Talk to me about boat covers. What brands are regarded well? I'm looking for waterproof but breathable and ideally can be left on when trailered. My OEM one ripped and is quite a bit old to be worth repairing and I may need to store my boat outside for a few months this year.

I have a 2013 Tracker 175txw pro team, single console with TM on the port side.

Having owned a bimini and a boat cover from Carver custom boat covers, I can recommend it as a good option. https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/products/boat_covers/TRACKER-BASS_TRACKER-SUN_TRACKER_55/PRO_GUIDE_V-175_WT_O-B_W-_12_VOLT_FACTORY_TM_22779/

If you think it fits your needs from the site description, I'd recommend you call them to make sure it is the right one. For example, you might have a 24V tm and maybe they can modify it for your needs.

I’ve had 2 custom covers. The first one was from Aurora Canvass in Battlefield MO. It was still good after 14 years of setting out on the boat in campgrounds as many as 100 days per year. It made several trips to S TX and MS. The one that I have now came with the boat and was made by Dowco. It is 10 years and old has no leaks.

16 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

The one that I have now came with the boat and was made by Dowco. It is 10 years and old has no leaks.

If I recall Dowco is Trackers OEM for covers. They are on my list as my original was still good for many years, it just finally gave up just outside a seam all the way across.

Was seeing if there are any others I should look at before making a purchase later this year.

Is the material rotten or just torn? If just torn a good upholstery shop should be able to fix it. My Dowco was made to fit my Nitro dual console with a Motor Guide trolling motor. When I bought a Minn Kota it had to be remodeled to fit. Then I added a Shuttle Slide mount and it had to changed again.

Because you want to trailer with it, custom is your best option. Having owned boats for 40 years, I’ve seen sooooo much damage (glass and tin) to boats either with poor covers or incorrectly attached covers. Most of my fishing friends do not travel with covers on. Those that do, take extra precaution with top notch covers with added padding and periodically snugging and adjusting the fit. With all of the different electronics set ups and trolling motors, unless you get a factory cover for a factory rigged boat you are tempting fate. I’ve seen the glass buffed dull on some and the paint rubbed off tin. I’d rather clean carpet than buff fiberglass. My cover is just for storage when parked. It’s a Sealskin brand and works just fine.

I agree with @TOXIC , a custom one is the best route to go. Especially if you plan to store the boat outside or travel significant distances with it.

Mine is a factory one that the dealer threw in for free ($500 value) when I bought the boat in 2015. I hardly use it though, and my boat sits in the garage when not in use. So it's fine for me. No reason for a better one.

3 hours ago, Jig Man said:

Is the material rotten or just torn? If just torn a good upholstery shop should be able to fix it. My Dowco was made to fit my Nitro dual console with a Motor Guide trolling motor. When I bought a Minn Kota it had to be remodeled to fit. Then I added a Shuttle Slide mount and it had to changed again.

I'll have to pull it out, been sitting folded up since I moved into my house 5 years ago. If I recall its just ripped but the straps that loop the trailer are rotted.

Trailing is not a requirement, was hoping advancements over the years I could get something in the 500+/- range that wouldnt fly off. Main goal is to keep it dry if it ends up outside for a year or less and worst case a few months while a detached garage is being build and then used just as a protectant in the garage over winter.

I'd been reading the sealskin is kind of junk @TOXIC , how long have you had your sealskin?

3 hours ago, Jig Man said:

I’ve had 2 custom covers. The first one was from Aurora Canvass in Battlefield MO. It was still good after 14 years of setting out on the boat in campgrounds as many as 100 days per year. It made several trips to S TX and MS. The one that I have now came with the boat and was made by Dowco. It is 10 years and old has no leaks.

Aurora is now owned by Straightline who makes Basscat covers. Multiple people have said the Straightline cover is the best they've ever used and better than the Aurora which they said was excellent. So, if the cost is not too high, I'd look into Aurora covers.

2 hours ago, Functional said:

I'd been reading the sealskin is kind of junk @TOXIC , how long have you had your sealskin?

I just got it this year and it’s been fine. Keeps the boat bone dry with some trickery and props under the cover. It is in no way custom and I would never tow with it even though they say it can ba done. They have different levels of cover. I got the highest and it has a lifetime warranty. I used them for a truck cover and have been very happy. Wind blew my truck cover and it caught my bumper and ripped it. They replaced it without question.

I second the DOWCO cover. I have one for my nitro and it’s a very high quality, breathable, wratchetable travel covel. No issues for me with 3 years of use.

Sunbrella covers are expensive upfront but will pay for itself in the long run….i don’t miss the parking outside days.