Boat Covers

SniperHockey

SniperHockey

New Member
Jul 31, 2018
13
Lakeville, Minnesota
Boat Info
2009 Sea Ray 195 Sport
Engines
4.3 MerCruiser w/Alpha One
I have done some research and have found various sites to purchase a boat cover for my 2009 Sea Ray 195 Sport (such as coveranything, nationalboatcovers, boatcoversdirect, etc.) - all of these advertise that if I put in my make and model they make a custom cover to fit.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these sites or guidance as to where I should purchase a custom cover for my 195? I bought the boat and it did not come with a cover since it was always stored indoors, nor does it have snaps installed either - so looking for a cover that will be better than a generic big box store cover.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!
 
Without snaps, you're looking at buying one of those big box store covers as you mentioned, or going to a canvas shop and having one fitted to your boat. Where you live might have something to do with which option you choose.

Personally, I've never had great success with the covers you strap down. In Florida it rains a lot. The covers get full of water, sag, then tear from the weight of the water. They're also very bulky, take a lot of time to put on and take off the boat. If you're in a rainy part of the country, this probably isn't the best option.

If you went the canvas shop option, they could cut you a piece to cover the bow, and another to cover the cockpit area. The snaps make it easy to put it on and take off. The canvas repels the water nicely and won't tear. It's easy to store, and looks much better in my opinion. The downside is the price. It's more expensive but will last much longer than a big box store cover.
 
Thanks - appreciate it. I am in Minnesota. I currently keep the boat in the garage during the summer - and I store inside a shop during the winter.

However, during storage I do want a cover on it and it will also give me the current option to keep the boat hooked up to the truck and leave outside overnight if we plan on going out the next day even if there is a chance of showers overnight or something.

I hate the big box store general boat covers - had one on my last boat and did exactly as you said. Not sure if these custom ones that I mentioned above are any better? Seems they run in the $300-$600 range compared to $80 at a big box store.

Anyone know of approx. cost of installing snaps to the boat then buying a snap cover for the bow and cockpit? Thanks everyone - this forum is great!
 
The snap on bow/cockpit covers sure are nice. I'd consider calling great lakes canvas (the OE supplier for SeaRay) and at least getting a quote to see how much they are. If you're not comfortable installing the snaps, I would think a canvas shop maybe willing to do the install and charge you just the labor. Just a thought.
 
Just an FYI, an original option was a full mooring/travel cover from Sea Ray (although I don't think they made it, themselves). But it is REALLY nice. Fits super tight, doesn't require the bimini to be lowered, has cutouts for the cleats (should that ever be needed) and the only thing you need to do to secure it is tighten the ratchet strap that is built into the hem. No tie downs needed - even for trailering.
 
That sounds great - any insight or leads where I could possibly obtain one?

Thank you!

Lazy Daze said:
Just an FYI, an original option was a full mooring/travel cover from Sea Ray (although I don't think they made it, themselves). But it is REALLY nice. Fits super tight, doesn't require the bimini to be lowered, has cutouts for the cleats (should that ever be needed) and the only thing you need to do to secure it is tighten the ratchet strap that is built into the hem. No tie downs needed - even for trailering.
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I have the snap covers on mine, and while they function well, when outside they also leave alot of gelcoat exposed to the elements, and don't cover the anchor locker hatch. When it rains water gets in through there and runs into the ski locker, and due to the genius design of the locker drain, sits there till I uncover it and bail it out by hand
 
We have a 21 foot jet boat. I got it in 2008. The dealer sold me a shrink shipping cover. I did not shrink it. I have used it as a full cover and it is still solid and dose not leak. It has a tie down system that cinches around the bottom. Never blown off or torn.
 
kawakx125 said:
I have the snap covers on mine, and while they function well, when outside they also leave alot of gelcoat exposed to the elements, and don't cover the anchor locker hatch. When it rains water gets in through there and runs into the ski locker, and due to the genius design of the locker drain, sits there till I uncover it and bail it out by hand
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I haven't heard of this before. Check for a clog somewhere - it should drain into the bilge.
 
