Need Help on Boat Covers!!!!

I need some help here on a major decision. I have a Crestliner Fishawk DC and need to make a decision in the next couple of days here on a boat cover. One option is the canvas cover that I can run the bungee cord and stretch it around as I go (I actually have borrowed my buddy’s and I would buy it, it works pretty well), but I have the other option with a custom boat cover that I believe snaps all the way around and there will be no flapping or bungee breakage, but I do have to spend the time snapping all of those. We use are boat like a trailer everywhere we go, (not enough room in the Tahoe as the dog takes up the back), and then I will also have it sitting in my driveway during rain and stuff, (stored in my garage in the winter only- single garage) I need some helpful advice on what cover to chose. Price isn’t my concern at all, it will be 100-150 more for the custom snap on cover, my concern is quality, like-ability, convenience and durability. Thanks very, very much in advance to all of you who reply, I want any and all feedback on this if you have the time.

-Jeremy

I have a custom made snap on, and wouldn’t think of anything else. It can be a pain to put on sometimes(because I’m lazy, not because it’s hard) I like the snap on because I can use the cover while it’s docked. That cover saved the boat one time on vacation, 90 mph straight winds and lots of rain. Many boats that were docked filled with water and sunk, mine was dry as a bone. If it dosen’t rain, it still keeps the inside dry and free of bugs while docked. When I’m trailering it I snap all the snaps, docked and no wind forcasted I snap maybe every 3

Here is a past post on Boat covers
Hope this info helps.

I have a 1800 Lund explorer and it came with a snap on cover. I hate it! Like you my boat sits in the driveway during the open water season. The snap cover that came with it does not cover my front carpeted bow or the splashwell and motor. When it rains all those areas get real dirty and I have to clean them. The rain also runs from the front bow area under the front 5 screws that keep the cover down in the front, this has made the inside carpet dirty from all the rain and crap that has gone under. It was great for trailering but as far as the keeping it dry and clean in the driveway, I was not happy. I complained enough about it and the dealer gave me the lund mooring cover that fits my boat for free. This cover takes a little more time to put on but it keeps the entire boat clean/dry while not in use. I love it! I do not tow the boat with the cover on so I cant give any info regarding that. It seems like most people are happy with the snap on covers but it just didnt work for me with my boat outside all summer!

Hope that helps

I have had a snap cover on my last 2 boats, they work great.

Erichson in Shakopee soes a awsome job, click on the link above

My 18′ lund came with the standard factory cover. Piece of crap! Had a custom, snap on, cover made and it’s great. “Top Gun” material is the greatest. Boat stays dry and free of debree from the wind and trees, as my boat stays on the trailer in the driveway. In my opinion—-The only way to go is custom fit.

I have had both and the advantage of a snap on is that you can use it when the boat is not on the trailer. A well made snap-on is easier to put on and will give great protection with out straps and buckles beating on the side of your boat going down the road. Generally the snap on uses bows for the support over the poles. The poles are a pain in the to take out and put in. Just my opinion. The key is find someone that makes a good snap-on that fits your needs.

I have a custom cover on mine and love it. It doesn’t take that long to snap it on. We just got back from vacation at Island Lake. Storm came thru last week that went thru Brainard and Grand Rapids area. The boat was tied to the dock and I went down and put the cover on the boat. When the storms cleared off, I pulled the cover of and my boat was dry and everyone else was out with towels wiping off the water while I was on my out fishing. I would go with the custom cover. We also use the boat as a trailer when we go on vacation. Not sure what material mine is made of, but it is light and not a canvas material. Where I got mine done, the gentleman sent me to people that he made covers for out of this material that where made 10 years ago and the covers still look like new. No stretch or shrinkage.

My 2 cents : Between the snap cover and the bungee, I will take the snap cover. It looks better and covers your boat nicer. The bungee dun look so good. But then again, if you use the cover all the time, I think with temperature changes, the snaps may be tough to put on in the cold and they may break.

Which ever style you go with bungee cord or snap on I would defiantly go with the Top Gun Fabric it will outlast canvas by 10 times as it is much more durable. Most dealers do carry Top Gun.

jl,
I was furtunate enough to have boat come with both a canvas and a custom snap on cover. I agree, the snap on is the way I would go if I could only have one, although I like the canvas one when I store the boat in the winter, as it is easier to clean when the birds infiltrate the building where it is stored.

dave

Thanks everyone on your feedback, I already have my boat back with the custom cover with snaps on and North Country Canvas in Robbinsdale did a fantastic job on it. He said he repairs the bungee system covers that go down to the trailer all the time as the wind and moving of the cover from traveling saw the loops open eventually on a lot of them, plus I like the fact that you can keep it covered and tied to a dock at the same time. Again I appreciate the feedback.
-Jeremy

Where do you find someone that makes boat covers–the snap on kind?