We just left annapolis boat show. We keep a hunter 31 2008 at Kent Island, across the bay. There were at least 4 companies offering custom covers running 2k to 3k. Sounds like 3 to 4 shrink wraps. What are your oppinions?
custom covers
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It depends on the material the frame quality and things like to the toe rail or fully covered topsides
Honest, keep the boat in the water, enjoy 11 months of sailing, and very little winterization cost. The BEST sailing of the year is September and October, and in some ways I prefer December to August. I just wish so many businesses didn't close down for the season.We just left Annapolis boat show. We keep a hunter 31 2008 at Kent Island, across the bay. There were at least 4 companies offering custom covers running 2k to 3k. Sounds like 3 to 4 shrink wraps. What are your opinions?
The ONLY year I ever had winter damage--25 years--was when it was on the hard and was blocked poorly. Be warned, many boats are also damaged by heavy snow loads on poor frames.
Interesting discussion. I'll bet half or more in our marina on Lake Erie don't cover anything more than the helm. And I have a $400. cover for a 1969 Highlander?? What should this owner worry about because his boat is not covered? There are bubblers by the way.
What should this owner worry about because his boat is not covered? There are bubblers by the way.Attachments
...Hey Wayne, they make special nomex boat covers for you Texas boys!
I'm shopping too, the Fairclough cover is the best fit n finish I've seen. Are they at the show? I'm fightin' my way in there on Monday to look over the options.
I've seen more than a few moldy shrink-wrapped boats, and not one canvas/topgun cover - it breathes. But what really stops me from the shrink is throwing away 100lbs of plastic ever spring. That's just plain dumb.
I'm shopping too, the Fairclough cover is the best fit n finish I've seen. Are they at the show? I'm fightin' my way in there on Monday to look over the options.
I've seen more than a few moldy shrink-wrapped boats, and not one canvas/topgun cover - it breathes. But what really stops me from the shrink is throwing away 100lbs of plastic ever spring. That's just plain dumb.
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I have a Fairclough cover that I am very happy with. Easy to set up frame and cover. Does an excellent job of protecting my boat. I am very happy with the investment.
On my previous boat, I did a home made job. It was ok but no comparison.
I have a Fairclough cover that I am very happy with. Easy to set up frame and cover. Does an excellent job of protecting my boat. I am very happy with the investment.
On my previous boat, I did a home made job. It was ok but no comparison.
Yeah, I've got a full length bimini over my cockpit. The deck is white and what I call "almond" and the Admiral calls "eggshell". It's just DARK enough that you can tell the difference while running around barefoot. And don't dare step on the black genny tracks.
This year I branded the bottom of my feet 5 or 6 times cuz I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes. 
We bought an over the toe rail cover from "The Canvas Store" based on recommendations from 2 other owners. They guarantee it's construction for the life of boat ownership. Fits great, easy to put on and take off with 1 person and stores very compactly when not in use. The company has been great to deal with too.
No affiliation, just glad we made the investment.
No affiliation, just glad we made the investment.
Canvas Store
I have a full cover from The Canvas Store in Huntington NY. I've had it 3 years. Works great, easy to put on, and support from the company is great. When I bought it, Steve came down to MD to measure and then returned a few weeks later to show me how to put it on. I suggest that you check them out. I believe they may be at the Annapolis show this weekend.
I have a full cover from The Canvas Store in Huntington NY. I've had it 3 years. Works great, easy to put on, and support from the company is great. When I bought it, Steve came down to MD to measure and then returned a few weeks later to show me how to put it on. I suggest that you check them out. I believe they may be at the Annapolis show this weekend.
"But what really stops me from the shrink is throwing away 100lbs of plastic ever spring. That's just plain dumb."
This will be my 4th year using the same shrink wrap on my boat.
When I dismantle the 2x3 supports the first time in the spring, I mark them so I can reassemble them exactly the same way the following fall. I cut the belly straps down the middle of the boat then roll the shrunk wrapped plastic from the stern to bow.