Lazy Daze said:
I haven't heard of this before. Check for a clog somewhere - it should drain into the bilge.
Click to expand...

the problem is the locker drain is above the floor of ski locker by about an inch or so
 
I was very happy with my purchase from here.... $75 to have the zippers put in by my canvas guy. https://dealerguide.carvercovers.com/models/13459?searching=both
2017-05-24 11.06.56.jpg
 
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I just purchased the same year and model as your boat. I ordered a custom boat cover from Boat Covers Direct, the manufacturer of the cover is Carver made in SC. Also bought the support poles to allow rain water to drain off without collecting. The cover is excellent quality is made of Sunbrella material with a 10 year warranty. The total price with the poles was $822.44 in my opinion it is the best. It has been raining for the past two weeks here in NC and no standing water or leaks. Awesome cover not cheap but I feel it is worth the investment. The cover also covers the swim platform. I have had the inexpensive covers in the past and they are not worth the trouble.
 
For my last 2 boats I bought Carvers from Boat Covers Direct. Couldn't be happier.

One was a semi-custom, for the size and beam of my boat. The last was a Custom, specifically built for my Boston Whaler. I even supplied them with a pic of the install, and got a $50 rebate for them to publish it.

I don't like snaps in the hull, and the straps don't bother me. I have used the last cover for 2 cross-state trips at highway speeds and it has performed flawlessly. 100% waterproof even at 65 mph in the rain. It covers EVERYTHING, including the outboard.

P7090003web.jpg
 
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SniperHockey said:
. . . I currently keep the boat in the garage during the summer - and I store inside a shop during the winter.

However, during storage I do want a cover on it and it will also give me the current option to keep the boat hooked up to the truck and leave outside overnight if we plan on going out the next day even if there is a chance of showers overnight or something.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, your situation sounds near identical to ours.

That is, our SPX-190 is kept up on a HydroHoist under a covered (roof only) floating dock and, amazingly, a cheap ol’ HarborMaster from WalMart of all places serves us to a tee!

The roof keeps any rain from hitting (let alone accumulating) on the cover and, even during the infrequent “Nor’easter”, inland hurricane remnant off the coast or severe wind and rain storms, the cover protects the boat entirely. The other 362 days a year the inside of the boat is kept free of everything else (pollen, wind blown detritus, etc.) same as a more expensive cover.

Before we discovered accumulated rainfall wasn’t going to be a problem (again, fact boat is under an open sided roof 365 days a year) I fashioned a spine” out of a 10’ length of 1” pvc pipe around which I wrapped “pool noodles” I picked up at a dollar store. Laid across the back of the sun d3ck and to the “crown” of the windshield, VERY effective at preventing any rainwater can accumulate and cause the cover to sag, let alone rip (ive seen that happen to lots of buddies and I swore I wou,don’t let it happen to us!)

Anyho, if as you mention, you’re going to “house” the boat for the great majority of the time, you may want to try the $50 option, before you go the (Many) hundred$ of dollar$ route

That’s just based on our fortunate (and under-roof experiences)

Best o’ Success!

PS - We have the niiiiiiiiiiize a$$ canvas cover that came with our SPX from the factory, we just don’t need it as we’re under roof - it’ll look like new if and when we go to sell (or gift away) the craft!

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Like ThorSen my boat is inside so other than dust I don't have to worry about much. I have a cover just like his that I bought at WalMart, I use it in the winter and just slip it over the cockpit cover. Before I was outside covered on three sides, so boat would get wet from blowing rain etc. This cover worked great for the winter - not pretty but very economical and functional.
 
ThorSen said:
View attachment 58735

Hmmm, your situation sounds near identical to ours.

Anyho, if as you mention, you’re going to “house” the boat for the great majority of the time, you may want to try the $50 option, before you go the (Many) hundred$ of dollar$ route


View attachment 58735
Click to expand...

And our situation as well. In the garage a cheap poly tarp would do its job.

However, this year we had service work done and the dealer kept the boat outside in their parking lot for 2 weeks. It rained constantly. For that reason we were happy we had spent the extra $ for a custom cover. After repairs, the boat came home spotless.
 
For those who have bought Carver's, most have purchased the 9.25oz Sunbrella correct? For the more budget conscious, would the 7oz Sun-DURA be OK? I use the factory bow and stern snap on covers in addition to a full cover as well, just want to replace my beat up full cover with something nice/new. Primarily something custom fit, durable, breathable, water resistant, won't fade fast.
 
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