I store my boat in a barn during the winter but it’s at the end of a rugged and remote road, so during the season it stays in the front yard. I try to keep it covered to limit weather and UV damage but my fabric covers never seem to last even a full season before they develop holes or long tears. It’s a 16.5” deep V. Is there a decent cover that doesn’t cost a fortune? At this point I’m tempted to just buy a few heavy duty tarps. They don’t last very long either but at least they are cheap.

I have a 16' X 50" modified V jon. Two years ago I purchased a trailerable boat cover at Academy for $39.99. Knock on wood, it's still going strong. No tears, doesn't leak, couldn't ask for for any better for the money. I would highly recommend one.

If you don't want to spend $1500 on a custom cover with a 10 year warranty, you can get a Bass Pro/Cabela' for under $200. I bought a BPS cover for a temporary when I was waiting for a custom one to be made. Pretty heavy duty material they use. 

I've had decent success with the recycled "billboard vinyl" and a grommet maker. Shipping is pricey, but I'm happy with it. 

I went to National Covers and paid 400ish for a semi custom fit for my boat. I works out really well and a lot better quality than BPS. 

I get the $100 Cabelas or WalMart covers and plan on getting two years out of them. During the winter I put a tarp over the cover because the snow slides off a tarp easier. I always say to anyone that the worse aspect of having a boat is dealing with a cover. I just don't want to pay for a custom. I'm due for a new cover either this fall or next spring. It's a problem.

On 9/14/2022 at 9:59 PM, Elkins45 said:

At this point I’m tempted to just buy a few heavy duty tarps.

Tarp works for me - 14' boat with a 5' beam - got a 8'x16' heavy tarp, hold it down with bungee cords.

 

As pretty much evidenced by the responses, you pretty much get what you pay for with covers.  My 2005 Ranger has been under cover outside for its entire life.  I got a factory Ranger cover off eBay from a guy who buys leftover/overstock covers from dealers and resells them.  If I had to guess, I would say the cover I bought from him for $400 was initially designed for a Ranger deep v like a 621.  This allowed me to keep the seats in when covered.  I do put a tarp over it in the winter to make snow removal easier.  I do not trailer with a cover so the fit did not have to be exact.  If I were you, I would search eBay and Marketplace for a new/used higher quality cover.  You might even find one custom made for your boat.  The pic is how mine sits when not in use in the summer.  

5 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

The pic is how mine sits when not in use in the summer.  

 

What's under pinky?

7 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

What's under pinky?

Pinky was a custom cover that the original owner, a FLW Pro had on the boat.  It was totally trashed when I bought it so I sliced it in 3 pieces.  The sides I used for trailer fender covers and the reinforced nose piece I use over my TM prop. 

Just bought a 2023 Sun Tracker Bass Buggy. Decided to take chance on the cover they were offering. Best fit and quality I've seen compared to lots of boat covers on previous boats. I found tarps and bunggy cords from Walmart always seemed better than fitted covers. I've only had to deal with rain and sun. Not sure the tarp would work with snow.