So I just replaced the seats and carpet in my boat and am looking for a boat cover for it .

 

I'd like to have one that's towable in some small hope that it will keep gravel dust out. One of my favorite lakes is on 5+ miles of gravel

 

By the way the boat is a 17' Lowe (tin)

I'm going to venture into controversial territory regarding boat covers.  To tow with or without the cover on the boat.

 

I was told by the techs at BPS that I should not tow with the cover on, especially for long distances.  The instructions in the pocket where the ratchet for the cord say the same.  The pamphlet that came with it says the same.  What happens is that road grit will get between the cover and the hull, and at highway speeds the cover will flutter or vibrate at the edges no matter how tightly you pull the cord.  You can wrap a soft fabric around the edge, but that will only gather more abrasive material, and may damage the gel coat.

 

It may not pose that problem on a tin boat.  It will keep the inside of the boat cleaner to be sure.  But you may end up with scuffs on the hull where the edges of the cover make contact.

 

If it rains, it rains.  I just pull the drain plug.  Besides, it's a boat, and boats get wet.  We fish in rain, in monsoons.  We have fish slime and sometimes blood in the boat.

 

Covers are nice if a boat is kept outside.  It protects from tree sap, bird droppings, and the UV rays of the sun.  A cover also provides a slight deterrence to thiefs because they cannot see what is in the boat.  In the end, do your homework and figure out what works best for you.

I agree about boat covers and driving with them on. I actually have mini-heart attacks the few times I've driven a short distance with the cover on--no matter how tightly you cinch up the sides, wind always finds its way underneath.

 

However, if a cover must be used while in transit, one of the tips I read (don't remember if it was this one) was placing cellophane wrap on your boat's hull to prevent scratches. 

 

Btw, I have the BPS boat cover (grey color/waterproof) and it's done a great job. Fit properly, most of the water trickles towards the aft. 

I cannot speak about other covers, but the Nitro branded cover comes with a pole with discs on each end.  It sits in the cockpit and supports the top, taking some of the strain off the windshield.

 

The Saran wrap and similar products sound like an interesting solution.  I might give it a try.  What might be even tougher is the plastic wrap that is used when boxes are stacked on pallets, to make the whole thing a single unit.

 

While it sounds expensive, the 18" wide roll costs seventeen dollars per roll.  But, the roll is 2000 feet long.  Comes four rolls per pack.

 

18" wide would allow it to be installed with a few inches above the rail while still having plenty below the rail to extend beyond the edge of the cover.

 

http://www.uline.com/BL_2966/Cast-Stretch-Wrap

 

The fiberglass vendor I do business with uses a lot of it.  They wrap many pallets each week for shipment.  I'll have to see if I can mooch a partial roll from them to see how it works.

I have no concernes of the cover hurting this boat. lol, I'd be a lot more woried about the cover tearing during transport

Dang! One more thing for me to worry about because that all makes sense.

 

 

I think I will try the saran wrap idea.......I really want the cover on while transporting to Pickwick in May.

 

Anyone use those cover support straps that go from back to front of the boat to lend support for the cover and is suppose to help stop water pooling?

 

This year my boat had to live outside.....i put my cover on it and then a big honking tarp too. Someone told me that the sun would eat my cover up quickly and that I should use a tarp......so I do.

Make sure you get a trailerable cover.

So does anyone have a favorite brand?