To reinstall the cover, I start by putting the plastic over the anchor roller and pulpit then unrolling the plastic to the stern. I tie it down loosely at first then allow the sun to heat up the plastic to allow it to be pulled to shape. I snug up the belly straps a few inches at a time over the course of the first week until it is tight.
It obviosly won't be quite as tight as the original shrink wrap but it works.
The shrink wrap cover has vents in it so the boat gets fresh air.
I live 20 minutes from the boat so if we get a heavy snow, I'll make a visit to the boat, climb in through the zippered door and push the snow off the "roof".
$500 spread over 4 years= $125 / year for a boat cover.
My well used shrink wrap goes to the recycle bin every 4 years.
This will be my 4th year using the same shrink wrap on my boat.
When I dismantle the 2x3 supports the first time in the spring, I mark them so I can reassemble them exactly the same way the following fall. I cut the belly straps down the middle of the boat then roll the shrunk wrapped plastic from the stern to bow.
To reinstall the cover, I start by putting the plastic over the anchor roller and pulpit then unrolling the plastic to the stern. I tie it down loosely at first then allow the sun to heat up the plastic to allow it to be pulled to shape. I snug up the belly straps a few inches at a time over the course of the first week until it is tight.
It obviosly won't be quite as tight as the original shrink wrap but it works.
The shrink wrap cover has vents in it so the boat gets fresh air.
I live 20 minutes from the boat so if we get a heavy snow, I'll make a visit to the boat, climb in through the zippered door and push the snow off the "roof".
$500 spread over 4 years= $125 / year for a boat cover.
My well used shrink wrap goes to the recycle bin every 4 years.
custom cover
I had the local canvas guy make me a cover 3 years ago, best move ever. I put a ceramic heater in the cabin and I can work in comfort all winter. Pretty snowy and cold up here near Buffalo NY, I don't have to worry about a cockpit full of snow and frozen scuppers back flooding the cockpit. well worth the $$$ takes about 2hrs to put up the frame and cover the Newport 30
I had the local canvas guy make me a cover 3 years ago, best move ever. I put a ceramic heater in the cabin and I can work in comfort all winter. Pretty snowy and cold up here near Buffalo NY, I don't have to worry about a cockpit full of snow and frozen scuppers back flooding the cockpit. well worth the $$$ takes about 2hrs to put up the frame and cover the Newport 30
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Take a look at Klover Klamps website if you want to do it yourself.
Works great.
http://www.koverklampframes.com/boat_cover_framing.html
Works great.
http://www.koverklampframes.com/boat_cover_framing.html
If you are only hauling for two months I would not pay the money for shrink wrap or a custom cover. How cold - and for how long - does it get where you are? Here on Lake Ontario we get temps down to 0F and below freezing for weeks at a time so a cover is worth it. If you only get a few days of freezing a cover may not be worth it.
What should this owner worry about ....
He should at least worry about repeated freeze/ thaws ... ever notice what that can do to rock??
Interesting discussion. I'll bet half or more in our marina on Lake Erie don't cover anything more than the helm. And I have a $400. cover for a 1969 Highlander??
He should at least worry about repeated freeze/ thaws ... ever notice what that can do to rock??
There's no need to do that in Maryland. I sailed year round when I was in Annapolis. If you have areas that you know are problems, just use a tarp over them.
I have a canvas cover that came with our boat. Last year was our first year storing out of the water and I didn't use the cover - but was basically locked out of the boat for six weeks from accumulated snow and ice.
I'm thinking about using the cover this year but am worried about mildew (I store our cushions on the boat through the winter).
For those with canvas covers, do you have mildew problems?
I've heard it can be a real issue with shrink wrapped boats.
I'm thinking about using the cover this year but am worried about mildew (I store our cushions on the boat through the winter).
For those with canvas covers, do you have mildew problems?
I've heard it can be a real issue with shrink wrapped boats.
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