The Baron Posted February 10 Share Posted February 10 The canvas cover for our Bass Tracker 165 is at the end of its life, so I’m shopping for a new one. I’m looking at a cover that is described as made from “Premium 100% Solution Dyed Marine Acrylic 9.25 oz. Fabric utilizing either Sunbrella® or Outdura®. ” I’m not familiar with boat cover lingo. Is this a heavy duty cover, good for winter storage or trailering? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking45 Posted February 10 Share Posted February 10 If I’m not mistaken, Sunbrella is used for outdoor furniture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Scott F Posted February 10 Super User Share Posted February 10 For trailering, fit is the most important feature. A generic cover that is not custom made to provide the tightest fit will flap in the wind, rip the securing straps and cause the fabric, whatever it’s made, from to fray. For outdoor storage, resistance to sun damage is most important. If you keep you boat outdoors and keep it covered while traveling, both features are important for a long lasting cover. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Baron Posted February 10 Author Share Posted February 10 The cover I’m looking at is made specifically for our boat model. It’s just the material I’m looking to understand (I want heavy duty), Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted February 10 Share Posted February 10 Best option is to visit a quality custom boat cover maker and look at the fabrics. They will explain the differences between them all, then you can choose which ever. Remember, many over the counter covers are made frim Chineseum materials which may not meet US definitions.. I use semi truck tarp companies with their material....10 years and still looks like new and 100% waterproof still today 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted February 10 Super User Share Posted February 10 40 minutes ago, The Baron said: The cover I’m looking at is made specifically for our boat model. It’s just the material I’m looking to understand (I want heavy duty), MY advice is to purchased the most expensive one you can afford. Ever hear anyone say "I paid too much for my boat cover and it works way too good" ? Me either. Good Luck A-Jay 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User casts_by_fly Posted February 10 Super User Share Posted February 10 If it’s the same fabric our sunbrella outdoor umbrella and cushions are, then it’s heavy duty. I’m sure they make a couple weights though so better to get the specs of the cover material and find some outdoor furniture locally with the same fabric that you can touch. Or, just ask for a fabric sample from the cover maker. They should have a 6” piece laying around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted February 10 Super User Share Posted February 10 @The Baron when you say “winter storage” does that mean inside or outside? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmandude Posted February 10 Share Posted February 10 I too got sick of paying to wrap the boat every year. I decided to buy an expensive $500 (on sale) “marine grade acrylic” boat cover from Cover Craft. It seems thick and well made. I also wasn’t sure if I wanted polyester or acrylic. I saw somewhere polyester is stronger but won’t last as long as the acrylic. I highly recommend this boat support pole system to go with the cover. First year using the cover and support, all seems fine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Baron Posted February 10 Author Share Posted February 10 2 hours ago, gimruis said: @The Baron when you say “winter storage” does that mean inside or outside? Outside storage. I have the boat here at home so I can clear snow off and keep an eye on it. It’s double covered - my summer rain/sun cover, then the heavy duty canvas cover. But the canvas cover is very tired and covered in tape patches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted February 10 Super User Share Posted February 10 1 minute ago, The Baron said: Outside storage. I have the boat here at home so I can clear snow off and keep an eye on it. It’s double covered - my summer rain/sun cover, then the heavy duty canvas cover. But the canvas cover is very tired and covered in tape patches. In that case I would go with what some kind of heavy duty tarp that @airshot recommended above. If the rain/sun cover is fine, you can continue to use that. But for seasonal outdoor winter storage in a northern climate, I would go with something industrial grade. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User slonezp Posted February 11 Super User Share Posted February 11 Do yourself a favor and pay more now for a custom cover, Sunbrella material or equivalent/better. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolar Posted February 12 Share Posted February 12 Why not shrink wrap in the winter, then Sunbrella in the summer? That way you should get twice the life of your canvas cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted February 12 Share Posted February 12 Go look at a semi truck tarp maker, they can also make boat covers ( mooring type covers not bimini tops), that material may well last a lifetime !! Mine is over 10 years old and still like new, just dirty. And it has been trailered, wind blown, snowed on, hot sun, you name it....tough stuff...but it is heavy.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User WRB Posted February 12 Super User Share Posted February 12 Sunbrella is a good outdoor material but not water proof as far I know. Towable covers are OK for Aluminum boats not so good for fiberglass unless custom made with pads in the wear spots and trailer tie downs. A water proof tarp over the cover is a good choice along with frame supports and good water rain drainage and snow weight. Tom 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bensc Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 I had custom cover made 6 years ago from top gun 11oz material. I tow the boat about 3000 miles a year and it’s stored outside in southern Michigan winters. The cover has held up well I expect I should be able to get at least another 5 years from this cover. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 On 2/12/2024 at 7:08 PM, Bensc said: I had custom cover made 6 years ago from top gun 11oz material. I tow the boat about 3000 miles a year and it’s stored outside in southern Michigan winters. The cover has held up well I expect I should be able to get at least another 5 years from this cover. I had a cover made from that stuff some years back, great cover, no issues and it was waterproof. Haven't heard that name in a while.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User slonezp Posted February 24 Super User Share Posted February 24 On 2/12/2024 at 6:08 PM, Bensc said: I had custom cover made 6 years ago from top gun 11oz material. I tow the boat about 3000 miles a year and it’s stored outside in southern Michigan winters. The cover has held up well I expect I should be able to get at least another 5 years from this cover. Not sure what material I had my custom cover made of. The guy who made it did custom upholstery for antique cars, racing boats, and hot rod cars as his main gig. The factory towing cover lasted 4 years before it dry rotted. The custom cover was still as pliable, 6 years later when I sold the boat, as it was the day I picked it up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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