Just wanted to let you all know about a great purchase I made. You don't usually get a pleasant surprise like this these days.

I ordered a "semi custom" cover from boatcover.info and I couldn't be happier. I wouldn't have expected a better fit even if I had bought a custom fit cover. First of all it was only $213 with free shipping for a heavy duty waterproof, trailerable cover. I really would have liked to get a completely custom cover made, but decided $700 wasn't in my price range. I also garage my boat, so I mainly wanted something I could use on the longer road trips.

I don't know how a cover would fit any better than this one. I gave them my boat make, model and year and they made it to fit. It also has a built in motor cover. I just can't believe the quality for this price. I have not trailered with it yet, but I don't think I will be disappointed.

I think the manufacturer is Carver.

I know this is not exciting, but thought you might like to hear about a real value.

Thank, I'm in the market for a new.  I'll check out the site.

I was told not to cover the boat when trailering.  Road dust and grime will get trapped beneath the band which fits tightly against the hull.

As you drive down the road, no matter how tightly you install the cover, there will be some "working" where the dust and dirt are trapped and it will chafe the boat's finish, moreso if it is a fiberglass boat with a nice finish.

Use it to protect from the sun's rays, or leaves and other debris from collecting inside when it cannot be stored under cover.

Use it when you are trailering and in short order, you will be able to see where it fit snugly around the boat when the cover is off.

So you just let the road grime and rain get all over the inside of your boat while you are traveling long distances?

Not arguing, just asking.

I see what you are saying about dust getting between the cover and the boat.

I can see not putting a cover on it when the weather is nice, but I don't think I could let semi's splash mud and yuck all over it on a rainy 800 mile trip.

I also wanted to be able to cover it while sitting at a motel on trips also.

Tom, I've been trailering my boat for years with no visible damage.  Maybe I'm lucky.  Remember the road trip last year and the fifteen inches of rain?  If I had not had the cover on the boat while in transit I would have been trying to tow a boat with a ton of water sloshing around in it.

When I bought the boat, I ordered a cover, and was told that could happen.  The answer is yes, let the road grime get on the boat and clean it when you get to your destination. 

That's the advice I was given, and just passing it along for what it's worth.  I do not speak from experience, but, what advantage would it be for a salesman to tell me not to use the cover while trailering the boat?

As for you Long Mike, I do not own a superior aluminum boat.  Someday if I am lucky, I will be able to upgrade. 

Seriously though, you do have a drain plug in the event of rain.  I do however doubt it would have let the water out as fast as that monsoon was dumping it in.

I remember Big O telling me that when they were fishing in that weather on Pickwick, he had both bilge pumps running and the water in the cockpit was above his ankles.

OK - thanks for the pointer. 

Did I mention it's a really nice cover?

Getting a cover that fits that good for that price is something to get excited about.  Customs are spendy!!

OK - thanks for the pointer.

Did I mention it's a really nice cover?

Yes, I think you did.  And it is an unbelievable price.

I was told not to cover the boat when trailering. Road dust and grime will get trapped beneath the band which fits tightly against the hull.

As you drive down the road, no matter how tightly you install the cover, there will be some "working" where the dust and dirt are trapped and it will chafe the boat's finish, moreso if it is a fiberglass boat with a nice finish.

Use it to protect from the sun's rays, or leaves and other debris from collecting inside when it cannot be stored under cover.

Use it when you are trailering and in short order, you will be able to see where it fit snugly around the boat when the cover is off.

I'm not saying this can't happen but is has not been my experience. What you have written does make sense.

I have a custom cover I bought with my 1998 Champion and have not experienced this problem. I have made numerous trips to Florida, Alabama and South Carolina from East Tennessee without any rub damage. My cover attaches to the trailer by straps as well as a draw string around the boat. This could be a difference..........................Al

That is a great deal on the cover!

When I got my Strat I asked here about people's opinions on covers.

I think it was Glen that relayed a story that convinced me to cover while trailering long distances.  It was about a fellow that had a lit cigarette land in his boat thrown in from a passing motorist.  Disasterous 

It also helps to protect the finish from rocks kicked up by passing vehicles, a big issue where I live.

The only wear I noticed from my cover over 5 years of use so far was on the engine cowling.  I simply padded the inside of the cover by sewing/glueing in some scrap fleece material and I also wrap an extra bungee around the cover now at the bottom of the cowling to keep it more secure.  Since I've done that it hasn't gotten any worse and I don't think anyone would ever even notice the wear accept me. 

Nice day on nice clear roads = no cover.

If it is raining and the roads are even marginally dirty the boat can get nasty - especially when it stops raining and you pass trucks or they pass you..

Late winter/early spring with salt on the roads - definitely cover....   I had permanent pits on the interior of one boat after a winter trip from NH to FL.