 Posted September 27, 2009 I did a search on mildew and nothing turned up. I'm concerned about mold and crap and would like to read comments on it. Quote
slider head Posted September 30, 2009 Posted September 30, 2009 Aurora Canvas 5years old and still getting it done! Quote
noway Posted September 30, 2009 Posted September 30, 2009 There are boat covers for different applications, storage, trailering and are made of different materials. If your boat sits in the driveway with a trailer type cover, you will have moisture issues. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted October 3, 2009 BassResource.com Administrator Posted October 3, 2009 I did a search on mildew and nothing turned up. I'm concerned about mold and crap and would like to read comments on it. Use BTS on your upholstery, carpet, and cover. It prevents mold and mildew while protecting the fabric. Quote
Fishbone Posted October 3, 2009 Posted October 3, 2009 I did a search on mildew and nothing turned up. I'm concerned about mold and crap and would like to read comments on it. Use BTS on your upholstery, carpet, and cover. It prevents mold and mildew while protecting the fabric. What's BTS? Quote
Fishbone Posted October 3, 2009 Posted October 3, 2009 This afternoon I rigged a cover support. I cut 2 pieces of 2" pvc 18" long and slid them over the seat posts. I topped them with "T's". I ran a 2" dia piece from "T" post to "T"post, with a "T" & post piece in the middle for snow load support. I'll shot some pics later. I think I'll do the tarp thing over the custom cover for the winter storage. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted October 4, 2009 BassResource.com Administrator Posted October 4, 2009 http://www.btsprotectant.com/ Quote
bass or bass ? Posted October 4, 2009 Posted October 4, 2009 I used 1/2" pvc and made a framework, like a tent frame, with a ridge down the center, and 2 lower ridges down each side, with cross pieces tying it all together. Used "T's". elbows, and crosses to join all framework pipe pieces. Then used the silver/brown tarp cart7t spoke of. This works great and is very inexpensive. Quote
skillet Posted October 5, 2009 Posted October 5, 2009 cart7t gave me the idea and I took it a little further and ended up with what Fishbone is talking about (used 1 3/4"). It works GREAT ... skillet Quote
heyitskirby Posted October 6, 2009 Author Posted October 6, 2009 There are boat covers for different applications, storage, trailering and are made of different materials. If your boat sits in the driveway with a trailer type cover, you will have moisture issues. Then what kind of boat cover should I be getting? Quote
noway Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 There are boat covers for different applications, storage, trailering and are made of different materials. If your boat sits in the driveway with a trailer type cover, you will have moisture issues. Then what kind of boat cover should I be getting? Good info. here. http://www.that-covers-it.com/boat-cover-fabrics.html Quote
fishn hard Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Here you go http://boatcovers.iboats.com/ Quote
BobP Posted October 24, 2009 Posted October 24, 2009 I store my boat outside and have used several brands over the years including BassPro and Cabelas. Most last 3 yrs before they begin failing (regardless of the "5 yr warranty!). The best brand I've found so far is the Attwood Road Max 600. It's heavy gauge polyester, heavily treated for water resistance, and has lasted 50% longer than the others I tried. Plus the price is reasonable. Be sure the one you get has the click-in strap buckles. They are easier and faster to use, and after you adjust them the first time, just click them closed and you're done. Quote
heyitskirby Posted November 12, 2009 Author Posted November 12, 2009 Ended up buying a 600 denier cover from BPS and then threw a tarp on over that. Seems to be working fairly well as we've gotten 5 inches of rain in the past couple of days and its dry underneath the cover. Also threw some baking soda in for good measure. Thanks for the suggestions. Quote
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