Am considering buying a custom cover for my 2005 Hunter 33. I've never had one before, but I'm hoping it helps keep the boat cleaner and better protected over the winter. However, I'm concerned about whether it will encourage mildew below decks. Does anyone have any experience with these fitted covers?
Canvas cover for Hunter 33
- Thread starter Chet Knights
- Start date
We bought a cover last year and really like it. It has vents built in to allow it to breath. Below decks I use a couple of moisture absorbers. It's been under some sort of tarp for 8 years with no issues. I previously used a hay-bale woven tarp and never had mold problems.
I had a custom cover made from a heavy poly tarp material, the stuff used on temporary garage shelters up here in the north. Maybe you don't have them in Virginia but it is heavier material than the regular tarp material. I have used this since 2006 and have had no troubles with mildew. In fact, when I open the boat in the spring is smells the same way as it did when it was brand new.
I turn all the cushions on edge and leave 3 baking soda boxes in the boat. The cover has to have vents or loose edges to allow air to circulate.
I turn all the cushions on edge and leave 3 baking soda boxes in the boat. The cover has to have vents or loose edges to allow air to circulate.
A cover would certainly keep your boat protected while not in use. Check out ShipShape Canvas in Minnesota. You'll want a cover made with a breathable material, in addition to having built-in vents. Mold & mildew will not be a problem. www.shipshapecanvas.com
Our's cost $1800 for a Hunter 35.5. I figured it would pay for itself in less than three years and could last ten plus years.
I have had custom covers made several times and for several boats and I'd never do it any other way. I did the blue tarp thing on boats and after the first canvas cover I'd never go back.
First cover was for a Catalina 34. It cost $800 and lasted 12 years. Admittedly year 12 was pushing it.
Had a new cover made for that boat but then sole the boat 3 years later.
Had a cover made for our 38 in 2009. Bigger boat several years down the road and I think price was around $2,200 but it's now in its 6th year.
There is a canvas shop right in the town where we keep the boat and the owner does the best work ever (I'm not related - just a committed fan of the quality of the work). They have fitted the cover for mast up storage and it comes with the supports for the mast to bow space and to support the boom. Covers the arch and has a zippers door.
It's made in sections with zippers to put it together. This makes handling a lot easier. Not such huge pieces.
First cover was for a Catalina 34. It cost $800 and lasted 12 years. Admittedly year 12 was pushing it.
Had a new cover made for that boat but then sole the boat 3 years later.
Had a cover made for our 38 in 2009. Bigger boat several years down the road and I think price was around $2,200 but it's now in its 6th year.
There is a canvas shop right in the town where we keep the boat and the owner does the best work ever (I'm not related - just a committed fan of the quality of the work). They have fitted the cover for mast up storage and it comes with the supports for the mast to bow space and to support the boom. Covers the arch and has a zippers door.
It's made in sections with zippers to put it together. This makes handling a lot easier. Not such huge pieces.